This section provides an overview for air release valves as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 23 air release valve manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked air release valve companies as of November, 2024: 1.RF Valves, 2.Flomatic(R) Corporation, 3.GA Industries (VAG USA, LLC).
Table of Contents
An air release valve, often referred to as an air vent, is a valve designed to discharge air that becomes trapped in liquid pipelines, such as those used for water or oil transport.
These valves are equipped to automatically release air from the system when a certain quantity of air becomes entrapped within the fluid. Air release valves operate seamlessly without requiring any manual intervention.
The primary function of air release valves is to eliminate trapped air in liquid pipelines. This not only enhances the efficiency of fluid transport but also prevents issues such as pipeline vibrations, abnormal noise in pipes and joints, and potential pump malfunctions caused by air entrapment.
Air release valves find application in various scenarios where it is necessary to remove air from the flow path of a fluid, such as air or oil. They are typically installed in locations where the mixing of air within the fluid path is expected or where such air mixing would be inconvenient.
Common instances where air entrapment is likely to occur include systems like hot water boilers and solar heating systems, where the air inside can expand when heated. Additionally, air often accumulates at the high points of pipes and storage tanks. Another critical application is at the inlet of pumps, where it's essential to prevent air interference in the pump's operation.
Air release valves consist of several components, including a valve disc, a valve seat, and a float connected to the disc. When the amount of air mixed in the fluid is minimal, the float remains in a high position, causing the valve disc to make contact with the valve seat, effectively sealing the outlet. As the volume of air in the fluid increases, the float descends along with the decreasing water level. Eventually, the valve disc disconnects from the valve seat, allowing the outlet to open. This permits the trapped air to be discharged under the pressure of the fluid. After a sufficient amount of air has been released, the float rises again, closing the valve. This automatic process ensures the efficient removal of air without the need for manual operation or external power sources.
Some air release valves are equipped with an intake function in addition to their air release capability, and these are known as intake and exhaust valves. In situations where negative pressure occurs within the fluid path, such as during temporary water cutoffs, intake, and exhaust valves rapidly introduce air to alleviate the negative pressure, preventing backflow within the pipeline.
It's important to note that air release valves are designed for specific fluid types and minimum specific gravity requirements. They may not function as intended for fluids with specific gravities below the specified minimum. While most air release valves are compatible with water, if they are to be used with oil or other fluids, careful selection is necessary to ensure compatibility.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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RF Valves company founded in Maryland and Finland in 1993, is a manufacturer, built on an idea for a pinch valve where an innovative expansion fold elastomer tube and a pinch valve are designed to allow for in-line tube replacement. The company’s valves are applied in fields such as mining, oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, etc. The valves produced by the company are made using high-quality materials such as high-density rubber, polyurethane, and ceramics.
GA Industries (VAG USA, LLC) founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1895 by Edward Golden and Charles Anderson as "Golden-Anderson Valve & Specialty Company", is a manufacturer of valves for boiler works. The company specializes in producing air valves, pumps, pressure regulators, and level control valves for water and wastewater, providing comprehensive flow control solutions. To cater to specific international markets, the industry partnered with manufacturing licensees and broadened its product portfolio through acquisitions and the introduction of new products.
Flomatic(R) Corporation, founded in Glens Falls, NY, in 1933 is a manufacturer of valves for the water and wastewater industry. The company's product portfolio includes Backflow Preventers, Break Off Plugs, Butterfly Valves, Check Valves and Constant Pressure Pump Control Valves. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company also offers services including test and measuring the coating thickness of fusion bonded epoxy coat paint systems to ensure superior abrasion and corrosion resistance for longevity and verification organizations and labs to ensure safety.
American Manufacturing Company, Inc. manufactures the controls and onsite wastewater and water system products in Elkwood, Virginia, United States since 1984. The company manufactures specialty panels as well as standard controls for water and wastewater systems which include potable water systems, drip dispersal systems, level alarms, and devices for remote operations and monitoring. There are also PERC-RITE drip dispersal systems for fluid handling and for subsurface and surface dispersal of wastewater. Along with manufacturing, there is also the installation and operation of onsite products, controls, and drip systems.
Plast-O-Matic was formed in 1967 in New Jersey, now situated in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Plast-O-Matic serves aquarium, chemical dosing, chemical processing, metal finishing, semiconductor, wastewater treatment, water purification, and government application industries. Product offerings include product data sheets, CAD downloads, installation & maintenance instructions, ball valves, check valves, gauge guards, pressure regulators, process cooling sticks, anti-siphon valves, shut-off and diverter valves, sight glass & level indicators, solenoid valves, venting valves, other process controls & pumps, and custom valves.
