Air Release Valves for Irrigation

Air Release Valves for Irrigation are used in removing air trapped between pipes in an irrigation system.

A good insight on types and functions of air release valves is crucial for a proper installation and performance of an irrigation System.

How air Bubbles occur in an Irrigation System

In an irrigation system, air bubbles occur mostly due to air suction in pressure irrigation systems that work with pumps. You need filters for drip irrigation or systems which use dirty pumped water for irrigation.

Why Air Release Valves for Irrigation Systems?

The air bubbles can lead to uneven water supply in the irrigation pipes, or pump failure.

In other situations, high air bubbles in pipes can lead to high fuel consumption of a pump due to the high energy used to force water out

Specifications of Air Release Valves

Available in 1, 1 ½, 2 and 3” sizes.
Plastic and metallic body surface
Working Pressure of 6-12 bar

Features of an Air Release Valve

Has an inlet which faces down.
Made of Propylene plastic material.
The material has tensile strength which resists break and high pressure of water.
Durable and resistant to UV rays and harsh environmental conditions.

How Air Release Valves Work

The build up of air in an irrigation system causes lower pump head and thus a pump uses a lot of power to produce the required flow rate. The air occupies space inside the pipe and leaves a smaller path causing water to flow at high speed.

Air is forced back to the direction of the pump or remains trapped in the pipes causing pump damage.

Air release valves allow gases or bubbles to enter and displace water at high points in irrigation systems. There results a reduction in water which drops once the float is no longer sustained and in turn causes vent opening and air release.

Where to Install an Air Release Valve in Irrigation System

Air bubbles cause water flow problems at high sections of an irrigation system. You need to install air release valves along the water pipes or main line pipes.

Ways to Connect an Air Release Valve to an Irrigation Line

Connecting on top of the pipe surface by welding a threaded socket and linking the air release valve on top
Using a saddle clamp. Fit the clamp around the pipe and connect the air release valve.
Using an equal tee connector and a larger riser pipe. This is to ensure that great space is available to capture air from the pipe.
Use an Elbow Fitting. Installing an air release valve on top of elbow connector works for pipe bend sections and corners. Air is often collected along the corners.

How to Install an air Release Valve

Make a hole in the pipeline that is equal to the inlet size of the air release valve.
Connect a saddle clamp to the pipe surface and tighten it. Ensure the outlet part of the saddle clamp matches the drilled hole.
Connect the saddle clamp to the air release valve. You can use a riser pipe.

Tips to Ensure Proper installation and Function of Air Release Valves

Air release valves work best when installed on top of the soil.
Always connect a shut-off valve under the air release valve in an irrigation system.
Apply a riser pipe larger than the inlet part of the air release valve to efficient trap of air in between the pipeline.
Use a ditch valve to check the performance of the air release valve. In case it releases air then it means your air release valves is faulty and needs a repair.

How to Choose Air Release Valves for Irrigation Systems

Consider the following.

Pressure of an irrigation system – The working pressure of the irrigation system needs to be within the specified manufacturer’s pressure range of the air release valve.
Flow rate. – The rate of flow of an irrigation system should be within the limit where an air valve can handle air removal per unit time.
Irrigation Pipe Diameter – Consider the size of the pipeline diameter to know the size of the air release valve that will match.
Cost – Go with an affordable and quality air release valve that is within your budget.

Ways to maintain an Air Release Valve

Regular monitoring of the air valves to ensure they are working properly.
In case of Valve failure, use a ditch valve to check whether it releases air or not.
Replace faulty air valves to ensure proper water supply in pipes.