Spirax Sarco AE14 User manual

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1. Safety information
2. General product information
3. Installation
4. Commissioning
5. Operation
6. Maintenance
7. Spare parts
© Copyright 2018
Printed in GB
1490050/8
AE14
Automatic Air Vents for Liquid Systems
Installation and Maintenance Instructions
IM-P149-06
CMGT Issue 8

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Safe operation of these products can only be guaranteed if they are properly installed,
commissioned, used and maintained by qualified personnel (see Section 1.11 on this document)
in compliance with the operating instructions. General installation and safety instructions for
pipeline and plant construction, as well as the proper use of tools and safety equipment must also
be complied with.
1.1 Intended use
Referring to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, name-plate and Technical Information
Sheet, check that the product is suitable for the intended use/application. The products listed below
comply with the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and carry the mark
when so required. It should be noted that products rated as 'SEP' are required by the Directive not
to carry the mark.
The products fall within the following Pressure Equipment Directive categories:
Product Group 1
Gases
Group 2
Gases
Group 1
Liquids
Group 2
Liquids
AE14 -SEP -SEP
i) The product has been specifically designed for use on water/condensate which are in Group 2
of the above mentioned Pressure Equipment Directive.
ii) Check material suitability, pressure and temperature and their maximum and minimum values.
If the maximum operating limits of the product are lower than those of the system in which it
is being fitted, or if malfunction of the product could result in a dangerous overpressure or
overtemperature occurrence, ensure a safety device is included in the system to prevent such
over-limit situations.
iii) Determine the correct installation situation and direction of fluid flow.
iv) Spirax Sarco products are not intended to withstand external stresses that may be induced
by any system to which they are fitted. It is the responsibility of the installer to consider
these stresses and take adequate precautions to minimise them.
v) Remove protection covers from all connections before installation.
1.2. Access
Ensure safe access and if necessary a safe working platform (suitably guarded) before attempting
to work on the product. Arrange suitable lifting gear if required.
1.3. Lighting
Ensure adequate lighting, particularly where detailed or intricate work is required.
1.4. Hazardous liquids or gases in the pipeline
Consider what is in the pipeline or what may have been in the pipeline at some previous time.
Consider: flammable materials, substances hazardous to health, extremes of temperature.
1. Safety information

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1.5. Hazardous environment around the product
Consider: explosion risk areas, lack of oxygen (e.g. tanks, pits), dangerous gases, extremes of
temperature, hot surfaces, fire hazard (e.g. during welding), excessive noise, moving machinery.
1.6. The system
Consider the effect on the complete system of the work proposed. Will any proposed action (e.g.
closing isolation valves, electrical isolation) put any other part of the system or any personnel
at risk?
Dangers might include isolation of vents or protective devices or the rendering ineffective of controls
or alarms. Ensure isolation valves are turned on and off in a gradual way to avoid system shocks.
1.7. Pressure systems
Ensure that any pressure is isolated and safely vented to atmospheric pressure. Consider double
isolation (double block and bleed) and the locking or labelling of closed valves. Do not assume
that the system has depressurised even when the pressure gauge indicates zero.
1.8. Temperature
Allow time for temperature to normalise after isolation to avoid danger of burns. If parts made from Viton
have been subjected to a temperature approaching 315 °C (599 °F) or higher, it may have decomposed
and formed hydroflouric acid. Avoid skin contact and inhalation of any fumes as the acid will cause deep
skin burns and damage the respiratory system.
1.9. Tools and consumables
Before starting work ensure that you have suitable tools and/or consumables available. Use only
genuine Spirax Sarco replacement parts.
1.10. Protective clothing
Consider whether you and/or others in the vicinity require any protective clothing to protect against
the hazards of, for example, chemicals, high/low temperature, radiation, noise, falling objects, and
dangers to eyes and face.
1.11. Permits to work
All work must be carried out or be supervised by a suitably competent person. Installation and
operating personnel should be trained in the correct use of the product according to the Installation
and Maintenance Instructions.
Where a formal 'permit to work' system is in force it must be complied with. Where there is no such
system, it is recommended that a responsible person should know what work is going on and,
where necessary, arrange to have an assistant whose primary responsibility is safety.
Post 'warning notices' if necessary.
1.12. Handling
Manual handling of large and/or heavy products may present a risk of injury. Lifting, pushing,
pulling, carrying or supporting a load by bodily force can cause injury particularly to the back.
You are advised to assess the risks taking into account the task, the individual, the load and the
working environment and use the appropriate handling method depending on the circumstances
of the work being done.

