American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C512-99
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C512-92)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR
AIR RELEASE, AIR/VACUUM, AND
COMBINATION AIR VALVES FOR
WATERWORKS SERVICE

Effective date: March 1, 2000.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 26, 1992.
This edition approved June 20, 1999.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Inc. Dec. 30, 1999.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrative information normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually
contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify, or
approve any product. The use of AWWA standards is entirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal AWWA
publication of the official notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain the latest editions. Producers of goods made in conformity with an American National
Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising and promotional
materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American
National Standards.

CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036;
(212) 642-4900.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information or retrieval
system, except in the form of brief excerpts or quotations for review purposes, without the written
permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Waterworks Air-Release Valves, which
developed and approved this standard, had the following personnel at the time of
approval:

Miles E. Wollam, Chair

Consumer Members

J.H. Bambei Jr., Denver Water Department, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)

N.E. Gronlund, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Oakland, Calif. (AWWA)
M.I. Schwartz, Fairfax County Water Authority, Merrifield, Va. (AWWA)
J.G. Yannotta, Los Angeles Water & Power, Los Angeles, Calif. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

J.J. Cusack Jr., Parsons Brinkerhoff Quade & Douglas, Braintree, Mass. (AWWA)
R.G. Fuller, HDR Engineering Inc., Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
J.E. Herold, Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle, Wash. (AWWA)
W.A. Hunt, Consulting Engineer, Bozeman, Mont. (AWWA)
M.D. Meadows,* Council Liaison, Brazos River Authority, Waco, Texas (AWWA)
W.L. Meinholz, Alvord Burdick & Howson, Buffalo Grove, Ill. (AWWA)
J.L. Patton, Black & Veatch LLP, Overland Park, Kan. (AWWA)
R.J. Wahanik, Hystras, Wyommissing, Pa. (AWWA)
J.S. Wailes,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
R.A. Ward, Windsor, Vt. (AWWA)
M.E. Wollam, Montgomery Watson, Pasadena, Calif. (AWWA)

Producer Members

J.V. Ballun, Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Corporation, Elmhurst, Ill. (AWWA)
D.M. Beck, PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, Wichita Falls, Texas (AWWA)
Keith Hall,† APCO Willamette-Valve & Primer Corporation,
San Clemente, Calif. (AWWA)
†
P.O. Landon, Val-Matic Valve & Manufacturing Company, Elmhurst, Ill. (AWWA)
J.E. Lescovich, GA Industries Inc., Cranberry Township, Pa. (AWWA)
W.J. Nicholl,† GA Industries Inc., Mars, Pa. (AWWA)
E.J. Powers,† PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, Wichita Falls, Texas (AWWA)
J.M. Radtke, Aqua-Dynamic Systems, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (AWWA)
D.L. Smith, APCO Willamette-Valve & Primer Corporation, Schaumburg, Ill.(AWWA)

* Liaison, nonvoting
† Alternate

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Contents

All AWWA standards follow the general format indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format may be
found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 2 References .......................................... 2

I Introduction........................................... v 3 Definitions .......................................... 2
I.A Background............................................ v
I.B History ................................................... v 4 Requirements
I.C Acceptance .............................................. v 4.1 Data to Be Supplied by
II Special Issues ....................................... vi Manufacturer..................................... 3
III Use of This Standard........................... vi 4.2 Materials ............................................... 3
III.A Purchaser Options and 4.3 Design Requirements ............................. 4
Alternatives........................................ vi 4.4 Workmanship and Painting................. 6
III.B Modification to Standard................... vii
5 Verification
IV Major Revisions.................................. vii
5.1 Testing................................................... 6
V Comments........................................... vii
5.2 Inspection .............................................. 7
5.3 Rejection................................................ 7
Standard
1 General 6 Delivery
1.1 Scope ...................................................... 1 6.1 Marking................................................. 7
1.2 Purpose .................................................. 1 6.2 Preparation for Shipment .................... 7
1.3 Application............................................. 1 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance........................ 7

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C512.

