Val-Matic 48A User manual

Manual No.
WWAR-OM1-3
Val-Matic®
Wastewater Air Release Valve
Models 48A, 49A
Operation, Maintenance and
Installation Manual
INTRODUCTION............................................ 1
RECEIVING AND STORAGE ........................ 1
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION................... 1
INSTALLATION............................................. 2
VALVE CONSTRUCTION.............................. 2
MAINTENANCE............................................. 3
TROUBLESHOOTING................................... 4
DISASSEMBLY ............................................. 4
REASSEMBLY .............................................. 4
PARTS & SERVICE....................................... 5
WARRANTY .................................................. 6
VAL-MATIC
®
VALVE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.
905 Riverside Dr. ●Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone [phone] ●Fax [phone]
www.valmatic.com

1
VAL-MATIC'S WASTEWATER AIR RELEASE VALVE
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
This manual will provide you with the information to
properly install and maintain the valve to ensure a
long service life. The Wastewater Air Release Valve
has been designed with stainless steel trim to give
years of trouble-free operation but regular
maintenance is recommended for valves subject to
fluids containing suspended solids or greases/oils.
The Wastewater Air Release Valve is typically
mounted at the high points in a piping system to
automatically remove pockets of air as they
accumulate. The valve can also be used to slowly
release air in tanks and pump casings.
The valve is a float-operated, resilient-seated valve
designed to handle waste fluids. The valve may be
equipped with backwash accessories. The Size,
Maximum Working Pressure and Model No. are
stamped on the nameplate for reference.
Note: Low Durometer seats are available for low
pressure applications.
RECEIVING AND STORAGE
Inspect valves upon receipt for damage in shipment.
Handle all valves carefully without dropping. Valves
should remain boxed, clean and dry until installed to
prevent weather related damage. For long term
storage greater than six months, the valve must
remain in the box and stored indoors. Do not
expose valve to sunlight or ozone for any extended
period.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
The Wastewater Air Release Valve is designed to
automatically remove air pockets at the high points
in a piping system. The valve, as shipped, is a
normally open valve and will slowly vent air through
the top orifice. As fluid enters the valve, the float will
rise, closing the orifice. As air accumulates in the
piping system and enters the valve, the float drops
allowing the venting orifice to open.
The valve can be equipped with optional external
valves and hose connections for backwashing.
These items are packaged separately.
FIGURE 1. WASTEWATER AIR RELEASE VALVE
The lever mechanism provides mechanical
advantage for the float. During system operation,
the pipeline pressure exerts a strong upward force
on the sealing component, the orifice button. The
lever mechanism magnifies the weight of the float so
that the orifice will open under high pipeline
pressures. Additional ports are provided for
flushing, testing and draining purposes.
CAUTION
This valve is not intended for fuel liquids
service.

2
CAUTION
Install valve with “INLET” port down or leakage
will occur
ITEM DESCRIPTION MATERIAL
1 Body Cast Iron
2 Cover Cast Iron
3 Leverage Frame* Stainless Steel
4 Seat* Stainless Steel
5 Float* Stainless Steel
6 Gasket* Non-Asbestos
7 Cover Bolt Alloy Steel
8 Retaining Screw* Stainless Steel
10 Float Arm* Stainless Steel
11 Orifice Button* Buna-N
12 Pivot Pin* Stainless Steel
13 Retaining Ring* Stainless Steel
14 Pipe Plug Iron
17 Float Retainer* Stainless Steel
18 Lock Nut* Stainless Steel
19 Link* Stainless Steel
20 Extension Shaft* Stainless Steel
21 Locating Pin Stainless Steel
22 Orifice Button Arm* Stainless Steel
28 Pipe Plug Malleable Iron
30 Washer* Stainless Steel
33 Clevis* Stainless Steel
34 Lock Washer* Stainless Steel
35 Retaining Screw* Stainless Steel
36 Pipe Plug Malleable Iron
*RECOMMENDED REPAIR PART KIT
INSTALLATION
The installation of the valve is important for its
proper operation. Valves must be installed at the
system high points in the vertical position with the
inlet down. For pipeline service, a vault with freeze
protection, adequate screened venting, and
drainage should be provided. During closure, some
fluid discharge will occur so vent lines should extend
to an open drain area in plant service. A shut-off
valve should be installed below the valve in the
event servicing is required.
VALVE CONSTRUCTION
The standard Wastewater Air Release Valve body
and cover are cast iron. See the specific Materials
List submitted for the order if other than standard
cast iron construction. All internal components are
stainless steel with the exception of the orifice button
which is resilient. The general details of
construction are illustrated in Figure 2. The body (1)
is threaded for connection to the pipeline. The seat
(4) is threaded into the cast cover (2).
TABLE 1. LIST OF PARTS
FIGURE 2. WASTEWATER AIR RELEASE VALVE

