Thermostatic air vents

for steam systems up to 45 bar

The thermostatic air vent (AVC32 shown)

Patented design of balanced pressure capsule manufactured using advanced technology to exacting quality standards Two bolt cover design for ease of maintenance (AVC & AVS only)

High integrity trapped graphite gasket

All 316L capsule construction for high corrosion resistance

Stainless steel strainer screen to protect internals

Forged body and cover for robustness and long life (AVC32 and AVS32)

Choice of brass, steel or stainless steel construction

Fully complies with the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC

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How it works (AV13, AVC32, AVS32)

Thermostatic air vents contain a liquid filled capsule. The liquid boils at a temperature slightly below that of saturated steam, so when pure steam surrounds the capsule the resultant vapour pressure keeps the valve closed.

When air is present in the steam the temperature at the capsule is lower than that of pure steam, so the valve automatically opens to release the air. It will close again when the surrounding temperature corresponds to the steam pressure saturation temperature.

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How it works (AV45)

The AV45 has a bimetal element

It operates in a similar way to the balanced pressure thermostatic air vent.

It is offered for pressures up to 45 bar g

It is also recommended for all superheated steam applications.

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Air the enemy of good heat transfer

See next slide

Vacuum breaker Air vent Steam Drain to a safe place Safety valve to vent and drain to a safe place Condensate

Steam heated jacketed pan

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Air the enemy of good heat transfer

Scale film Metal tank wall Stagnant film Condensate film Air film

Temperature profile

The diagram shows the three primary barriers to heat transfer films of water, air and scale. The greatest barrier of all is air. Its presence on the heat transfer surface can cause cold spots and at worst prevent the required heat transfer taking place at all. At best, the result is erratic and uneven heating. Air is in fact more than 1500 times more resistant to heat transfer than iron and steel, and 13000 times more resistant than copper!
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Terminal end of distribution main

AV13 air vent

Steam

Drain to a safe place

Condensate

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Autoclave

AV13 air vent

AV13 air vent

Drain to a safe place

Drain to a safe place

Steam Condensate

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Typical inverted bucket trapping arrangement with air vent

Steam AVC32 air vent

Condensate

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Steam moisture separator

AVC32 air vent

Drain to a safe place

Steam

Condensate

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AV13

The AV13 is a brass bodied air vent

with balanced pressure thermostatic element It is available in the following sizes: 3/8, and Connections: Screwed BSP or NPT Suitable for pressures up to 13 bar

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AVC32

The AVC32 is a carbon steel bodied air vent with balanced pressure thermostatic element It is available in the following sizes: , and 1 Screwed, flanged, socket weld or butt weld connections Two bolt design for ease of maintenance Suitable for pressures up to 32 bar g

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AVS32

The AVS32 is a stainless steel bodied air vent with balanced pressure thermostatic element It is available in the following sizes: , and 1 Screwed, flanged, socket weld, or butt weld connections Two bolt design for ease of maintenance Suitable for pressures up to 32 bar g

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AV45
The AV45 is an alloy steel-bodied air vent with bimetallic thermostatic element It is available in the following sizes: , , 1 and 1 Screwed, socket weld or butt weld connections Two bolt design for ease of maintenance Suitable for pressures up to 32 bar g

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Features and benefits

Improves heat transfer whilst saving energy and productivity Maintains process performance where temperature is critical Reduces corrosion and maintenance costs Promotes even heating and improves product quality Ease of maintenance with two bolt cover design (AVC32, AVS32) Fully complies with the requirements of the European Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC

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Installation

Air vents should be located at a point furthest away from the steam inlet because this is where air tends to collect
They should be fitted where possible at all high points in the system and to all critical plant

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