A

AIR A
ADMITTTANC
CE
VALVE
E

EELIMINATE STINK A
AND V
VENTT PIPEES 
 THE RIGHT SOLUTION TO CONVENTIONAL VENTING

!! STINK FREE TOILETS !!

The reason we vent is to protect the trap seal. This is equally important to remember when
reviewing some of the more complex venting methods. If there were no traps in a plumbing
drainage system, there would be no vents.

Another important issue to keep in mind is that the venting system must maintain a pressure
differential of plus or minus one inch of a water column at the trap seal. This has been the
accepted national standard for venting systems since the days of Dr. Roy Hunter.

Often one will encounter individuals under the mistaken belief that the entire drainage system
cannot have a pressure differential of plus or minus one inch of a water column. This is
nearly impossible to do unless every pipe is grossly oversized. Within a drainage network, it is
not uncommon to experience pressure differentials in excess of plus or minus one inch of a
water column.

Stack Pressure Differentials.

The greatest concern for pressure differentials in a drainage system is flow in a vertical drain,
or stack. The taller the stack, the greater potential for pressure differentials.

The maximum permitted flow of wastewater in the stack is 7/24th of the area of the stack.
The remaining area of the stack is air. As water and waste flows down the stack, it runs down
the wall of the pipe. A boundary layer effect is created between the flow of water and the air
in the stack. The wastewater pulls the air down the stack.

The air closest to the falling water travels at

approximately the same velocity as the
wastewater. Moving further away from the
water, the velocity of the air is slower.
Figure 1 shows the velocity profile for flow in
a stack during peak demand (maximum
allowable flow). Looking at the velocity
profile, it will be noticed that more air flows
down the stack than wastewater under peak
demand conditions. Figure 1. The
flow of wastewater in the drainage stack pulls the
air down the stack. The velocity of air is close to
the velocity of water when close to the
wastewater. The velocity of the air is lower at the
core of the stack
This air is supplied through the venting
system. The suction created by the flowing
water lowers the pressure of the air in the
stack. The further the flow is from the vent
terminal, the lower the pressure (or greater
the negative pressure). Figure 2 shows the
pressure profile for flow in a stack. At the
top of the stack, the pressure is equal to
atmospheric pressure. The curve shown in
this figure is a dynamic curve. Figure 2
depicts a snapshot of the pressure within a
fraction of a second of time. Figure 2. The pressure
in the stack decreases the farther away the flow is
from the stack terminal.
If a stack is very tall, the curve may extend
to far into the negative pressure zone. When
a relief vent is installed in the stack, the
pressure is brought back closer to
atmospheric pressure

Above write-up is re-produced

from:

Back to Basics: Venting, Part 2

By Julius Ballanco

To ensure proper venting “Air Admittance Valve” was invented, air admittance valve
is a one-way valve that allows air to enter the drainage system without permitting the escape
of sewer gas. These valves can be used to equalize the pressure during a negative pressure
occurrence.

TO MAKE VENTING 100 % EFFECTIVE, AAV’s

WERE DEVELOPED BY SWEDE STURE ERICSON
IN 1970s.
 AIR ADMITTANCE VALVE

Air Admittance Valves (AAV’s) are devices used in the plumbing systems of
buildings, as well as ships, to address the problems associated with plumbing drainage
venting. The most ideal solution to having !! STINK FREE TOILETS !!

Air admittance valves are one way valve designed to allow air to enter the plumbing
system when negative pressures develop in the piping system. The device shall close by
gravity and seal the vent terminal at zero differential pressure (no flow conditions) and
under positive internal pressures. The purpose of an air admittance valve is to provide a
method of allowing air to enter the plumbing drainage system without the use of a vent
extended to open air and to prevent sewer gases from escaping into a building.

Adequate venting of the plumbing drainage system is an essential consideration in the

design, construction and renovation of any type of building. By employing a vent pipe,
the problem of negative air pressure can be effectively relieved, since the pressure inside
the wastewater stack can equalise with the ambient pressure. However, since the vent
pipe must always vent to the atmosphere and penetrate the roof of the building,
drainage venting solutions which employ venting pipes are often complex and unsightly
affairs, they add to the cost of the project and require more space.

