The Smith Meter Model DE-3 Air Release Head is a triple float-switch device for Model AR (DE-3) or VAR (VDE-3) air eliminator tanks, for metering systems where entrained air is especially troublesome, such as pumping off tank trucks and barges. It works in a Petro-gard II unloading system with an AccuLoad preset controller, which runs the control valve, air eliminator vent solenoid and pumps. The three floats are wired as Stop (lower), Low (middle) and High (upper) flow inputs: the AccuLoad keeps the valve closed while the first slug of air vents, opens at low flow when the Stop switch is made, goes to high flow when the middle and upper switches are made, drops back to low flow if air collects, and closes the valve and stops the pump when the level falls to the lower float. Current-limiting barriers make it suitable for NEC Class I, Division 1, Group D.
Key specifications
Viscosity: DE-3: up to 45 mPa·s (200 SSU); VDE-3: up to 19.8 mPa·s (100 SSU); higher consult factory
Recommended specific gravity: DE-3: 0.65 or greater; VDE-3: 0.40 or greater
Pressure rating: 150 psi (1,034 kPa) maximum working pressure with standard solenoid
Temperature: Printed as -10 to 225 °F (-12 to 107 °C); consult factory for others
Power: 120 VAC +0/-15% 50/60 Hz standard; 240 VAC optional
Weight: DE-3 20 lb (9.1 kg); VDE-3 53 lb (24.0 kg)
Supplied with: Triple float switch assembly, N.C. air vent solenoid, junction box with relay and current-limiting barrier, sight glass, 10B check valve and 03A ball valve
Reference: AccuLoad unloading application bulletin AB06055 (gear pump and product detection options)
How to read the model code
Example: DE-3-C-4-6-HC (AR tank) / VDE-3-CC-1-1 (VAR tank). Read the code left to right; each position selects one option:
DE-3 / VDE-3 (Type): Triple float configuration for horizontal AR tank / vertical VAR tank
C (Mounting plate / material): DE-3: C = standard Smith / RB bolt circle, carbon steel; CF = same with FIC-3; AC = 3" 150 ASME flange, carbon steel. VDE-3: CC = 6" 150 ASME flange, carbon steel, FIC-3
4 (Float assembly): DE-3 (PTFE floats, 316 SS stem): 3 = for AR-3-1030; 4 = AR-4-2040; 6 = AR-6-3050; 7 = AR-6-4565 and AR-8-45100. VDE-3: 1 = PTFE float SG 0.45; 2 = 316 SS float SG 0.40
6 (Voltage / solenoid (stainless)): DE-3: 6 = 120/60 Viton-F; 7 = 240/60 Viton-F; 8 = 120/60 Viton-F H-coil; 9 = 110/50 Viton-F; 10 = 220/50 Viton-F; 11 = 120/60 Chemraz H-coil; 12 = 110/120 Viton-A high capacity. VDE-3: 1 = 110/120 Viton-A; 2 = 220/240 Viton-A; 3 = 110/120 Viton-A Class H coil
HC (Special (DE-3)): Blank = nothing special; T = tee vent plumbing; HC = high-capacity plumbing; ET = ethanol or bio-diesel (no sight glass). VDE-3 is ethanol-suitable as standard with the HC vent
How to specify / order
Give the model code above, or send:
The air eliminator tank model (AR size or VAR) the head will mount on
Product, specific gravity, viscosity, temperature and maximum pressure
Voltage and solenoid seal material; any special plumbing (tee vent, high capacity, ethanol)
Confirm the AccuLoad is configured for the three digital inputs (Stop / Low / High)
Bulletin notes: the temperature range is printed -10 °F (-12 °C); -10 °F is about -23 °C (10 °F is -12 °C), so confirm the low limit; the code tables are headed "Strainer Type" for the head type; the VDE-3 plate size is printed with a stray "S" (S6 in). A VDE-3 adapter gasket (551665-004) is listed separately on this store.
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 SS03037 Rev 0.3 (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.