What is a Mayevsky crane, why is it needed and how to install it correctly

Features of inclusion in the heating system

There are features in the installation of air vent valves when they are screwed into the body of existing radiator plugs. Radiator plugs are usually screwed in on the left-hand thread. The faucet twists to the right, and therefore the plumber needs to fix the plug with one key and at the same time turn the air vent with the second. But these are technical trifles, which it does not hurt to know about inexperienced townsfolk.

Circuitry for vertical placement of heating radiators using Mayevsky cranes. As can be seen from the diagram, depending on the type of connection, a specific installation of air vents is determined

The scheme for installing air outlet devices also has some features. So, if the radiator system is built according to the vertical arrangement of devices, air vent valves are usually placed on the radiators of the highest level.

But in the parallel connection scheme, even with a vertical structure, Mayevsky's taps are placed in the heating devices of the lower and upper levels. In general, in plumbing practice, installation in each individual case is done taking into account the possible accumulation of air in the system.

Another version of the scheme, which is widely used in everyday life. In this version, air vents are mounted on each individual radiator of the heating system.

If the installation of the heating system is carried out according to a horizontal scheme, here, as a rule, each heating device is equipped with air vents. By and large, it is desirable to equip almost any heating system equipment. In reality, the equipment is subject to:

• all heating batteries in the system;
• compensators, bypasses and similar devices;
• registrars and coils;
• pipelines of the upper level of the heating system.

Some circuit solutions even provide for the placement of the Mayevsky crane on heated towel rails. By the way, there are models of heated towel rails on sale, the designs of which have a Mayevsky tap entry point.

Before deciding on the purchase of air exhaust devices, it is recommended to carefully study the layout of the devices.

Small-sized special wrenches are convenient to use in cramped conditions, where closely spaced other objects interfere with the use of a screwdriver

Depending on the degree of freedom of access to the equipment, Mayevsky cranes of a suitable modification should be installed.

Where it is difficult to work with a screwdriver, turnkey models are better suited, and where it is difficult to work with keys, it is reasonable to place automatic devices. Careful analysis will help make device maintenance more efficient and save on purchases.

Automatic air vents are traditionally mounted on pipeline lines, at points of potential accumulation of air masses. On radiators, such devices, as a rule, are not used.

Manual devices have the most simplified design, for example, in comparison with automatic air vents. But, as practice shows, simplicity is the key to reliability.

If cast-iron radiators are used in the heating system, manual taps are more reliable for such a system than automatic ones. Meanwhile, the degree of reliability of the design largely depends on the quality of the metal (brass) from which the air vent is made.

Mayevsky's crane assembled on a kapron plug. Design specially prepared for installation in a system built on polypropylene pipes

You can also mention the experience of introducing Mayevsky taps into heating circuits built on plastic pipes. This material quite reliably keeps stable pressure and temperature, but is weak against water hammer.

Installing a Mayevsky crane paired with a safety valve increases the reliability of the system for such cases. In general, for schemes where pressure stability is in question, it is recommended to use valves as stabilizers.

The video demonstrates the principle of operation of the Mayevsky crane and gives recommendations for its installation:

Simple in design and easy to maintain, air vents are also an integral technical part of any heating system. Deliberate exclusion of devices from the system threatens to turn into serious consequences, up to defrosting of batteries and pipes in the winter. It is impossible to ignore Mayevsky cranes, they just need to be selected for a specific system.

The device of the Mayevsky crane and the principle of its operation

Mayevsky's crane is a plumbing device called only among the people. In state standards, it belongs to the category of shut-off valves, called a needle radiator air valve.

Now the industry offers several designs of the Mayevsky crane. This allows you to choose the most convenient option, taking into account the location of its installation. The classic design is a device of two parts:

• conical screws;
• corps.

on the side of the body.

Mayevsky cranes are made most often from brass. This alloy has a high degree of corrosion resistance, which guarantees a long service life. Depending on the type of design, the Mayevsky crane can be opened with a special ICMA key, a screwdriver or a hand.

