The Smith Meter Model VAR Air Eliminator separates and releases air or gas from petroleum and other liquids before they pass through the meter. The vertical vessel has a tangential straight-through design: the inlet in the upper quartile and the outlet opposite in the lower quartile set up a rotating flow that drives liquid to the wall and down while air moves to the centre and up to the air release head. It suits refined products up to 45 mPa·s (200 SSU), saves horizontal space, conforms to ASME Section VIII, and is post-weld heat treated as standard, so it is suitable for ethanol and ethanol-blending service. It takes an RB mechanical head or a DE electric float-switch head for use with electrically operated block valves or an AccuLoad.
Key specifications
Sizes / maximum flow: 3": 560 USGPM (2,120 L/min); 4": 880 USGPM (3,331 L/min) at 5 psi differential (API 40.6, 60 °F)
End connections: Class 150 ASME B16.5 raised face; air release flange 6" Class 150; drain 3/4"
Maximum working pressure: 285 psig (1,965 kPa) at 100 °F (38 °C); other pressures consult factory
Temperature: Buna-N (standard) -20 to 225 °F (-29 to 107 °C); Viton (optional) 10 to 400 °F (-12 to 205 °C)
Viscosity: Up to 45 mPa·s (200 SSU)
Materials: SA516 Gr. 70 heads, shell and lifting lugs; SA53 / SA106 Gr. B inlet/outlet pipes and wells; A105 drain; A36 feet
Overall height: 51.3 in (1,304 mm) for both sizes
Related heads: RB / UB (SS03040), DE-1 (SS03030), DE-3 (SS03037)
How to read the model code
Example: VAR-3-3-VDE-1-C. Read the code left to right; each position selects one option:
VAR (Type): Vertical Air Eliminator
3 (Flange size): 3 = 3"; 4 = 4"
3 (Connections / pressure rating): 3 = 150# RF / 285 psig (1,965 kPa)
VDE-1 (Air release head): Blank = none; VP1 / VP2 = Petro-Gard style RB head, Buna-N / Viton seals; VR1 / VR2 / VR3 = RB head, Buna-N / Viton / LS Buna seals; VDE-1 = single solenoid, dual float; VDE-3 = single solenoid, triple float
C (Design code): Blank = designed to ASME VIII-1; C = ASME VIII-1 "U" stamp (third-party inspected)
How to specify / order
Give the model code above, or send:
Maximum flow rate and product (the selection is based on maximum flow and air/gas conditions; also give viscosity and the vapor source)
Air release head type and seal material (for a DE head, see the DE-1 or DE-3 listings for their own codes)
Whether an ASME "U" stamp is required
Bulletin notes: the modeling chart is printed out of order on the last page; the example VAR-3-3-VDE-1-C reads type, flange size, pressure rating, head, design code. No high-capacity DE vent is available with the VAR (per SS03030).
Pricing and lead time are quoted per configuration. Send the model code (or the details above) with your product and operating conditions to Flow Measurement Services for a quote. Specifications summarized from Smith Meter bulletin SS03011 Rev 0.3 (4/18); confirm current data with the factory before ordering.
Smith Meter (formerly FMC Technologies / TechnipFMC Measurement Solutions), now manufactured by Guidant. Flow Measurement Services supplies and services Smith Meter equipment.