PRODUCTS
Air Pipe Head

Air Pipe Head

A Marine Air Pipe Head is a safety device fitted at the open end of a ship’s air, sounding, or vent pipe. Its primary function is to allow the free passage of air or gas into and out of tanks—such as ballast, fuel, fresh water, or bilge tanks—while reliably preventing the ingress of seawater, rain, spray, and solid contaminants under normal and heavy weather conditions. Inside, a float-operated disc or ball automatically seals the pipe opening if water enters the head, protecting the tank contents and the vessel’s stability.




Overview

1. Applicable Standards and Design Basis
Our Marine Air Pipe Heads are designed and manufactured to meet the following international rules and standards:

  • ISO 15364: Ships and marine technology – Pressure/vacuum valves and air pipe heads, defining performance requirements and type tests.

  • SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Chapter II-2: Fire safety requirements for vent heads, including the fitting of flame screens to prevent flame ingress.

  • IACS UR F1/F2: Unified requirements concerning the construction and strength of air pipe heads and their automatic closing devices.

  • Classification Society Rules: ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, BV, CCS, NK, KR, and others have specific type approval requirements for air pipe heads, which our designs satisfy.

2. Construction and Marine-Grade Materials

  • Body & Cover: Fabricated from high-quality marine-grade materials such as carbon steel with hot-dip galvanizing or epoxy coating, stainless steel AISI 316L, or bronze. Robust construction withstands green water impact on exposed decks.

  • Float & Closing Mechanism: Internal non-collapsible stainless steel float or ball (solid core or sealed) that rises with incoming water to press a sealing disc firmly against a seat. The guide system ensures smooth, jam-free operation even after long idle periods.

  • Flame Screen: Integral corrosion-resistant stainless steel wire mesh (compliant with SOLAS requirements) fitted at the outlet to prevent the passage of flame and protect against debris or insects.

  • Sealing Seat: Replaceable EPDM, NBR, or PTFE seat ring for long-lasting, watertight and airtight closure when the float is activated.

  • Weatherhood/Cover: Designed to deflect spray and rain and to drain any entrapped water without allowing accumulation. Often detachable for inspection and cleaning.

3. Key Technical Features

  • Automatic Positive Shut-Off: The buoyancy-driven float automatically seals the vent opening when water enters the head, preventing tank flooding. When the water recedes, the float drops back, instantly restoring ventilation.

  • Full Air Flow Capacity: The open cross-sectional area and streamlined design are calculated to meet the required air flow capacity for tank filling and emptying rates, preventing over-pressurization or vacuum conditions.

  • Corrosion-Resistant Throughout: All internal parts are made from inherently corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring fail-safe operation even in salt-laden marine atmospheres and continuous exposure to seawater.

  • Compact and Robust Deck-Mount Design: Flanged or threaded mounting connection compatible with standard marine piping (DIN, JIS, GB, ASME/ANSI flanges on request). External surfaces are prepared for the harshest offshore environments.

  • Low Maintenance: The simple float-and-seat mechanism requires minimal maintenance. The removable cover allows easy visual inspection and cleaning of the flame screen and float assembly without dismantling the pipe.

4. Typical Marine Applications

  • Ballast tank air and vent pipes

  • Fuel oil and diesel oil storage tank vents

  • Fresh water and potable water tank vents

  • Bilge holding tank and sewage tank ventilation

  • Void spaces and cofferdam venting

  • Cargo tank vents on tankers and barges (for compatible grades)

5. Quality Assurance, Testing, and Certification

  • Type Testing: Each design is type-tested in accordance with ISO 15364 or applicable classification society rules to verify automatic closing function under simulated flooding conditions, air flow performance, and pressure drop characteristics.

  • Production Testing: Every unit undergoes a thorough dimensional check, float function test, and leak tightness verification of the automatic closing device before shipment.

  • Material Traceability: Full material certificates (EN 10204 Type 3.1 or equivalent) are provided for all pressure-containing and critical functional components. Each head is permanently marked with size, pressure rating, material grade, and the maker’s stamp.

  • Class Approvals: Our Air Pipe Heads can be supplied with type approval certificates from all major classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR, BV, CCS, NK, KR, RINA, etc.), ensuring immediate acceptance during newbuilding and repair surveys.

Related products for "Air Pipe Head"

Contact Us