In a vertical heating system, consisting of a lower water supply pipeline and an upper coolant outlet thread, all devices located on the upper floor are equipped with such elements. Mayevsky's taps are selected according to the diameter and screwed into the upper radiators. In a horizontal heating system, these devices are installed on each battery. A tee is used for a side-connected heated towel rail in the bathroom.It is mounted in a vertical position, the tap opening must be directed away from the wall. Installation of Mayevsky cranes on radiators, convectors is necessary if the heating system has sections located lower than the upper axis of the device connection. In this position, natural air removal is impossible.

Mandatory deaeration is carried out immediately after the installation of the heating system, since at the beginning of work in radiators, plugs accumulate in any case. It is required to carry out such work when the system is turned on after the summer. Subsequently, local problems may arise due to the suction of air into the system, which occurs during its operation, the presence of air bubbles in the coolant. The reason for the accumulation of air is the release of hydrogen in the process of corrosion of the metal parts of the communication. Aluminum radiators without a specific coating of the inner surface constantly release this element into the coolant, entering into a chemical reaction with it.

Before work you need:

• Prepare a water container and a rag so as not to flood the floors in the room;

• Remove air if necessary. The Mayevsky crane is turned counterclockwise by one turn with a hand, a screwdriver or a key. At the same time, air with a hiss begins to exit the radiator. If a lot of it has accumulated, you can turn the tap another half turn. In the open state, it is left until it starts to drip from the hole, and then water flows out, and the air stops coming out.
• After that, the valve can be tightly closed. If the system is equipped with pumps for forced circulation, they must be turned off a few minutes before the air is bled.Otherwise, it will not be possible to completely remove the plug, so the air will not have time to accumulate in the upper part of the radiator.

Mayevsky's manual crane is usually not used in large highways, where air congestion is constantly accumulating. For such systems, other gas exhaust structures are used.

Description of the Mayevsky crane

In whatever direction we look at the Mayevsky valve, it is in line with its technological purpose and regulations within the industry standard, and is a STD 7073V air bleed valve from industrial or domestic heating systems.

One of the most common problems that lead to disruption of the heating systems is the accumulation of air. The resulting plug does not allow the fluid to circulate normally. As a result, a radiator with air inside reduces the performance of the entire system.

The coolant that circulates in the heating radiator plays the role of providing heat during the cold period. But it happens that the batteries do not warm up to the end. This may be due to the fact that air accumulates in the radiator, and it prevents hot water from filling the entire space of the radiator. Therefore, this air must somehow be removed from there. It is for this that the Mayevsky crane works.

Mayevsky crane device

How to bleed air from a faucet? Its operation is based on the principle of bleeding the air lock at the moment the shut-off valve is loosened.

The Mayevsky crane valve is designed in the same way as a conventional crane, that is, a hermetic connection opens and closes from a gaseous or hydraulic medium with high pressure to an environment with normal conditions.The historical prototype of the modern Mayevsky valve design is an ordinary saddle type faucet.

But when using a conventional water tap, there was an uncontrolled leakage of water from the heating system. This required a special design of the tap, which would make it difficult or completely eliminate the loss of fluid from the heating network. This problem was solved with the invention of the Mayevsky crane, which underwent a large number of improvements.

Mayevsky crane was invented more than 80 years ago. This is a very simple device, very effective and reliable. Therefore, it is still relevant today.

The crane is installed at the top of the heating radiators. It may have an automatic air vent or be operated manually.

Opening the valve half a turn, the air leaves the system and makes room for the coolant. This device is used for all types of batteries, even for older designs.

Where does the air in the heating system come from?

The occurrence of air congestion can be for several reasons:

• when installing heating systems;
• during repair work with the removal of fluid from the system;
• when installing a new radiator;
• in case of air leakage into the system during operation;
• as a consequence of a physical phenomenon (water emits air bubbles during any corrosion processes);

The latter often occurs with aluminum batteries in urban buildings.

This is interesting: The device and principle of operation of a ball valve - you need to know this

Mayevsky crane installation

Vertical heating system. The air vent valve is installed on all appliances (radiators, convectors, batteries) on the upper floor of the house with a lower supply and return line (Fig. 2).Or if at least the section of the supply line from the device to the riser is below the upper axis of the device connection, which makes it impossible to remove air in a natural way.

The Mayevsky manual tap is screwed into the upper radiator cap with the desired inner diameter (Photo 2), using a sealing winding, if a gasket is not provided (Photo 1) - B.

Usually, during the removal of air, a small amount of liquid flows out, so it is desirable that the outlet on the Mayevsky tap be turned down. It will be convenient to use tap B on (Photo 1), after installing it, it is possible to direct the outlet in any direction in a circle. If it does not turn by hand, then you can take an open-end wrench 12 - 14, or at least pliers and turn it in the right direction.

Horizontal heating system. The installation of a Mayevsky crane is mandatory on all devices (Fig. 3) and collectors. An exception can often be only a "warm floor", but not always, depending on the connection scheme to the heating.

AT towel warmers with bottom connection provided (there is a hole) for installing a Mayevsky crane. But for heated towel rails with side connection, in most cases, it is required to install an additional device to remove air. Such a device can be a metal tee (Photo 3) or a brazed female tee (Photo 4) for plastic pipes. The tee is independently mounted in a vertical position on the supply line, in front of the heated towel rail, the outlet on the Mayevsky air valve is turned away from the wall.

It will not be difficult in a cast-iron deaf futorka (plug) to cut with your own hands a thread under the Mayevsky crane of the “old model” - G (Photo 1). To do this, you need a 10x1 tap with a crank, a 9 mm drill and an electric drill. A through hole is drilled in a blind futorka from the inside in the center, after which a thread is cut from the outside. The whole process will take a maximum of 15 minutes.

Sometimes it is required to install an air vent valve on registers made of steel pipes. In this case, the easiest way would be to weld a steel boss (Photo 5) with the planned inner diameter or install a tee with a tap in front of the register (Photo 3).

To decide whether it is necessary to install a Mayevsky manual crane for a particular place, just imagine whether the air can be removed from the heating system on its own, without your participation or not, despite the fact that the air only goes up.

Criterias of choice

To independently choose a Mayevsky crane for cast-iron radiators or batteries made of other materials, you must consider:

• type of air vent;
• equipment dimensions.

Varieties of Mayevsky cranes

To bleed air from the heating system, use:

air vent with manual control.

Such a device is characterized by ease of use and minimal cost. In most cases, mounted with central heating system. To rotate the screw, a screwdriver that is suitable in size, a special key for the Mayevsky crane or a handle can be used.

The equipment designed with a key or a screwdriver reliably protects the device from unauthorized opening, for example by a child

When installing taps with a handle, additional precautions must be taken;

Cranes with manual control

Mayevsky automatic crane.

Unlike manually operated equipment, the faucet is safer for children and pets, as it works automatically.

The equipment is equipped with a special float that reacts to the presence of air in the heating system. With excess air, the float rises and opens the drain hole to remove it. When the air is released, the float lowers and the valve closes.

The automatic tap is installed on individual heating systems, in which you can monitor the quality of the coolant. The presence of contaminants in the system can lead to the inoperability of the device;

The principle of operation of equipment with automatic control

All automatic cranes are additionally equipped with the possibility of manual control to ensure the operability of the equipment in emergency situations.

faucet with safety valve.

The device is also intended for individual systems, since the ingress of small particles leads to clogging of the equipment and its inoperability.

How does a faucet valve work? Unlike standard equipment, the device allows not only to remove air from the heating radiator, but also to control the level of internal pressure, which minimizes the possibility of hydraulic shock, which is especially important for plastic and metal-plastic pipelines

Mayevsky crane with safety valve

What parameters should be considered when choosing

To choose a faucet for a heated towel rail or heating radiator, the following technical parameters must be taken into account:

• equipment diameter. For optimal operation of the device, it is necessary that the diameter of the shut-off and control valves fully correspond to the diameter of the outlet of the radiator (towel dryer);
• pitch and type of thread. Manufacturers offer faucets with right or left hand threads in 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch or 1 inch sizes;
• tightness class. For radiators of central heating systems, it is more expedient to use devices of the highest tightness class (A). Lower class devices can be installed in a private home (with low system pressure) and/or on a heated towel rail.

All technical parameters of the device are indicated in the attached documentation.

Technical parameters of the Mayevsky crane

How to mount the air vent mechanism

Mayevsky's manual crane is a self-sealing device. Included with the product is a sealing ring made of rubber, so there is no need to use any additional sealing materials.

Traditionally, the installation of air vents of this type is performed in tandem with radiator fittings (1 dm x ½ dm; 1 dm x ¾ dm). As an installation tool, a spanner wrench specially designed for working with fittings and plugs is used.

Plumbing wrench for installation of radiator fittings and plugs. 1 - ring wrench, 2 - radiator cap, 3 - radiator cap. This tool and parts are often operated when installing faucets that remove air

The operation of Mayevsky cranes (air vents) is permissible only at certain pressures and temperatures. These values ​​are determined by the technical characteristics of the device.

Technical characteristics of the air vent

The required functional properties are shown in the following table:

Technical specifications	Permissible value	Units
Pressure (working)	10	ATI
Temperature (maximum)	120	ºС
passage diameter	25.4 or 20.0	mm
Thread diameter	25.4 or 20.0	mm
Working environment	water and other non-aggressive liquids	—
Life time	20 — 25	years
Tightness class	"BUT"	—

During operation, violations in the operation of devices are not excluded. A frequent reason for the loss of performance of Mayevsky cranes is small debris moved by the coolant. If the faucet is clogged and has lost its functionality, it is recommended to carry out a simple maintenance:

1. Isolate the radiator from the system with shut-off valves.
2. Release about 1/3 of the volume of water from the battery.
3. Remove the device from the battery case.
4. Clean the through hole with a thin (non-metallic) sharp object.

Heating systems are not always equipped with radiators, which have plugs with ready-made holes for Mayevsky taps. In such cases, the terminals for the air vents will have to be done by hand. No particular difficulties are foreseen in this case. You just need to drill a hole for the installation size of the crane and cut the thread.

Installation of taps in the housing of cast-iron radiators should be given increased attention. Here traditionally used products made of high quality reliable material.

The hole is drilled with a drill for metal using a drill, and the thread is cut with a tap

Of course, the diameter of the drill is chosen 1 - 1.5 mm less than the installation size of the crane, and the tap is exactly the right size

The hole is drilled with a drill for metal using a drill, and the thread is cut with a tap. Of course, the diameter of the drill is chosen 1 - 1.5 mm less than the installation size of the crane, and the tap is exactly the right size.

Repair work

Having found signs of the presence of air in the heating system, you should not immediately begin to get rid of it. First, the circuit is checked for integrity and tightness. After all, if there are leaks, the problems will continue.

Coolant leakage

Coolant leakage is a loss of fluid that occurs due to loose connections and damage to the circuit.

Photo 1. Leakage in the pipe of the heating system. Such a malfunction can cause poor performance of the heating structure.

Possible leak locations and solutions:

1. Pipe sections. Clamps, cold welding are used to stop the leak. If the pipe is plastic, the entire segment is replaced.
2. The joints of the parts of the system are sealed. welding is used.
3. Loose connection of radiator sections. You will have to remove the battery and tighten the connections (on aluminum). Cast iron radiators are glued with a cloth with epoxy resin.

This is the hard part of the job preparing the system for the heating season. But this must be done, otherwise you can be left without heat in the winter.

Constant loss of coolant will lead to unstable operation of the system.

Features of the underfloor heating system

The presence of a warm floor complicates the system; it is not easy to expel air in the floor loops.

Air plugs appear due to:

• pressure reduction;
• strong heating of the coolant;
• the formation of a leak;
• violations of tightness of connections;
• errors made during installation (uneven surface, pipe slope, errors in the organization of the collector);
• illiterate first start of the system.

In order for the system to start correctly, air is bled from it before the boiler is turned on and the coolant is heated.

If a warm floor is the main means of obtaining a comfortable temperature, then air cannot be allowed in it.

Attention! A normal system works even if there is air in there. The efficiency will decrease, but the heat will still flow

When air appears in the circuit, the floor will stop heating - the reason for this is the complex laying and the small diameter of the pipeline.

Expelling air from the floor circuit is a lengthy process:

1. Only one circuit is turned on on the collector.
2. The pressure is increased above the working one (by 15-20%).
3. The circulation pump starts at low speed. To fill the circuit, some time is allotted for the coolant to displace the air. Then the next circuit is activated, so one by one, all the branches that go through the collector are slowly filled.
4. The process takes several days. It is repeated until all the air is out.
5. This is done with a cold coolant, the heating is turned on only when it is certain that the air has completely escaped.

