Continuous air removal valve

An air removal valve assembly for use in a water distribution system of the class having a main flow line for conducting water under pressure, said main line being provided with an outlet and including an upstanding riser pipe, said valve assembly comprising:

• a valve housing having a top and bottom end and a through bore and adapted at its bottom end for attachment to the top of a riser pipe for communication with the interior thereof,
• an apertured valve cap removably attached to the top of said housing,
• a movable valve means operably mounted in said housing for movement toward and away from the aperture in said valve cap,
• said valve means being responsive to pressure generated in the riser pipe to move into closed position relative to said aperture and in the absence of pressure in the riser pipe to move to an open position relative to said aperature,
• the open position of said valve means affording an escape path for air in the riser pipe through said aperture while said valve means moves from open to closed position,
• an air flow conduit operatively arranged at one end in flow communication with the interior of said riser pipe, and
• said air flow conduit extending from said one end downwardly through said riser pipe into the main line in the direction of water flow whereby after said valve means has moved to closed position, air remaining trapped in the riser pipe is provided a second escape path therefrom through said air flow conduit.