Val-Matic 4-20 Air/Vacuum Valve With Optional Anti-Slam Valve - Manual (Page 2)

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VAL-MATIC’S 4”-20” AIR/VACUUM VALVE
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
This manual will provide you with the information
to properly install and maintain the valve to
ensure a long service life. The Air/Vacuum
Valve has been designed with stainless steel
trim to give years of trouble free operation. The
Air/vacuum valve is typically mounted on a
pipeline at the high points or large changes in
grade.
The valve will exhaust large quantities of air
during system start-up and allow air to re-enter
the line upon system shut down or after a power
failure. The valves are needed to maintain
pipeline efficiency while providing protection
from adverse pressure condition. The Size,
Maximum Working Pressure, and Model No. are
stamped on the nameplate for reference.
NOTE:
While Air/Vacuum Valves will exhaust
large quantities of air upon start-up, they will not
continuously release air during system
operation. For that function, Air Release Valves
are required.
Also, this valve is not intended for fluids
containing suspended solids such as
wastewater. For wastewater and other high
turbidity applications, use Val-Matic Series 300
Wastewater Air/Vacuum Valves.
RECEIVING AND STORAGE
Inspect valves upon receipt for damage in
shipment. Unload all valves carefully to the
ground without dropping. Valves should remain
crated, clean and dry until installed to prevent
weather related damage. For long-term storage,
greater than six months, the rubber surfaces of
the seats should be coated with a thin film of
FDA approved grease. Do not expose seat to
sunlight or ozone for any extended period.
Figure 1. 4”-20” Air/Vacuum Valve
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
The Air/Vacuum Valve is designed to exhaust
large quantities of air during system startup and
allow air to reenter the line upon system
shutdown or line break. As water enters the
valve during startup, the float will rise and close
the outlet port. The valve will remain closed until
system pressure drops to near zero pressure. It
will open during shutdown to perform a dual
purpose. First, it eliminates the possibility of a
vacuum forming and a potential pipeline
collapse. Second, it allows rapid drainage of the
line when system maintenance is required.
The only moving parts in the valve are the float
and the float guide. The float guide assures
that the float enters the seat at the optimum
angle and prevents float contact with any
surface other than the resilient seat thus
assuring a long, maintenance free life.
An optional Anti-Slam Valve may be bolted to
the bottom of the air/vacuum valve to provide
regulated closure. The details of the anti-slam
valve are covered later in this manual.
CAUTION: This valve is not intended
for fluids containing
suspended solids or
hazardous gases.