At NutraDrip Irrigation Systems, we know how vital air vents are for the efficient operation of your drip irrigation system. Today, we’ll explore the importance of air vents, different types of air vents, how they work, and how to service and maintain them.
First two air vents are double acting and the second two are continuous acting.
Why Are Air Vents Important?
Air vents serve two main purposes:
Remove Air Pockets: Air vents expel air pockets from the system to ensure smooth water flow.
Break Vacuum: They prevent vacuum formation when the system or individual zones are shut off, allowing for proper drainage.
Types of Air Vents
We use two types of air vents in our systems: double acting air vents and continuous acting air vents.
Double Acting Air Vents
Two models of double acting air vents.
These are simple devices with internal components like a ping pong ball or a flap. Here’s how they function:
Ping Pong Ball Type:
When water enters, it pushes the ball up to seal the vent.
The vent stays sealed until the pressure drops, breaking the vacuum and allowing drainage.
Commonly used in 1-inch and 2-inch sizes.
Quick check: Pop the top off and push down on the ball. If water squirts out, the valve is on.
Ball inside air vent.Flap Type:
Operates similarly to the ping pong ball type but uses a flap instead.
Maintenance
Push down on the ball to free debris.
Continuous Acting Air Vents
Two models of continuous acting air vents.
These air vents are designed to continuously expel small air pockets, even under pressure. Here’s how they work:
Float Mechanism:
The float drops to release air and then reseals.
May hiss and drip when releasing air, which is normal.
Acts as vacuum relief and may need servicing to remove debris.
Float mechanism inside of air vent.
Float mechanism outside of air vent.
Maintenance
Float can get debris, like sand or straw, caught inside, preventing the vent from sealing properly and causing continuous leaks.
To fix this:
Remove the float and rubber gasket.
Float device inside air vent.
Rubber gasket inside of float device.Clean any debris.
Reassemble the components.
Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure your air vents work efficiently, preventing leaks and maintaining optimal performance in your irrigation system.
Using Schrader Valves for Pressure Checks
Some air vents feature a Schrader valve, which functions like a valve stem on a tire. This allows you to check the system’s pressure accurately.
To check the pressure:
Tire pressure gauge.
2. Attach the gauge to the Schrader valve while the system is running.
Pro Air Vents: Maintenance and Issues
Pro air vents, if installed in your field, provide efficient operation but may encounter occasional issues.
Inside these vents, a float regulates water flow. However, issues like sticking can occur, causing significant water spray—up to 20 or 30 gallons per minute.
If you notice:
Sticking Float: This indicates a defect. Please notify us promptly to replace it with a different style.
Pro air vent.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning prevents debris from affecting the float’s operation.
Conclusion
Proper installation, regular checks, and timely maintenance will keep your system running smoothly. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, feel free to contact NutraDrip Irrigation Systems. By understanding and maintaining your air vents, you can ensure a more efficient and effective irrigation system. Stay tuned for more tips and insights from NutraDrip Irrigation Systems!