3
WARNING
Wear safety glasses to look into the valve outlet
after installation. Released fluid can cause
injury.
Option Backwash Assembly
Refer to the drawing on page 3 for the correct piping
arrangement. Please note the each Kit contains
extra fittings such as reducer bushings that may not
be needed for your valve. The fittings should be
installed with a standard pipe compound such as
Oatey White Thread Sealant (supplied) or sealing
tape. The quick disconnect fittings are designed for
easy push and turn connections to a clean water
source.
MAINTENANCE
The Wastewater Air Release Valve should be
scheduled for regular inspection on an annual basis.
Based on experience in service, a more frequent
backwash regimen may be desirable to minimize
leakage.
Inspection: Periodic inspection to verify operation
can be performed. The valve should not leak fluid at
any connection or through the outlet. If there is
leakage through the outlet, perform a backwash
procedure on the valve. Check to see that air is
being released by cracking open the lower drain
valve. If a large amount of air is released from the
drain valve, then the main valve may be clogged and
cleaning or a backwash procedure should be
performed.
Lubrication: The Wastewater Air Release valve is
a self-contained automatic valve and does not
require and lubrication to enhance its operation.
Tools: No special tools are needed to maintain or
repair the valve. The valve can be equipped with
backwash valves and hoses for ease of
backwashing.
Backwash Procedure: In order to properly
backwash the valve, a ½" clean water supply of at
least 30 psi is needed. This supply should be
connected to the rubber hose with quick disconnect
couplings as provided with the wastewater valve and
shown in Figure 3.
1. Pipe valve B to a drain prior to backwashing.
2. Close inlet valve A.
3. Open valve B.
4. Connect water supply to E and supply water for 3
minutes to flush seat and mechanism area.
5. Re-connect water supply to C and open valve D
to wash the valve body for 1 minute.
6. Close valves D and B.
7. Slowly open valve A to place unit back in service.
FIGURE 3. BACKWASH HARDWARE
Backwash Accessory Kits
Type Inlet Backwash Kit Valve Models
Air
Release
Valve
2” SPK-48ABW 48ABW, 48A.4BW
49ABW, 49A.4BW
3” SPK-48A.2BW
48A.2BW, 48A.5BW
49A.2BW, 49A.5BW
4” SPK-48A.3BW
49A.3BW, 48A.6BW
49A.3BW, 49A.6BW

