As a professional China air valve manufacturer, Yuanjd Valve specializes in the design, production, and supply of high-performance air valves for a wide range of pipeline applications. Our air valves are engineered to serve as the “lungs” of piping systems—automatically releasing trapped air during system filling, admitting air during drainage to prevent vacuum collapse, and continuously venting accumulated gases during normal operation to protect pumps, pipelines, and downstream equipment from air pockets, pressure surges, and destructive water hammer.
Also known as exhaust valves, air release valves, or air/vacuum valves, air valves are essential components in any liquid transmission system. Water typically contains dissolved air—as temperature rises, solubility decreases, and gas gradually separates from the water, accumulating at high points to form air pockets. These air pockets constrict flow cross-sections, increase head loss by 5–15%, and can cause pipeline vibrations, reduced capacity, and even pipe rupture. Air valves eliminate these risks by providing automatic, reliable air management throughout the entire system lifecycle.
Manufactured in strict accordance with ANSI/AWWA C512 (Air-Release, Air/Vacuum, and Combination Air Valves for Water and Wastewater Service), our air valves are available in sizes from NPS 1/2″ to 20″ (DN15 to DN500) with pressure ratings up to Class 300 (300 psig).
We offer three primary air valve types to suit different system requirements:
1. Air Release Valve (微量排气阀)
Designed to release small volumes of accumulated air from pressurized pipelines during normal operation. Equipped with a small orifice that automatically opens when air pockets collect at the top of the valve body and closes when liquid returns. Ideal for high points in water distribution networks where continuous air venting is required.
2. Air/Vacuum Valve (高速进排气阀)
Features a large discharge orifice equal in size to the valve inlet, allowing large volumes of air to be exhausted during pipeline filling and admitted during drainage or negative pressure events. When the pipeline is filled, air is exhausted to atmosphere; when water reaches the valve, the float rises to close the orifice. During power outages, column separation, or sudden pipe rupture, the valve immediately opens to admit air, preventing destructive vacuum formation and pipeline collapse.
3. Combination Air Valve (复合式空气阀)
Combines the functions of both an air/vacuum valve and an air release valve in a single assembly. Discharges or intakes large volumes of air during filling and draining, while continuously releasing small volumes of accumulated air during normal pressurized operation. The most comprehensive air management solution for critical pipeline systems, available in single-body or dual-body designs.
Key Specifications:
Design Standards: ANSI/AWWA C512
Size Range: NPS 1/2″ to 20″ (DN15 to DN500)
Pressure Rating: PN10, PN16, PN25 (up to Class 300 / 300 psig)
Temperature Range: 0°C to 52°C (standard); higher with special materials
Body Materials: Ductile iron, gray cast iron, stainless steel
Internals: Stainless steel float and trim components
End Connections: Flanged (ANSI/ASME, DIN, GB), threaded
While often used interchangeably, air valves and ordinary exhaust valves serve fundamentally different purposes:
| Feature | Air Valve | Ordinary Exhaust Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Both exhaust AND admit air (bidirectional) | Exhaust air only (unidirectional) |
| Vacuum Protection | Yes—automatically admits air to prevent vacuum | No—cannot admit air |
| Operation | Fully automatic (float-operated) | Manual or automatic (exhaust only) |
| Application | Pipeline filling, draining, normal operation | Limited to air venting only |
An air valve is the “respirator” of the pipeline—it breathes in and out to maintain pressure equilibrium. An ordinary exhaust valve can only exhale. Air valves can be used in clean water applications; ordinary exhaust valves cannot be used in sewage or dirty water applications without modification.
Air valves are indispensable across multiple sectors:
Water Supply & Distribution – Municipal water networks, long-distance transmission pipelines, booster stations
Wastewater & Sewage – Force mains, treatment plants, pumping stations (with elongated body designs to prevent clogging)
Irrigation Systems – Agricultural and landscape irrigation networks
Power Generation – Cooling water systems, condensate lines
Industrial Processing – Chemical, petrochemical, and manufacturing fluid systems
HVAC & Building Services – Heating and cooling water systems
At Yuanjd Valve, we combine decades of manufacturing expertise with advanced production facilities and rigorous quality control systems. As a leading China air valve supplier, we are committed to delivering products that meet international quality standards while offering competitive factory-direct pricing.
The global air valves market was valued at approximately USD 412.67 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.30%. The water supply air valve segment alone is expected to reach USD 372 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.0%. China remains the world‘s leading manufacturer of air valves, with specialized manufacturing clusters offering unrivaled advantages in cost, scale, and technological advancement. Yuanjd Valve leverages this ecosystem to provide our global clients with high-quality products at competitive prices—typically 15–30% lower than Western equivalents—backed by reliable delivery and responsive after-sales support.
Our air valves feature:
AWWA C512 compliant design
Stainless steel internal components for corrosion resistance and long service life
Self-cleaning float mechanisms to prevent clogging in sewage applications
Fusion-bonded epoxy coating (internal and external) for enhanced durability
ISO 9001:2015 certification – Quality management systems
CE marking – Compliance with European market requirements
We offer comprehensive OEM and customization services, allowing you to specify materials, sizes, pressure ratings, end connections, valve types, and certifications that precisely match your industrial requirements. Whether you need air release, air/vacuum, or combination configurations—with flanged or threaded ends, ductile iron or stainless steel bodies, or specialized designs for sewage applications—our engineering team can deliver tailored solutions for your specific project needs.
Partner with a reliable air valve manufacturer in China. Contact Yuanjd Valve today for product inquiries, technical support, or to request a quote. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with professional guidance and prompt service.
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