By contrast, an Air Admittance Valve (AAV) allows air to enter the plumbing drainage
system through a one-way air valve when a plumbing fixture is operated and water flows
through the pipes. When the flow stops, the valve closes by gravity and prevents the
escape of sewer gas from the plumbing system.
 COMPARISON

Compared to a venting pipe solution, AAVs provide many advantages

Provide architects and engineers greater freedom of layout and design. Decrease labor

and material costs for complex open pipe venting systems. Increase efficiency by requiring

less coordination of trades on the job site between the plumber and roofer. Eliminate the

risk of leakage around vent pipe flashing. Prevent pests from entering through vent pipes.

They reduce plan area of plumbing shafts, reducing construction cost. Enhance

aesthetics by eliminating vent pipes marring a sleek roof line Vent pipes are terminated in the

shaft “ No need to take them to the terrace”. Prevent sewer gases from escaping into the

atmosphere polluting the environment. Prevent the "chimney" effect in vent pipes --

reduces the need for fire-stopping devices.

The Valves are NFS approved

material
 WORKING OF THE VALVE

ZERO PRESSURE

STAGE ONE At zero pressure the AAV is sealed, ready

to react to pressure changes. The AAV will
not allow sewer gas to enter the structure

NEGATIVE PRESSURE

A pressure change of 0.01 psi will cause

the AAV to open. When open, air will flow
STAGE TWO from the room, through the protective
screening, past the seal and into the DWV
system. When pressure is equalized, the
AAV returns to the zero pressure position.

POSITIVE PRESSURE

STAGE III The AAV seals at 0 psi and above

indefinitely. When pressure subsides, the
AAV returns to the zero pressure position.
 Installation Instructions

When installed as a branch vent, the AAV must be at least 4" above the horizontal
waste line of the fixture that it serves. i.e. must be installed a minimum of four (4")
inches above the pipe to which it connects.

When using AAV’s as a stack vent, it must be installed at least 6" above the flood rim
level of the highest fixture that it serves. It can be terminated within a wall using the
Wall box and Grille combination.

A branch vent must be used when venting multiple outlets connected to a single
horizontal pipe run and if the fixture (single) is more that 7 feet from the branch Tee on
the vertical stack, whether or not a stack vent is installed.

In case the shaft is air-tight it is recommended to have one primary stack vent per
building which must terminate outdoors through the roof or in the open incase the
horizontal stacks are connected to a common header, incase each of the stack is
terminating into the external sewage line independently then it is advisable to vent any
one manhole from the common external sewage line., in case the shafts are not air-tight
the same can be avoided.

THIS BEING A DESIGN ENGINEERING SOLUTION WE REQUEST YOU TO FORWARD

YOUR “DWV” DRAWINGS TO US SO THAT WE CAN IDENTIFY THE TYPE AND
LOCATION OF THE AVV.
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AIR VENTING WITH AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES

Write-up on using Air Admittance Vents at top of the stack and Status of Gases in the
vertical line

A. Sewer gases a group of gases (see date sheet) but in the main they are generated due
to decay of the sewage from W.C and food waste breaking down. Majority of the gases
generated are heavier than air and hence remain in the main horizontal lines due to
gravity. There are very few % of gases which are lighter than air and find there way to
go to the topmost point in the piping system there by in the atmosphere through open
passage.

B. The heavier gases remain in the space above the flowing sewage as there is ample
space as the line is maximum half filled at peak hour. The pipe size is designed for half
full flow at peak hour. At lean hours the level of sewage is below half.

C. Lighter gases shall remain in the vertical pipelines when AAV is fitted at the top as it
will not allow the gases to go out. These gases shall be swept down whenever there is
splash of water as a result of flushing in toilet or even just running a tap anywhere in
the system. As these gases are lighter they do not have enough strength to dislodge the
50mm water seal in the WC on each floor.

D. However, if there is a blockage in the drain line then there will be accumulation of
water and it will try to fill complete passage in the pipeline reducing the open space
where the heavier gases are stored. This will pressurize the gases and force them to go
back upstream just before the waste which is also backing up.