4
WARNING
The valve must be drained before removing the
cover or pressure may be released causing
injury.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Several problems and solutions are presented below
to assist you in troubleshooting the valve assembly
in an efficient manner.
Leakage at Bottom Connection: Tighten valve
threaded connection. If leak persists, remove
valve and seal threads with Teflon* sealant.
Leakage at Cover: Tighten bolts per Table 2,
replace gasket.
Valve Leaks when Closed: Backwash valve to
remove debris. Disassemble and inspect seat,
orifice button, and float. NOTE: Many floats
contain sand for weight but if water is detected,
replace float.
Valve not Venting Air: Check that operating
pressure does not exceed Working Pressure on
nameplate. Backwash valve.
DISASSEMBLY
The valve can be disassembled without removing it
from the pipeline. Or for convenience, the valve can
be removed from the line. All work on the valve
should be performed by a skilled mechanic with
proper tools. No special tools are required.
1. Close inlet shut-off valve. Open drain valve or
remove drain plug. Remove the cover bolts (7)
on the top cover.
2. Pry cover (2) loose and lift off valve body.
3. Remove the 2 retainer rings (13) and pivot pins
(12) that pass through the lever frame (3). The
float (5) and linkage will be free from the cover.
Disconnect float from lever (10).
DISASSEMBLY (Cont'd)
4. To remove lever frame (3), remove two round-
head fasteners (8). Rotate seat (4) counter-
clockwise to remove.
5. Remove locknut (18) and orifice button (11) from
orifice button arm (22).
6. Clean and inspect parts. Note: some floats
contain sand for extra weight; if water is detected,
replace float. Replace worn parts as necessary.
REASSEMBLY
All parts must be cleaned and gasket surfaces
should be cleaned with a stiff wire brush in the
direction of the serrations or machine marks. Worn
parts, gaskets and seals should be replaced during
reassembly. Refer to Figure 2 on page 2.
1. Apply Loctite PST thread sealant to seat (4) and
assemble to cover with maximum torque of 10 ft-
lbs; DO NOT OVER-TORQUE.
2. Assemble lever frame (3) to cover over locating
pin (21) in cover. Secure with screws (8) and
washers (30).
3. Install new orifice button (11) flush to arm (22).
Assemble lockwasher (34) and locknut (18) over
orifice button but do not tighten.
4. Connect arms (10 & 22) and assemble to lever
frame (3) with four pivot pins (12) and retaining
rings (13); rings should snap over pins.
5. Adjust orifice button (11) so that orifice button
arm (22) slopes away from cover about 1/16"
when resting gently against seat (4). Secure
button by tightening lockwasher (34) and nut
(18).
6. Attach float (5) and guide shaft (20) by installing
last pivot pin (12) into lever frame (3). Float
should move freely pressing the orifice button
(11) against the seat (4) when pushed upward.
Verify that all retainer rings (13) are properly
secured.

5
REASSEMBLY (Cont'd)
7. Lay new cover gasket on clean surface.
Assemble gasket (6) and cover (2) over bolt
holes in body (1).
8. Insert lubricated bolts (7) and tighten to the
torques listed in Table 2.
9. Place valve back in service. Refer to the
Installation instructions on page 2. Slowly open
inlet isolation valve.
Model
Number Bolt Size Torque (ft-lbs)
48A, 48A.2
48A.4, 48A.5 7/16” 30
49A, 49A.2
49A.4, 49A.5 1/2” 45
TABLE 2. VALVE COVER BOLT TORQUES
PARTS AND SERVICE
Parts and service are available from your local
representative or the factory. Make note of the valve
Size and Model No. located on the valve nameplate
and contact:
Val-Matic Valve and Mfg. Corp.
905 Riverside Drive
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.valmatic.com
A sales representative will quote prices for parts or
arrange for service as needed.
VAL-MATIC
®
VALVE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.
905 Riverside Dr. ●Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone [phone] ●Fax [phone]
www.valmatic.com
LIMITED WARRANTY
All products are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
shipment, subject to the limitations below.
If the purchaser believes a product is defective, the purchaser shall: (a) Notify the manufacturer, state the alleged defect
and request permission to return the product; (b) if permission is given, return the product with transportation prepaid. If
the product is accepted for return and found to be defective, the manufacturer will, at his discretion, either repair or replace
the product, f.o.b. factory, within 60 days of receipt, or refund the purchase price. Other than to repair, replace or refund
as described above, purchaser agrees that manufacturer shall not be liable for any loss, costs, expenses or damages of
any kind arising out of the product, its use, installation or replacement, labeling, instructions, information or technical data
of any kind, description of product use, sample or model, warnings or lack of any of the foregoing. NO OTHER
WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY, ARE MADE OR AUTHORIZED. NO AFFIRMATION OF FACT,
PROMISE, DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT OF USE OR SAMPLE OR MODEL SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY FROM
MANUFACTURER, UNLESS SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE MANUFACTURER. These products are not
manufactured, sold or intended for personal, family or household purposes.