Smith Meter Model DE Air Release Heads are dual electric float-switch devices for air eliminator vessels. Air gathers in the vessel until the lower float switch trips; this opens the air vent solenoid and signals the block valve downstream of the meter to close. Flow stays blocked until enough air has vented for liquid to lift the upper float, which closes the vent and re-opens the block valve. They are meant for systems where bulk air is troublesome, such as unloading tank trucks and barges or stripping tanks, and fit vessels up to 12" (installed in the downstream position on multi-head 8"-12" vessels). A standard DE head directly replaces RB, DB, UB and B style heads on existing vessels. Current-limiting barriers make it suitable for NEC Class I, Group D, Division 1; optional downstream venting removes the need for a spit can.
Key specifications
Versions: DE-1: single solenoid, for clean low-viscosity products with an electrically controlled shut-off such as the 200-30A; VDE-1: single solenoid version for the vertical VAR tank; DE-2: dual solenoid (adds a normally-open three-way solenoid vent line) for high-viscosity or crude oil with a direct-acting 202 bare valve
Viscosity: DE-1 and VDE-1: up to 45 mPa·s (200 SSU); DE-2: 200 to 2,000 SSU (above 45 mPa·s only with the bare 202 valve)
Power: Standard 110 V 50 Hz / 120 V 60 Hz; optional 220 V 50 Hz / 240 V 60 Hz, 12 or 24 VDC ±10% (DC max. 100 psig)
Weight: DE-1 21 lb (9.5 kg); VDE-1 52 lb (23.6 kg); DE-2 24 lb (10.8 kg)
Supplied with: Factory-mounted dual float switch stem, solenoid(s), junction box with relay, current-limiting barriers, sight glass, check valve and ball valve(s); DE-2 also a valve opening speed orifice
Float assemblies (horizontal): 1 = Buna float / 316 SS stem, 300 psig, 0.45 min. SG; 2 = 316 SS float and stem (standard on DE-2), 100 psig, 0.70 min. SG; 3 = high-pressure 316 SS, 750 psig, 0.75 min. SG
Float assemblies (VDE-1): 1 = spring-assisted PTFE float / 316 SS stem, 1,000 psig, 0.45 min. SG; 2 = 316 SS float and stem, 300 psig, 0.40 min. SG
Wiring: See installation/operation manual MN03022
How to read the model code
Example: DE-1-CF-1-1-HC (horizontal tank) / VDE-1-CC-1-1 (vertical tank). Read the code left to right; each position selects one option:
DE-1 / DE-2 / VDE-1 (Type): DE-1 = single solenoid; DE-2 = dual solenoid; VDE-1 = single solenoid for the VAR vertical tank
CF (Mounting plate / material): Horizontal: CF = standard Smith / RB bolt circle, carbon steel; S = same in stainless steel; AC = 3" Class 150 ASME flange, carbon steel; AS = 3" Class 150 ASME flange, 316 SS (AC/AS for non-Smith vessels). Vertical: CC = 6" Class 150 ASME flange, carbon steel
1 (Float assembly): See the float assembly rows above
1 (Voltage): Horizontal: 1 = 120 V 60 Hz; 2 = 240 V 60 Hz; 3 = 12 VDC; 4 = 24 VDC; 5 = 110 V 50 Hz; 6 = 220 V 50 Hz. VDE-1: 1 = 120/110 V; 2 = 240/220 V; 3 = 12 VDC; 4 = 24 VDC
HC (Special (horizontal only)): Blank = standard; HC = high capacity (not available with VAR); ET = ethanol service (no sight glass). VDE-1 is ethanol-suitable as standard with the HC vent
Ordering information
Per the bulletin, specify:
The model code above
Liquid name and specific gravity, maximum viscosity, temperature range (min./max.) and maximum operating pressure
For field installation, the air eliminator tank model and size
Bulletin notes: DE-2 viscosity is printed "45 mPa·s through 400 Pa·s (200 through 2,000 SSU)"; 2,000 SSU is roughly 400-430 mPa·s, not 400 Pa·s; one dimension reads "0.1 in (27 mm) NPT" (0.1 in is not 27 mm). Spare parts already listed on this store include 529600-001 (Model 13F fixed orifice, DE-2), DE-2 nipples/couplings (006878-400, 006879-400, 642255-402), plug 002407-002 (DE-1) and VDE-1 part 551665-005.
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 SS03030 Rev 0.7 (8/17); 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.