TLV VB3 User manual

172-65471MA-06 (VB3/VB3-H) 1 October 2021
Vacuum Breaker
VB3/VB3-H
Copyright © 2021 by TLV CO., LTD.
All rights reserved

172-65471MA-06 (VB3/VB3-H) 1 Oct 2021
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Contents
Introduction ....................................................................... 1
Safety Considerations....................................................... 2
Features............................................................................ 4
Operation .......................................................................... 4
Specifications.................................................................... 5
Configuration..................................................................... 5
Installation......................................................................... 6
Maintenance...................................................................... 8
Disassembly/Reassembly................................................. 9
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 12
TLV EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY........................... 13
Service ............................................................................ 15
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the TLV VB3/VB3-H vacuum breaker.
This product has been thoroughly inspected before being shipped from the factory.
When the product is delivered, before doing anything else, check the specifications
and external appearance to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. Also be sure to
read this manual carefully before use and follow the instructions to be sure of using
the product properly.
The VB3/VB3-H vacuum breaker automatically opens both of its valves to introduce
air when a vacuum begins to form due to a stopped supply pump, protecting piping
and other equipment by preventing a vacuum from forming. On startup, the float of
the VB3/VB3-H allows for rapid air discharge until the water level rises and the float
shuts off the valve.
If detailed instructions for special order specifications or options not contained in this
manual are required, please contact TLV for full details.
This instruction manual is intended for use with the model(s) listed on the front cover.
It is necessary not only for installation but for subsequent maintenance, disassembly/
reassembly and troubleshooting. Please keep it in a safe place for future reference.

172-65471MA-06 (VB3/VB3-H) 1 Oct 2021
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Safety Considerations
Read this section carefully before use and be sure to follow the instructions.
Installation, inspection, maintenance, repairs, disassembly, adjustment and valve
opening/closing should be carried out only by trained maintenance personnel.
The precautions listed in this manual are designed to ensure safety and prevent
equipment damage and personal injury. For situations that may occur as a result
of erroneous handling, three different types of cautionary items are used to
indicate the degree of urgency and the scale of potential damage and danger:
DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION.
The three types of cautionary items above are very important for safety: be sure
to observe all of them as they relate to installation, use, maintenance, and repair.
Furthermore, TLV accepts no responsibility for any accidents or damage
occurring as a result of failure to observe these precautions.
Symbols
Indicates a DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION item.
DANGER
Indicates an urgent situation which poses a threat of death or
serious injury
WARNING
Indicates that there is a potential threat of death or serious injury
CAUTION
Indicates that there is a possibility of injury or equipment/product
damage
WARNING
DO NOT use for toxic, flammable or otherwise hazardous
fluids.
This product is a vacuum breaker for water piping systems. Use
only for water and/or air. This product is for intended use only.
Improper use may result in such hazards as damage to the product
or malfunctions that may lead to serious accidents.
NEVER apply direct heat to the float.
The float may explode due to increased internal pressure, causing
accidents leading to serious injury or damage to property and
equipment.
CAUTION
Install properly and DO NOT use this product outside the
recommended operating pressure, temperature and other
specification ranges.
Improper use may result in such hazards as damage to the product
or malfunctions that may lead to serious accidents. Local
regulations may restrict the use of this product to below the
conditions quoted.
Use hoisting equipment for heavy objects (weighing
approximately 20 kg (44 lb) or more).
Failure to do so may result in back strain or other injury if the
object should fall.
Continued on the next page

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CAUTION
Take measures to prevent people from coming into direct
contact with product outlets.
Failure to do so may result in burns or other injury from the
discharge of fluids.
When disassembling or removing the product, wait until the
internal pressure equals atmospheric pressure and the
surface of the product has cooled to room temperature.
Disassembling or removing the product when it is hot or under
pressure may lead to discharge of fluids, causing burns, other
injuries or damage.
Be sure to use only the recommended components when
repairing the product, and NEVER attempt to modify the
product in any way.
Failure to observe these precautions may result in damage to the
product and burns or other injury due to malfunction or the
discharge of fluids.
Do not use excessive force when connecting threaded pipes
to the product.
Over-tightening may cause breakage leading to fluid discharge,
which may cause burns or other injury.
Use only under conditions in which no freeze-up will occur.
Freezing may damage the product, leading to fluid discharge, which
may cause burns or other injury.
Use only under conditions in which no water hammer will
occur.
The impact of water hammer may damage the product, leading to
fluid discharge, which may cause burns or other injury.

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Features
1. The product has no hinges or levers: the only moving parts are the check valve
disc and the self-leveling grounded free float, which minimize malfunction and
provides long service life.
2. The product is made up of few parts and the construction has been kept simple,
so maintenance checks are also simple.
Operation
Take measures to prevent people from coming into direct contact with
product outlets. Failure to do so may result in burns or other injury from
the discharge of fluids.
CAUTION
1. The product also functions as a rapid initial air
vent. As water is initially supplied to the piping,
the air in the piping enters the vacuum
breaker. As the float is in the lowered position
at this time, valve “A” is open fully, and the air
entering the vacuum breaker is rapidly
discharged. At this time check valve disc “B”at
the check valve stays closed.
A
B
2. When the last of the initial air is discharged,
water enters the product, causing the float to
rise, closing valve “A”. If there is a rapid rise in
water level, a small amount of water may leak
with discharged air immediately before valve
“A”closes.
3. Once valve “A” has closed, it remains closed
even if air accumulates inside the vacuum
breaker, so there is no discharge of air during
operation.
Check valve disc “B”remains closed.
A
B
4. When stopping the supply pump and draining
the piping, the pressure inside the piping
becomes near to or less than atmospheric
pressure, and the float falls with the water level
in the vacuum breaker opening valve “A”and
introducing air.
At the same time, check valve disc “B”opens
and introduces air into the piping, which
prevents a vacuum from forming and protects
the piping and other equipment.
A
B