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. This standard describes three types of air valves: air-
release valves, air/vacuum valves, and combination air valves.
1. Air-Release Valves, also called small orifice valves, are designed to
automatically release small pockets of accumulated air from a pipeline while the
system operates under pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure.
2. Air/Vacuum Valves, also called large orifice valves, are designed to exhaust
large quantities of air automatically during pipeline filling and to admit large
quantities of air automatically when the internal pressure in the pipeline drops
below atmospheric pressure.
3. Combination Air Valves are designed to perform the same function as Air/
Vacuum Valves but, in addition, they will automatically release small pockets of air
from the pipeline while under pressure like an Air-Release Valve.
I.B. History. The AWWA Standards Committee on Waterworks Air-Release
Valves was authorized on Nov. 17, 1984, to respond to a request for a standard on air
valves. The first edition of this standard AWWA C512, was approved by the AWWA
Board of Directors on Jan. 26, 1992. This edition was approved on June 20, 1999.
I.C. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF
International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a
certification program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other
members of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association
Research Foundation (AWWARF) and the Conference of State Health and Environ-
mental Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and
the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact
with, drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to
impose requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate
the health effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state
and local agencies may use various references, including
1. An advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on Apr. 7, 1990.
2. Specific policies of the state or local agency.
3. Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSI†/NSF‡ 60,
Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals—Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking
Water System Components—Health Effects.

*Persons in Canada, Mexico, and non-North American countries should contact the
appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
†American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
‡NSF International, 3475 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 4. Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex,
Water Chemicals Codex,* and other standards considered appropriate by the state or
local agency.
Various certification organizations may be involved in certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Appendix A, “Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures,” to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances
not regulated by a USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALs of
an unspecified list of “unregulated contaminants” are based on toxicity testing
guidelines (noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens).
Use of Appendix A procedures may not always be identical, depending on the
certifier.
AWWA C512-99 does not address additives requirements. Therefore, users of
this standard should consult the appropriate state or local agency having jurisdiction
in order to
1. Determine additives requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify
products for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine current information on product certification.
II. Special Issues. When selecting types of valves, it must be noted that air/
vacuum valves once closed will not reopen to vent air while a pipeline is full and
under pressure. To vent air from a pipeline under pressure, an air-release valve or
combination air valve is required.
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability
or compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions are suitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.
III.A. Purchaser options and alternatives. This standard includes certain
options and alternatives, summarized in the following list, that the purchaser should
designate when purchasing valves described in this standard. The purchaser should
review each item and make appropriate provisions in specifications to stipulate
additional requirements. The following items should be provided in the purchaser’s
specifications:
1. Standard used—that is, AWWA C512-99, Standard for Air-Release, Air/
Vacuum, and Combination Air Valves for Waterworks Service, of latest revision.
2. Valve size.
3. Valve type, air-release valve, air/vacuum, or combination air valve (Sec. 3).
4. Maximum working pressure of each valve.
5. Body inlet configuration, threaded or flanged (Sec. 4.3.3).
6. Valve material of construction (Sec. 4.3.3.1 and 4.3.11).
7. Flanges, if other than flat-faced (Sec. 4.3.4.1).
8. Cover outlet configuration, threaded, flanged, or hooded (Sec. 4.3.12).
9. Interior protective coating (Sec. 4.4.2.2).

*Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave.
N.W., Washington, DC 20418.

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 10. Special protective coatings, if other than manufacturer’s standard primer
(Sec. 4.4.2).
11. Records of tests, if specified (Sec. 5).
12. Quantity required.
13. Type of installation (underground, in-plant, in-vault, or outdoor).
14. Warranty statement, if other than manufacturer’s standard warranty.
15. Lower test pressure, if specified (Sec. 5.1.2.1 and 5.1.3.1).
16. Affidavit of compliance, if specified (Sec. 6.3).
III.B. Modification to Standard. Any modification to the provisions, definitions,
or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser’s specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. Major changes made to the standard in this revision
include the following:
1. The standard was reformatted to conform to the standard AWWA format.
2. Sec. I.C, Acceptance, was added to the foreword.
3. Sec. III, Use of This Standard, was added.
4. Sec. V., Comments, was added to the foreword.
5. Sec. 1.2, Purpose, and Sec. 1.3, Application, were added.
6. The maximum valve size described in this standard was increased from 16
in. (400 mm) to 20 in. (500 mm).
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Volunteer & Technical Support Group, (303) 794-7711 ext. 6283,
FAX (303) 795-7603, or write to the group at 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235.

