Automatic Air Vent - Water Loop Air Vents - Air Bleeders
The automatic air vent is found in the piping system of water loops. If air is introduced into the water loop system it eventually finds its way to the automatic air vent where it is vented. The automatic air vents are located throughout the system. Air bleeders may also be found throughout any hydronic loop system. A hydronic loop is a water loop. These water loops can be for hot water or chilled water. Any hydronic loop needs an air management system or automatic air bleeder system to keep the air out of the system otherwise the air will be up in the system and air will block or prevent the flow of water throughout the
loop. Water naturally has air in it. These tiny microscopic bubbles in the water are eventually released from the water as it is heated and cooled and moves throughout the hydronic loop. The air ends up in the risers and the high points in the loop. This air needs to be released from the system otherwise it will stop the flow of water through hydronic air block. When the air finds its way to the automatic air vent it builds up in the top of the air vent. The air causes the water level inside the automatic air vent to decrease and a float inside the automatic air vent to drop. When the float drops the air is released from the system through the top of the automatic air vent. As the air escapes the float rises again and seals off the top of the automatic air vent preventing water from escaping. As time goes on corrosion and minerals foul the seal at the top of the float in the automatic air vent. The air bleeder pictured has a fouled seal and allows water to escape as well as air. These automatic air bleeders are non-servicable and need to be replaced when they start leaking water. In some systems there manual air bleeders that need to be manually vented from time to time to release any air which may build up.