Reference. When installing the system, it is useful to think about equipping the floor circuit with a separator - a device for automatically removing air from pipes.

Coolant renewal frequency

Fluid is an important component of heating, which must be properly operated.

Periodic replacement is necessary, but do not abuse it.The optimal shelf life of the liquid in the pipes is 12 months, subject to the mandatory draining of the system.

Synthetic coolants: propylene glycol, ethylene glycol remain in the system up to 7-8 years.

Photo 2. Canister with synthetic coolant for the heating system. This substance lasts longer than ordinary water.

The concentration of synthetic compounds in the composition of the liquid lengthens the shelf life of the coolant. But if there is no need to use antifreeze, then you can do with plain water.

The replacement time will be prompted by coarse filters: if they do not need to be washed and replaced, then the water in the system is also suitable, it does not need to be changed.

This is important, because each fresh portion of the liquid is a fresh set of salts and impurities, oxygen, which reacts with new forces with internal surfaces, settling on them in layers that gradually reduce the efficiency of the system. Important! The water that is already in the circuit is a prepared liquid, without impurities and active substances

The fact that the water has changed color does not change its value - it has already passed the reactions, received inertness and is now the optimal addition to the efficiency of the system

Important! The water that is already in the circuit is a prepared liquid, without impurities and active substances. The fact that the water has changed color does not change its value - it has already passed the reactions, received inertness and is now the optimal addition to the efficiency of the system

Mayevsky crane: principle of operation

The device has many types, which differ from each other in design and method of application.

Consider the reasons why air jams occur in the heating system:

• when the installation of a new heating system is done;
• when new radiators are installed;
• when water is drained from the system and repairs are made;
• in case of leakage of the circuit;
• if corrosion processes are present.

For the production of Mayevsky's automatic crane, brass material is used, which in all respects is resistant to rust. The device has a body with a cone-type needle valve. The valve can be controlled by means of a locking screw, which is installed from the outside. In the closed position, the valve does not allow the coolant to pass through, one has only to turn the screw, and the system will get rid of excess accumulated air.

Taps are made with different sections of external thread, which allows you to choose the option you need. To set up such a faucet, use a screwdriver or adjustable wrench. Independently, if you are not a master and do not understand anything in this matter, experts do not advise to make adjustments.

What is a Mayevsky crane

If you make a sectional drawing of this product, you can clearly see all the details that make up the popular crane. It:

• thermostatic element;
• thermostatic valve;
• setting scale;
• a sensitive element for which the liquid serves as a working medium;
• detachable connection;
• stock;
• spool;
• compensation mechanism;
• union nut;
• ring that fixes the set temperature.

The principle of operation will be the same in almost all models, but the air vent may have a different configuration.

Varieties of design

There are several types of air vents:

1. The device is a manual type, which is very easy to handle.In the event of uneven heating of the battery, the valve is slightly opened with a special key so that all excess air leaves the system. After that, it is closed in the same way.
2. The crane is automatic. You won't be able to deal with it manually. It is made of brass and has a cylindrical shape. Instead of a needle valve, it has a plastic float. In the event of an air lock, the mechanism begins to move independently, which allows the device to open and get rid of it.
3. The device with a built-in safety mechanism differs from the two previous options by air release. The mechanism is responsible for the pressure head. If the indicator is higher than all permissible parameters, then the valve works and releases the battery from excess air forcibly. Such a valve is recommended to be installed on polypropylene or metal-plastic pipelines.

Rules for using the product

Mayevsky's crane must be used correctly. To work with the mechanism, place a container under the radiator and put a dry rag. Using the key, the screw is rotated in the desired direction. After that, air begins to be released from the installation, and then water begins to flow.

It is important to wait until the liquid begins to flow without interruption.

If pumps are provided in the system, then before releasing air, they must be disconnected ten minutes before the process. After the heating season, the adjustment screw is treated with a special silicone grease. This will protect the thread from the action of the coolant. If it becomes necessary to replace the tap, then pick up adjustable wrenches. Hold it on the radiator with one key, and unscrew the tap with the second.

Air vent in a system of polypropylene pipes

With proper care, timely maintenance and cleaning, the device will last a long time and will not cause problems.