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Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 American Water Works Association

ANSI/AWWA C512-99
(Revision of ANSI/AWWA C512-92)

AWWA STANDARD FOR

AIR-RELEASE, AIR/VACUUM, AND

COMBINATION AIR VALVES FOR
WATERWORKS SERVICE

SECTION 1: GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard describes 1/2-in. (13-mm) through 6-in. (150-mm) air-release
valves and 1/2-in. (13-mm) through 20-in. (500-mm) air/vacuum and combination air
valves having gray cast-iron or ductile-iron bodies and covers. The valves are
designed for use in water systems with maximum working pressures of 300 psig
(2,070 kPa [gauge]) and water temperatures ranging from above freezing to a
maximum of 125°F (52°C).
Sec. 1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for air-
release valves, air/vacuum valves, and combination air valves.
Sec. 1.3 Application
This standard can be referenced in specifications for air-release valves, air/vacuum
valves, or combination air-valves. The stipulations of this standard apply when this
document has been referenced and then only to air release valves, air/vacuum
valves, or combination air valves.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

2 AWWA C512-99

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, these
documents form a part of this standard to the extent specified in this standard. In
any case of conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
ANSI*/ASME† B1.20.1—General Purpose Pipe Threads (Inch).
ANSI/ASME B16.1—Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Class 25,
125, 250, and 800.
ASTM‡ A48—Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings.
ASTM A126—Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves, Flanges,
and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A307—Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs,
60,000 PSI Tensile Strength.
ASTM A536—Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM B154—Standard Test Method for Mercurous Nitrate Test for Copper and
Copper Alloys.
ASTM D395—Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property—Compression Set.
ANSI/ASTM D471—Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of
Liquids.
ASTM D1149—Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface Ozone
Cracking in a Chamber.
ASTM D2000—Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automo-
tive Applications.
ANSI/AWWA C550—Standard for Protective Epoxy Interior Coatings for Valves
and Hydrants.

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
1. Air-release valve: A hydromechanical device designed to automatically
release to the atmosphere small pockets of air as they accumulate at local high points
along a pipeline when the pipeline or piping system is full and operating under
pressure.
2. Air/vacuum valve: A direct-acting, float-operated, hydromechanical
device designed to automatically release or admit large volumes of air during the
filling or draining of a pipeline or piping system. This valve will open to relieve
negative pressures and will remain closed and will not reopen to vent air when the
system is full and under pressure.

*American National Standards Institute Inc., 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
†American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 E. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
‡American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 AIR-RELEASE, AIR/VACUUM, AND COMBINATION AIR VALVES 3

3. Air flow rate: The quantity of air, expressed in standard cubic feet per
minute (cubic metres per minute) or standard cubic feet per second (cubic metres per
second), passing through an orifice.
4. Combination air valve: A device having the features of both an air-release
valve and an air/vacuum valve.
5. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or products.
6. Maximum working pressure: The maximum pressure at which the valve
can continue to function.
7. Orifice: The opening in the valve mechanism through which air is
expelled from or admitted into the pipeline or piping system.
8. Orifice sizing: The method for determining the appropriate orifice
diameter required for a valve installed in a particular pipeline or piping system.
9. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
10. Valve design pressure: The maximum pressure to which a valve may be
subjected without exceeding the allowable stress of any of its components.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Data to Be Supplied by Manufacturer
If requested by the purchaser, the manufacturer shall provide the following
information when providing valves:
4.1.1 Catalog data. The catalog data shall include illustrations, valve perfor-
mance data, a parts schedule that identifies the materials used for various parts, and
a statement of the total net assembled weight for each valve size.
4.1.2 Certified drawings. A set of certified drawings shall include principal
dimensions, construction details, and materials used for all parts of the valve.
4.1.3 Operating manual. An operating manual shall include the manufac-
turer’s installation and operating instructions, a recommended list of spare parts,
and the maintenance procedures. The contents shall be sufficiently detailed to direct
the assembly and disassembly of the valve and for the ordering of parts.
Sec. 4.2 Materials
4.2.1 Physical and Chemical Requirements. The physical and chemical require-
ments of the components of air-release, air/vacuum, and combination air valves shall
be as required by ANSI, AWWA, ASME, and ASTM standards referenced in this
standard. Whenever valve components are made to conform to ANSI, AWWA, ASME,
or ASTM standards that include test requirements or testing procedures, the valve
manufacturer shall comply with the requirements and procedures. The records of all
tests shall be made available to the purchaser upon request.
4.2.1.1 Gray cast iron. Gray cast iron shall equal or exceed the requirement
of ASTM A126, Class B, or ASTM A48, Class 35.
4.2.1.2 Brass or bronze. Valve components of brass or bronze shall be made
to ASTM or Copper Development Association (CDA)* recognized alloy standard

