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中文简体What is the difference between a breather filter valve and an air bleed valve?
In the fields of piping systems and fluid management, breather filter valves and air bleed valves are two common terms, but their functions and applications are fundamentally different. Understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of piping systems.
What is a breather filter valve?
A breather filter valve, often more accurately called an air valve, is the "lungs" of a piping system. It has a two-way function: it can both exhaust and inhale air.
During normal operation or water filling in a pipeline, air accumulation is inevitable. These air masses can obstruct fluid flow, causing unstable flow rates and even triggering water hammer. The air bleed function of a breather filter valve is to expel this accumulated air from the pipeline, ensuring smooth fluid flow.
However, its more critical function is its air intake function. When the internal pressure of a piping system drops below atmospheric pressure due to an unexpected event (such as a sudden pump stop or rapid valve closure), negative pressure or a vacuum forms within the pipeline. This negative pressure can cause the pipeline to collapse or rupture. In this case, the breather filter valve automatically draws in outside air to quickly equalize the pressure inside and outside the pipeline, effectively protecting the pipeline structure from damage.
What is a vent valve?
Unlike a breather filter valve, a vent valve's core function is unidirectional—it simply expel air from a pipe.
A vent valve is commonly used to remove trapped air when filling a pipe. It's typically small and installed at a high point in the pipe. When air accumulates, the internal float drops, opening the vent and allowing the air to escape. Once the pipe is filled with liquid, the float rises, closing the vent and preventing leakage.
Key Difference: Bidirectional vs. Unidirectional
| Features | Breathing Filter Valve (Air Valve) | Exhaust Valve |
| Main Functions | Exhaust + Intake | Exhaust only |
| Core Functions | Prevents negative pressure (vacuum) and removes trapped air | Removes accumulated air |
| Application Scenarios | Protecting piping from negative pressure damage and stabilizing the system | Removes air generated during water injection, improving fluid efficiency |
| Working Principle | The float rises to exhaust air and descends to inhale air. | The float descends to expel air and rises to close the valve |
A breather filter valve acts as a "breather" for pipe safety, ensuring the pipe remains stable despite various pressure fluctuations. A vent valve, on the other hand, acts more like a simple "air vent," primarily used to improve fluid flow efficiency.
When choosing a valve, if your pipe system is at risk of negative pressure due to sudden pressure drops, a breather filter valve with bidirectional functionality is a wise choice. Understanding the difference between these two valves will ensure the most comprehensive protection for your fluid system.
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