E. Hence some dedicated vents are important for venting these gases.

F. You may provide dedicated vents at certain chambers. One can provide a conventional
vent of adequate size at first upstream chamber of the building drain nearest to main
line chamber which receives the sewage from the building. The necessity of the vent
shall totally depend on number of dwellings, no of ducts in the building which
constitutes the building drain and in turn takes the sewage to main line. You may have
another dedicated vent at the middle chamber in case you have number of such
building chambers. This will prevent the back pressure effect in case the building drain
has chocking problem.

In general conventional ventilation may be provided at the chamber closet to main line
and also at the mid point of building drain depending on the chamber network or a
outlet with a carbon filter be provided in the vent line which can then be terminated
at ground level.
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AIR VENTING WITH AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES

SELECTED PHYSICAL DATA

Sewer gas is a generic name for the collection of gases and airborne agents that often
accompany sewage and the natural processes and reactions associated with sewage processing
and the decomposition of organic materials. The major components of sewer gas can include:
nitrogen (N2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3),
biological organisms, water vapor, and other chemicals discharged to the effluent stream.1,2
The presence and concentration of any of these components can vary with time, composition of
the sewage, temperature, and pH.

• Nitrogen accounts for about 78% of the earth's atmosphere, and generally is not
released from normally expected sewage reactions. It is not generated from the
sewage, but its concentration in sewer gas may be effectively increased by the removal
or consumption of oxygen through other means (i.e., rusting, other forms of oxidation
or biological activity).

• Hydrogen sulfide is formed by biological and chemical processes in the liquid phase
and is released to the headspace above the solution; its concentration in the gas phase
is dependent upon its concentration in the liquid phase and ambient equilibrium
conditions. At non-toxic levels, H2S has the familiar odor of rotten eggs. At acutely
toxic levels, H2S quickly paralyzes an individual's ability to detect its odor, and will
rapidly render a victim unconscious. Due to its relatively high toxic potential while at
dilute concentrations, and normally expected air currents, the molecular gas density of
H2S is often of secondary importance in predicting its movement or stratification.3 H2S
gas is also flammable at concentrations which are well above toxic levels (Lower
Explosive Limit 4.35%, Upper Explosive Limit 46%).

• Carbon dioxide and methane have little or no odor characteristics and have a
saturated gas density approximately 1.5 and 0.6 times that of air, respectively. Their
relative gas densities compared to air and potential for elevated concentrations may
cause some gas stratification. Since both of these gases are generated while in
solution, there may be higher concentrations at the liquid-air surface.

• Methane is extremely flammable, has a wide explosive range, and a low flash point.
These characteristics result in a substantial fire and explosion hazard. Methane will
also react with some oxidizers spontaneously. It is also possible to have other
flammable gases in sewers that originate from spills and leaks of flammable liquids.

• Ammonia has a distinct, strong odor with good warning characteristics which are
present well before attaining toxic levels. Exposure to elevated levels of ammonia also
may act as an eye and mucus membrane irritant. It is unlikely that acutely toxic levels
of this material would be present from common sewage reactions.
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AIR VENTING WITH AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES

All of the above gases are colorless at the concentrations commonly encountered in sewage
systems.

• Natural biological organisms and pathogens from sewage can become airborne,
primarily through agitation, or other physical actions on the accompanying liquid, but
generally these microbes are short-lived when suspended in air.

Implications:
The materials which may occupy these locations may be variable mixtures of liquids, gases and
mists. There may be little perceptible indication of decreased oxygen levels; there may be no
warning odors for the most toxic gas; and there may be a possibility for a fire or explosion
hazard. Exposure to airborne biological contaminants often requires the generation of mists
containing these materials.

HEALTH EFFECT AND HAZARD DATA

The major adverse health effects and hazards from exposure to sewer gases are:

1. Poisoning from H2S, Asphyxiation from displaced or consumed oxygen,

2. Decreased vigilance or fatigue due to reduced oxygen levels (from CO2 and CH4),
3. Biological contamination, and
4. Fires and explosions from methane gas, H2S or other flammable gases.

Hydrogen sulfide has been reported as the leading cause of sudden death in the work place.4
At concentrations in air of approximately 300 ppm, H2S can be immediately deadly. It is
absorbed primarily through the lungs, but can also be adsorbed to a limited extent through the
skin and mucous membranes. Chronic health effects caused by repeated exposures have not
been established. Common symptoms to non-acute exposure levels include eye irritation,
fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

Carbon dioxide is a simple asphyxiant (displaces oxygen) and a stimulant for the respiratory
system. A concentration of 5% may produce headaches and shortness of breath. Background
concentrations of carbon dioxide in air range from 300 to 400 ppm.

Methane is a simple asphyxiant (displaces oxygen), but does not itself cause significant
physiological responses.

Table 1 contains more information on the exposure criteria for the gaseous materials.

Common biological agents found in sewer systems may be bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Table
2 lists a few of the diseases and viruses that are associated with inhalation exposure from
waste water operations.
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AIR VENTING WITH AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES

TABLE 1 - SELECTED PROPERTIES OF SEWER GASES

Vapor
ppm Odor
Density
Threshold
Compound (air = 1.0) PEL ppm 5 STEL ppm 6
Hydrogen 20 50 (10
1.19 0.01
Sulfide (ceiling) mins.only)
1.53 -
Carbon Dioxide 5,000 -
0.55 -
Methane - -
0.59 17
Ammonia 50 -

TABLE 2 - SELECTED WASTEWATER RELATED

DISEASES AND VIRUSES (inhalation)7

Tuberculosis Poliomyelitis Common cold

Histoplasmosis Adenovirus Echovirus
Coxsackie A & B Bacillary dysentery Rotavirus

Implications:
The presence of sewer gas at significant concentration levels may result in dangerous
conditions due to its toxic nature, its suppression of life supporting oxygen levels, and its
potential explosive nature. Some components of sewer gas may result in detectable odors, but
the odor warning characteristics alone may be insufficient to cause exposed individuals to
leave the area. Biological contaminants can become airborne and accompany mists released
from sewage-related operations.

CHEMICAL FORMATION/GENERATION
Hydrogen sulfide is formed from the bio-chemical reduction reaction of naturally occurring
sulfate ions in water or from the decomposition of organic matter that contains sulfur under
anaerobic conditions,8 and from reactions of metal sulfides and strong acids.9 Hydrogen sulfide
generally will not form if there is an abundance of available oxygen. There is a potential for
the continued biological oxidation of the hydrogen sulfide to form weak concentrations of
sulfuric acid (H2SO4) or the formation of ferrous sulfide (FeS), a blackish solid residue, if iron is
available. If sufficient dissolved oxygen is present, H2S will not be generated.10
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AIR VENTING WITH AIR ADMITTANCE VALVES

Carbon dioxide is the natural product of respiration, including that from microbial activity,
and is primarily harmful due to the consumption and displacement of oxygen that accompanies
its generation. This gas can also be produced under some circumstances from the reaction of
some acids and the carbonates in concrete. This set of reactions is usually restricted due to
such mass transfer limitations as the presence of slime and accumulation of a precipitate layer.

There also is a water-carbonate system that will naturally dissolve or release CO2 from ground
and surface waters.11

Methane in sewers and similar structures generally occurs from biological activities or chemical
reactions of certain organic materials. 12 Usually its concentration is below the lower explosive
limit, and at that concentration range will only decrease the available oxygen concentration
one percent for every five percent methane. Methane can add to the explosive vapors that may
be present from other flammable and explosive chemicals that have been discharged to the
system. The presence of elevated levels of nitrogen and carbon dioxide may alter the
flammability limits normally published for methane in air.

The production of these and other gases may be altered by the presence of other chemicals,
changes in temperature, and pH. The rate of gas generation may significantly affect the final
concentration.

Implications:
There are several chemical pathways for the formation of these gases. Their concentration may
be limited by reaction kinetics, mass transfer considerations, or by dilution effects. There are
several sinks and sources for these materials. These kinds of controlling factors may
substantially change the potential for exposure.

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