* Copper Development Association, P.O. Box 1840, Greenwich, CT 06836.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

4 AWWA C512-99

specifications. Any bronze alloy used in the cold-worked condition shall pass the
mercurous nitrate test in accordance with ASTM B154 to minimize susceptibility to
stress corrosion.
4.2.1.2.1 Bronze parts subject to wetting by line contents shall be made of
low-zinc alloys containing less than 16 percent zinc. If aluminum–bronze is used,
the alloy shall be inhibited against dealuminization using a temper anneal at
1,200°F ±50°F (650°C ±28°C) for 1 h per in. (25.4 mm) of section thickness, followed
by cooling in moving air or by water quenching. The 1986 amendments to the US
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) limit materials used for wetted pipe fittings to a
maximum 8 percent lead.
4.2.1.3 Cover bolting. Bolting materials shall equal or exceed the minimum
physical strength requirements of ASTM A307, unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser.
4.2.1.4 Ductile iron. Ductile iron shall equal or exceed the requirements of
ASTM A536, Grade 65-45-12.
4.2.1.5 Elastomers. Elastomers shall comply with the following:
4.2.1.5.1 Rubber shall be resistant to microbial attack, copper poisoning, and
ozone attack.
4.2.1.5.2 Rubber compounds shall contain no more than 8 parts per million
(ppm) of copper ion and shall include copper inhibitors to prevent copper degradation
of the rubber material.
4.2.1.5.3 Rubber compounds shall be capable of withstanding an ozone-resistance
test when tested in accordance with ASTM D1149. The tests shall be conducted on
the unstressed samples for 70 h at 104°F (40°C) with an ozone concentration of
0.5 ppm; and there shall be no visible cracking in the surfaces of the test samples
after tests.
4.2.1.5.4 Rubber compounds shall have a maximum compression set value of
18 percent when tested in accordance with ASTM D395, Method B, for 22 h at
158°F (71°C).
4.2.1.5.5 Rubber compounds shall be free of vegetable oils, vegetable oil
derivatives, animal fats, and animal oils.
4.2.1.5.6 Rubber compounds shall contain no more than 1.5 parts wax per
100 parts of rubber hydrocarbon and shall have less than a 2 percent volume increase
when tested in accordance with ANSI/ASTM D471 after being immersed in distilled
water at 73.4°F ±2°F (23°C ±1°C) for 70 h. Reclaimed rubber shall not be used.
4.2.1.6 Gaskets. Gasket material shall be made of rubber composition or
paper that is free of asbestos or corrosive ingredients. O-rings or other suitable
elastomeric seals may be used for gaskets.
4.2.1.7 O-rings. O-rings shall be compounded to meet ASTM D2000 and have
physical properties suitable for the application.
Sec. 4.3 Design Requirements
4.3.1 Allowable stress. The allowable stress at valve design pressure shall not
exceed one third of the yield strength or one fifth of the ultimate strength of
materials used.
4.3.2 Venting. Air-release valves and the air-release mechanism of combina-
tion air valves shall be designed to open positively and vent air to the atmosphere at
system pressures up to the maximum working pressure as required by the venting
orifice size.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 AIR-RELEASE, AIR/VACUUM, AND COMBINATION AIR VALVES 5