Hayward Flow Control was founded in 1923 and operates out of Clemmons, North Carolina. Hayward Flow Control is a manufacturer of industrial thermoplpastic valves and process control products. Hayward Flow Control product lines include thermoplapstic valves such as ball valves and butterfly valves, Hayward Filtration & Straining line, Hayward Actuation line including actuators and actuated valves, pressure & flow control valves, corrosion resistant pumps, instrumentation, bulkhead fittings & tank accessories, end connections, and other parts and accessories.
Metraflex Company was founded in 1958 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Metraflex is a distributor of piping specialty products to the commercial HVAC industry among others. These are used in vibration isolation, noise dampening, protection against thermal expansion and contraction, pipe alignment, seismic movements, pump connections, and flow conditioning. Metraflex Product categories include metal expansion joints, rubber expansion joints, Metraloop, seismic breakaway hangers, energy saving pump connectors, flexible metal hoses, flexible couplings, valves, compensators, strainers, air vents, pipe guides, anchors, wall penetration seals, and fittings.
Gimatic Srl was founded in 1985 and headquartered in Roncadelle, Italy as a subsidiary of Barnes Group, based in Bristol, Connecticut. The company is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of equipment in the end-of-arm tooling market for manufacturing-based industries. The company’s product categories include automotive manufacturing, tooling & factory automation, food & beverage, home applications, and pharma & medical. Product categories for these segments include vacuums and vacuum pumps, suction cups, sensors, machines, and other components.
DropsA S.p.A., headquartered in Milan, Italy, has been a centralized lubrication system manufacturer since 1946. The company offers a range of products, including automatic and manual pumps, dual-line and progressive dividers, control devices, and auxiliary components. These products are designed for various types of lubrication, such as grease, oil, and air/oil, aimed at improving the efficiency of various industrial production systems while reducing maintenance costs. These are utilized across diverse industries, including mining, construction, railways, textiles, and energy.
Rustled Flow Control Company established in China, in 1997, is a manufacturer engaged in seal parts (sealing units) that is used to prevent leakage of gases. The company's product line includes Pneumatically & electrically operated Ball valves, Butterfly valves, and Gate Valves. Check Valves, Automatic Control Valves. The company has manufacturing facilities including CNC machining centers, professional processing cells, broad spectrum welding equipment, automatic assembling, and coating lines. The company has sales channels in USA, German, and Russia.
ZECO Valve Group, founded in 1991 and located in Shanghai, Yancheng, China, manufactures valve products such as globe valve, butterfly, ball, gate, check and various other types of valves. The companies' valves are majorly used by water supply companies, heating companies, and business groups and it maily manufacturers wedge gate valves, through conduit gates, trunnion-mounted ball valves, swing check valves, and dual plate check valves sizing 1/2′′ to 88′′.
Tianjin Galaxy Valve Co., Ltd., established in 2003, is a manufacturer in Jinnan District, Tianjin, specializing in low and medium-pressure valve design, production, and global distribution. With a USD 30 million investment and over 500 employees, the company offers a range of valve products, including butterfly valves, gate valves, check valves, strainers, and firefighting valves. These products find applications in HVAC, water treatment, firefighting, and marine sectors, and are endorsed by global certifications like FM, UL, CE, ABS, DNV, and WRAS.
Fushiman Co., Ltd., established in 1950 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of automatic valves and various types of valves. Its product range includes pressure reducing valves, employed to maintain controlled and stable downstream pressure; back pressure regulating valves for managing and regulating upstream pressure and safety relief valves which are crucial for preventing overpressure by releasing excess fluid to ensure system safety and integrity in fluid control techniques. The company holds certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001, showcasing its adherence to quality management, environmental management, and information security management.
Started in 2007, with Head Quarter in Andhra Pradesh, India, Plant Automation Technology is a global B2B media/marketing firm that offers services to companies in the automation and manufacturing industry. They provide email marketing, event marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimization, and e-newsletters. This platform unites buyers, sellers, manufacturers, and service providers in one place and they are also available for comprehensive profile listing, research analysis, marketing strategies, banner ads, product specs, and. interviews/experts talk. They provide the products in different categories and they conduct trade shows, conferences/workshops, and industrial summits.
