Air vents and air eliminators
Overview
Air and other non-condensable gases cause long warm-up times, lower steam temperature at a given pressure, reduce heat transfer and accelerate corrosion across steam systems. Where the trap itself cannot vent air quickly enough or the steam space geometry creates dead spots, a separate air vent can be used to remove accumulated gases before they damage process performance. Spirax Sarco automatic air vents and air eliminators remove those gases without wasting live steam, helping systems heat up faster and operate more efficiently during start-up and normal running. The range includes vents for steam systems, liquid systems and clean steam duties, so the venting method can be matched to the fluid, cleanliness requirement and installation location. Correct venting strategy helps prevent the hidden losses associated with air binding, poor condensate drainage, unstable temperature control and gas pockets that sit beyond the reach of a standard drainage point. That makes separate venting especially relevant on separators, steam mains, process vessels and other locations where air release cannot be left to condensate drainage hardware alone.
Related venting and steam-condition routes
Air removal is often linked with drainage and line condition. If the same installation also needs moisture removal ahead of the process, compare steam separators. Where air release should be handled by the trap family itself, continue into steam traps.
For sanitary venting duty, compare thermostatic air vents and related clean steam systems.
Spirax Sarco AV13 steam system air vent
AV13 now has a model page covering the brass balanced-pressure thermostatic air vent route, 1/2" and 3/4" selectable complete-unit options, PN16 design condition and steam-system installation checks.
Spirax Sarco AVC32 Carbon Steel Air Vent
AVC32 is a carbon steel balanced-pressure thermostatic air vent for saturated steam up to 32 bar g, available in 1/2" to 1" with threaded, socket weld, butt weld and flanged connection options.
Continue your venting strategy selection
Air removal is rarely an isolated problem. The right venting approach depends on the steam space, the process duty and the surrounding system hardware.
See the wider line support range
Return to the wider pipeline ancillaries range when venting performance also depends on separation, drainage, indication or other line protection hardware.
Coordinate venting with trap selection
Some steam duties still rely on the air venting built into the steam trap itself, while others need a separate vent. Compare venting strategy with the main trap families here.
Support hygienic venting requirements
Use the clean steam range when air removal also needs to align with sanitary process design or high-purity steam applications.