4.3.3 Body and cover.

4.3.3.1 Material of construction. Bodies and covers shall be of gray cast iron
(ASTM A126, Class B, or ASTM A48, Class 35) or ductile iron (ASTM A536,
Grade 65-45-12) and shall have threaded or flanged connections as required by the
purchaser.
4.3.3.2 Inlet and outlet ports. The body inlet port and the cover outlet port
for air/vacuum valves and combination air valves shall be sized to ensure that the
minimum flow area of each port shall be equal to or greater than the flow area of a
circle of diameter equal to the nominal valve size.
4.3.4 Valve connections. Valve connections shall conform to the following
specifications:
4.3.4.1 Flanged ends. Flange dimensions and drilling shall conform to ANSI/
ASME B16.1, Class 125 or Class 250 except all flanges shall be flat-faced unless
otherwise specified by the purchaser.
4.3.4.2 Threaded ends. Threaded connections shall conform to the specifica-
tions for tapered pipe threads for general use, National Pipe Threads (NPT) per
ANSI/ASME B1.20.1.
4.3.5 Floats. For valves with inlet sizes less than 4 in. (100 mm), the float
shall be capable of withstanding a collapse pressure of 1,000 psig (6,900 kPa [gauge]).
For inlet sizes 4 in. (100 mm) and larger, the float shall be capable of withstanding
collapse pressures of 750 psig (5,180 kPa [gauge]).
4.3.6 Gaskets. Gaskets shall be used on all flanged joints and shall comply
with Sec. 4.2.1.6.
4.3.7 Orifices.
4.3.7.1 Air-release valve orifice. The orifice shall be suitable for the volume of
air that accumulates in the system at the maximum working pressure. The orifice
size is specific to the system application.
4.3.7.2 Air/vacuum valve orifice. The orifice shall be suitably sized, using the
manufacturer’s sizing data, to permit the required air flow rate to be discharged or
admitted.
4.3.8 Cover bolting. Unless otherwise required by the purchaser, bolts, studs,
and nuts shall comply with Sec. 4.2.1.3.
4.3.9 Seats. Valve seats made of elastomeric materials shall be designed with
a hard material selected for watertight shutoff (zero leakage) and long-term service
at a minimum pressure of 20 psig (138 kPa [gauge]). Valve seat design shall permit
easy removal and replacement in the field.
4.3.10 Special fittings.
4.3.10.1 Drain/test port. All valves with a 1-in. (25-mm) diameter or larger
inlet shall have a 1/4-in. (6-mm) NPT minimum plugged drain/test port located near
the bottom of the valve body and a plugged test port near the top of the valve.
4.3.10.2 Other. An air-release valve and an air/vacuum valve assembled with
interconnecting piping shall have pipe and fittings of sufficient size to prevent
clogging and entrapment of foreign materials. The piping between the air/vacuum
valve and the air-release valve shall be installed to allow air to rise to the air-release
inlet. When required, a shutoff valve isolating the two valves shall be provided.
4.3.11 Valve trim materials. Unless otherwise required by the purchaser,
valve trim material shall be inherently corrosion resistant and shall be the
manufacturer’s standard material.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