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1.13. Residual hazards
In normal use the external surface of the product may be very hot. If used at the maximum
permitted operating conditions the surface temperature of some products may reach temperatures
of 100 °C (212 °F).
Many products are not self-draining. Take due care when dismantling or removing the product from
an installation (refer to 'Maintenance instructions').
1.14. Freezing
Provision must be made to protect products which are not self-draining against frost damage in
environments where they may be exposed to temperatures below freezing point.
1.15. Safety information - Product specific
See the relevant Sections of the attached Installation and Maintenance Instructions for specific
details relating to these products.
1.16. Disposal
Unless otherwise stated in the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, this product is recyclable
and no ecological hazard is anticipated with its disposal providing due care is taken, except:
Viton:
-Can be landfilled, when in compliance with National and Local regulations.
-Can be incinerated, but a scrubber must be used to remove Hydrogen Flouride, which is evolved
from the product and with compliance to National and Local regulations.
-Is insoluble in aquatic media.
1.17. Returning products
Customers and stockists are reminded that under EC Health, Safety and Environment Law, when
returning products to Spirax Sarco they must provide information on any hazards and the
precautions to be taken due to contamination residues or mechanical damage which may present
a health, safety or environmental risk. This information must be provided in writing including Health
and Safety data sheets relating to any substances identified as hazardous or potentially hazardous.

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2.1 Description
AE14
The AE14 is a range of float type air vents for liquid systems. The body and cover are
manufactured in SG iron and the complete unit is readily maintainable. The standard version
with a viton valve cone is designated AE14. This model is also available with an inbuilt stop
valve fitted to the inlet port designated AE14SV and AE14ESV.
AE14E The AE14E is a Water Research Centre (WRc) approved version with an EPDM valve cone. This
model is also available with an inbuilt stop valve fitted to the inlet port designated the AE14ESV.
AE14S The AE14S is a stainless steel valve cone version.
Available types
AE14 Fitted with a viton valve head (standard version)
AE14E Fitted with an EPDM valve head
AE14S Fitted with a stainless steel valve head
AE14SV Fitted with a viton valve head and stop valve
AE14ESV Fitted with an EPDM valve head and stop valve
Standards
These products fully comply with the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and carry
the mark when so required.
Certification
The product is available with material certification to EN 10204 2.2.
Note: All certification/inspection requirements must be stated at the time of order placement.
Fig. 1 AE14SV and AE14ESV
2. General product information

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Note: Before actioning any installation observe the 'Safety information' in Section 1.
Warning
The cover gasket and the main valve assembly gasket contains a thin stainless steel support ring
which may cause physical injury if not handled and disposed of carefully.
Referring to the Installation and Maintenance Instructions, name-plate and Technical Information Sheet,
check that the product is suitable for the intended installation:
3.1 Check materials, pressure and temperature and their maximum values. If the maximum operating
limit of the product is lower than that of the system in which it is being fitted, ensure that a safety
device is included in the system to prevent overpressurisation.
3.2 Determine the correct installation situation and the direction of fluid flow.
3.3 Remove protective covers from all connections.
3.4 The automatic air vent must be fitted into a vertical plane above the point being vented with the
direction of flow as indicated so that the float arm falls and rises vertically. Point the arrow on the
name-plate downwards.
We recommend piping the discharge from the air vent to a suitable safe point.
Note:
If the trap is to discharge to atmosphere ensure it is to a safe place, the discharging air or gas may be at a
temperature of 100 °C (212 °F).
Fig. 2
AE14E at high point of a medium temperature
hot water (MTHW) system.
* Note:
All Spirax Sarco air vents should be installed
vertically with the inlet at the bottom.
3. Installation

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After installation or maintenance ensure that the system is fully functional. Carry out tests on any alarms
or protective devices.
The AE14 automatic air vent utilises a simple but well proven, float lever valve assembly which opens to air
and gases and closes tightly to water.
Once fitted they require no adjustment, either on start-up or subsequent running. There operation is totally
automatic over a variety of light or heavy duty applications.
Float type traps are renowned for their instantaneous load handling capability, clean tight shut-off and
resistance to waterhammer and vibration.
Note: Before actioning any maintenance programme observe the 'Safety information' in Section 1.
Warning
The cover gasket and the main valve assembly gasket contains a thin stainless steel support ring
which may cause physical injury if not handled and disposed of carefully.
6.1 General Information
All work must be carried out by a suitably competent person. Before starting work ensure that suitable tools
are available. Use only Spirax Sarco replacement parts. Before attempting work on the trap, ensure that
the trap is isolated from the rest of the pressurised system. With the AE14SV and AE14ESV this is simply
carried out by using the inbuilt stop valve.
Ensure that any pressure within the isolated section is safely vented to atmosphere. Allow time for the
temperature of the trap to normalise after isolation to avoid the danger of burns. When reassembling make
sure that all joint faces are clean. After maintenance ensure that the system is fully functioning.
6. Maintenance
4. Commissioning
5. Operation

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6.2 How to fit the main valve:
-Undo the cover bolts (2) and lift of the cover (4).
-Withdraw the pivot pin (11) to release the float and lever (8) from the pivot frame (10).
-Push out the main valve head (9) and replace with a new one. Reassemble the float and lever (8).
-Check operation by raising and lowering the float several times making sure that the valve head is
centring properly on the seat.
-Refit the cover (4) using a new cover gasket (3).
-Tighten cover bolts (2) uniformly to the recommended tightening torque (see Table 1).
-Open up the isolating valves slowly until full system pressure is achieved.
-Check for leaks.
6.3 How to replace the main valve assembly:
-Undo the cover bolts (2) and lift of the cover (4).
-Withdraw pivot pin (11) and release the float and lever (8) from the pivot frame (10).
-Undo main valve assembly screws (7) and remove pivot frame (10).
-Unscrew main valve seat (5) and gasket (6).
-Replace with new and tighten main valve seat (5) to recommended torque (see Table 1).
-Re-assemble the float and lever (8).
-Check operation by raising and lowering the float several times making sure that the valve head is
centring properly on the seat.
-Refit the cover (4) using a new cover gasket (3).
-Tighten cover bolts (2) uniformly to the recommended tightening torque (see Table 1).
-Open up the isolating valves slowly until full system pressure is achieved.
-Check for leaks.
6.4 How to fit the stop valve assembly (AE14SV and AE14ESV):
Warning: Before attempting this operation it is essential to isolate the automatic air vent other
than by its inbuilt stop valve and to lower the water level.
-Remove the complete stop valve assembly by unscrewing the housing (12).
-Replace with a new stop valve assembly (12, 13, 14), fitting new seals (15) and gaskets (16) tighten to the
recommended tightening torques (see Table 1).
-After re-commissioning ensure that the new inbuilt stop valve is in the open position.

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Fig. 3
4
3
8
7
9
11
10
5
6
2
14
13
15
16
12
Table 1 Recommended tightening torques
Item Part or
mm N m (lbf ft)
2Cover bolts 17 A/F M10 x 30 47 - 50 35 - 37
5Main valve seat 17 A/F 50 - 55 33 - 40
7Main valve assembly screws Pozidrive M4 x 6 2.5 - 3.0 1.8 - 2.2
12 Stop valve housing 21 A/F 30 - 35 22 - 26

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The spare parts available are shown in solid outline. Parts drawn in a grey line are not supplied as spares.
Available spares
Maintenance kit 3, 5, 6, 7 (2 off), 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 (2 off), 16
Note: Item 9 is attached to item 8 when supplied for the AE14S.
Seal kit 3, 5 (EPDM), 14, 15 (2 off), 16
Valve head (not available for the AE14S) packet of 3 9
Note: 1 off EPDM and Viton valve head is supplied to fit as required.
How to order spares
Always order spares by using the description given in the column headed 'Available spares' and state the
size and type of automatic air vent.
Example: 1 - Maintenance kit for a Spirax Sarco ½" AE14ESV automatic air vent.
Fig. 4
3
8
7
9
11
10
5
6
2
14
15
16
7. Spare parts

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