Alfa Laval Corporate AB was founded in 1883 and headquartered in Lund, Sweden. Alfa Laval serves energy, utilities, home, personal care, food, dairy, beverage, marine, transportation, pharmaceutical, biotech, water, and wastewater industries. Alfa Laval provides heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling products and solutions worldwide. Alfa Laval operates in three divisions: Energy, Food & Water, and Marine. Alfa Laval offers oil & gas-fired steam and composite steam boilers, exhaust gas economizer, and ballast water treatment systems, and exhaust gas cleaning products. Alfa Laval also provides sensing and control, cleaning validation, condition monitoring, agitators, tank, powder mixers, fittings, and tubes, as well as wall mounted cleaning nozzles, rotary jet and heads; and tank accessories and covers.
TongLing TianHai Flow Control Co.,Ltd., established in 2012 and based in Tongling City, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of valves and pumps. The company's product portfolio includes resilient gate valves with brass nuts, hydraulic control valves, and dry barrel outdoor hydrants. These products are used in various applications, including drainage systems, maritime or shipbuilding, and water supply and distribution. The company offers technical support and warranty assistance to its clients. The company holds ISO 9001 certification and sells its products to various countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Hebei Liyong Flowtech Co., Ltd., based in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei, China, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in valves, firefighting works, pipe fittings, flanges, and related pipeline products for water, oil, and gas. Their products find global use in diverse pipelines, construction projects, and industrial applications, with some of their products being, electromagnetic flow meters, flanged end NRS resilient seated gate valves (DI), grooved end check valves (ductile iron),flanged end resilient seated gate valves (DI), grooved end butterfly valves (ductile iron), and more.
AMF Industries Inc., a manufacturer and supplier based in Labrador City, Canada, was established in 1999 and is recognized for delivering top-notch technical and non-technical goods and services. The company offers various products, including Control Valves, Automated On/Off and manual valves, Field instrumentation for temperature, flow, pressure and level measurement, and Analytical Products like CEMS and analyzers for liquids, gases and humidity. The company offers Complete Integrated Solutions through a dedicated team of Technical Personnel, catering to shutdowns, interim replacements, and the repair of precision instrumentation and automation products.
Steven Brown & Associates, Inc., since 2000, has been a supplier and distributor of fire pumps, and services. The Wilmington, DE company stocks fire pump parts such as packings, swing bolt assemblies, gaskets and bearings as well as accessories such as air release valves, brass orifice unions, casing release valves and pressure gauges. The company also offers various services including fire pump repack, control panel trouble shooting & repair, jockey pump controlling, and flow metering systems to sprinkler contractors, fire protection engineers and equipment maintenance professionals.
MiMotion was founded in 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama and today operates under Genuine Parts Company. The company operates as a distributor and supplier of custom parts for both maintenance repair and operating replacement part market and the OEM market. The company’s product line includes many types of products including abrasives, chemicals & lubricants, hand & power tools, hose & fittings, and process pumps & equipment. The company also provides maintenance repair and operating replacement parts as well as OEM parts ensuring compatibility with existing customer operations.
K.P.MONDAL & SONS, established in 1946, is an Indian-based engineering company specializing in manufacturing industrial valves such as butterfly valves, check valves, air valves, globe valves, and more. The company’s products find ideal applications across various sectors, including water boards, PHEs, irrigation departments, steel plants, municipal corporations, as well as power plants, fertilizer, and oil refineries. Its compact design provides four essential functions such as high-volume air venting, surge alleviation, pressurized air release, and vacuum relief in a single valve component.
Modern Fluid Power Inc (MFP) was established in 1970 on the outskirts of Blanchester, Ohio. Modern Fluid Power is a distributor for specialized industrial equipment. Among MFP’s product lines are actuator parts, actuators, and actuator components, liquid levels, flow sights, thermometers, sight plugs, pressure gauges, & pressure switches, hydraulic cylinders, tube fittings, valves, hydraulic accessories, pipe fittings, pipe line strainers, backflow preventers, water gauges, directional control air valves, filters, regulators, lubricators, air cylinders, and ball, safety, relief, butterfly, solenoid, check, needle, gate, & globe valves.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | RF Valves |
10.8%
|
2 | Flomatic(R) Corporation |
8.3%
|
3 | GA Industries (VAG USA, LLC) |
7.6%
|
4 | Hitachi Metals, Ltd. |
6.4%
|
5 | Hayward Flow Control |
5.7%
|
6 | American Manufacturing Co., Inc. |
5.7%
|
7 | K.P.MONDAL & SONS |
4.5%
|
8 | Hebei Machinery Import and Export Co., Ltd. |
4.5%
|
9 | RKSfluid Flow Control Company |
4.5%
|
10 | Alfa Laval Corporate AB |
4.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the air release valve page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 7 | 43.8% |
China | 5 | 31.3% |
Italy | 2 | 12.5% |
Japan | 1 | 6.3% |
India | 1 | 6.3% |