6 AWWA C512-99

4.3.12 Valve outlet. Valve outlets shall be threaded, flanged, or hooded (or
protected with another shielding device that is positively anchored to the valve
cover).
Sec. 4.4 Workmanship and Painting
4.4.1 Workmanship. All workmanship employed in the fabrication and
assembly of valves manufactured in accordance with this standard shall ensure that
the valves function as designed.
4.4.1.1 Interchangeable parts. Valve parts shall be designed with manufac-
turing tolerances set to provide interchangeability in the products of any one
manufacturer between units of the same size and type.
4.4.1.2 Castings. All castings shall be clean and sound without defects that
will impair their service. Plugging, welding, or repairing of these defects will not be
allowed. Internal surfaces of the casting shall be smooth and free of sharp corners.
4.4.2 Painting.
4.4.2.1 Internal surfaces. Interior surfaces of the valve body shall be clean,
smooth, and shall not be coated unless required by the purchaser.
4.4.2.2 Internal protective coating. If an internal protective coating is
required by the purchaser, all wetted parts, except machined or bearing surfaces, and
corrosion-resistant components shall be coated in accordance with ANSI/AWWA C550.
4.4.2.3 External surfaces. Unless otherwise required by the purchaser,
exterior cast-iron surfaces of each valve shall be coated with the manufacturer’s
standard primer.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Testing
Before the application of any external coating, the completely assembled valve
shall be hydrostatically tested to ensure proper operation. If an internal coating is
required by the purchaser, the hydrostatic shell test of the body and cover is
permitted before assembly to establish the integrity of the body and cover castings
prior to applying the internal coating. After the internal coating is applied, the
assembled valve shall be hydrostatically tested as outlined below.
5.1.1 Shell test. With the valve completely closed, an internal hydrostatic
pressure equal to 150 percent of the maximum working pressure shall be applied.
During the test there shall be no evidence of leakage through the valve, nor shall any
part show evidence of permanent damage or distortion. The duration of the
hydrostatic test shall be sufficient to allow visual examination for leakage and shall
be at least 1 minute for valves 8 in. (200 mm) and smaller and 3 minutes for valves
10 in. (250 mm) through 20 in. (500 mm).
5.1.2 Air-release valve seat leakage test.
5.1.2.1 Each valve shall be tested at two internal hydrostatic pressures: (1) a
minimum pressure of 20 psig (138 kPa [gauge]), unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser; and (2) a maximum pressure equal to 150 percent of the maximum
working pressure of the valve with the opposite end, or outlet of the valve, open to
atmosphere. The duration of each test shall be at least 30 seconds. At the test
pressures, the valve shall be drop-tight (zero leakage).

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

 AIR-RELEASE, AIR/VACUUM, AND COMBINATION AIR VALVES 7

5.1.2.2 After completing the hydrostatic test, each valve shall be opened and
closed three times using water at 20 psig (138 kPa [gauge]) or at a lower pressure if
specified by the purchaser, to activate the float and float mechanism. During the test,
each valve shall seal drop-tight.
5.1.3 Air/vacuum valve and combination air valve seat leakage test.
5.1.3.1 Each valve shall be tested at two internal hydrostatic pressures: (1) a
minimum pressure of 20 psig (138 kPa [gauge]), unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser; and (2) a minimum pressure equal to 150 percent of the maximum
working pressure of the valve with the opposite end, or outlet of the valve, open to
atmosphere. The duration of each test shall be at least 30 seconds. At the test
pressures, the valve shall be drop-tight (zero leakage).
5.1.3.2 During the low-pressure test the float or plug shall be rotated four
times in 90° increments. There shall be no evidence of leakage in any of the test
positions.
Sec. 5.2 Inspection
All work performed according to this standard shall be subject to inspection by
the purchaser.
5.2.1 Plant inspection. The purchaser shall have access to all places of
manufacture where materials are produced or fabricated and where tests are
conducted and shall be able to inspect the facilities and observe the tests.
Sec. 5.3 Rejection
Any valve, or valve part, that does not comply with the requirements of this
standard shall be rejected.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY
Sec. 6.1 Marking
Each valve shall be marked by body markings or a corrosion-resistant
nameplate, or both, that clearly indicate the manufacturer’s name or trademark, size
of the valve, and the designation of the maximum working pressure rating of the
valve for water service.
Sec. 6.2 Preparation for Shipment
Valves shall be complete in all details when shipped. All cavities shall be
drained of water to protect from freezing. The openings shall be covered to prevent
entry of foreign material, and the threads shall be protected. The manufacturer shall
carefully prepare the valves for shipment. Valves shall be fully packaged or attached
to pallets at the manufacturer’s option.
Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance
The manufacturer shall, when required by the purchaser, provide an affidavit to
the purchaser stating that the valve and all materials used in its construction
conform to the applicable requirements of this standard and the purchaser’s
specifications, and that all tests specified in this standard have been performed and
that all test requirements have been met.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved

1P-7.5M-43512-1/00-CM Printed on recycled paper.

Copyright © 1999 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved