Mayevsky crane technical characteristics. Mayevsky valve - a service element of the heating system

One of the common causes of heating system malfunction is air accumulation. The formation of a plug prevents water from circulating freely. As a result, the radiator with accumulated air does not perform its function, and the efficiency of the entire system decreases. More than eighty years ago, the Mayevsky faucet was invented, which makes it possible to easily and conveniently “de-air” heating communications. Despite its simplicity, this device is effective and reliable, which is why it is still used in systems today. Let's take a closer look at its structure and operating principles.

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

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

The industry now offers several designs 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 made of two parts:

• conical screw;
• housings.

The elements fit tightly together thanks to calibration, so when closed the faucet reliably holds the coolant. The hole for bleeding air is located on the side of the body.

Mayevsky cranes are most often made 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 tap can be opened with a special ICMA key, a screwdriver or by 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 cranes selected by diameter and are screwed into the upper radiator casings. In a horizontal heating system, these devices are installed on each battery. For side connected heated towel rail in the bathroom tee is used. It is mounted in a vertical position, the tap opening should be directed away from the wall. Installation of Mayevsky taps on radiators and convectors is necessary if the heating system has areas located lower than the upper axis of the device connection. In this position natural removal of air is not possible.

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

Before starting work you need:

Mayevsky's manual valve is usually not used on large highways, where air pockets constantly accumulate. For such systems, other gas exhaust structures are used.

Mayevsky manual crane easy to operate, even those who have never been involved in servicing heating systems do not have any difficulties with it. But in places where airing of the system occurs regularly, it is advisable to install an automatic air vent. This problem can happen if the installation of heating pipes was carried out incorrectly. Faucet with automatic The air removal function eliminates the need to manually perform this work regularly. This option is convenient for installation in hard-to-reach places.

The designs of automatic air vents may be different, but their operating principle is the same. The body has a hollow compartment with a plastic float. He uses a checkbox presses on the rod with the spring, access to the atmosphere opens, air comes out. When the cavity is filled with coolant, the float presses on the rod, closing the hole, preventing water from escaping.

For ease of repair in case of malfunction or replacement of a worn-out tap, the device is equipped with shut-off valve. It is screwed into the heating system, then the air vent is screwed on. The tap presses the flag in the valve, eliminating coolant leakage. Automatic air vents in stores are presented in a large assortment. They can be special, radiator, straight, angular. Therefore, you can choose such an element for any heating system.

Installation and maintenance of the Mayevsky crane

Installation of a Mayevsky crane does not require experience or high qualifications. You just need to choose the right device in size. These plumbing fixtures can have 1 inch, ¾ inch, ½ inch threads. The tap is located at the top of the radiator, on the side opposite the coolant inlet. Before installing taps, the water from the heating system must be drained. Then in the radiator cap the plug is unscrewed and a crane is installed in its place. These devices are equipped with rubber O-rings, but it is advisable to use a winding during installation. For safety sealing, FUM tape or flax fiber is wound onto the threads.

In modern radiators, plugs are provided holes for installing a faucet, which simplifies the work. If the battery has a different type of plug installed, without an air vent hole, it can be replaced. The tap must be mounted so that the hole is on the side opposite the wall, was directed slightly downward. This will allow you to place a container when bleeding air and carefully collect the water. The choice of a manual or automatic air vent depends on personal preferences and the characteristics of the heating system.

In old cast iron radiators, it may be necessary to carry out some preliminary work to install the Mayevsky tap. Wherein you need to know the following:

• to install a Mayevsky tap in an old cast-iron radiator you need drill a hole in the top plug, cut the thread, then screw in the air vent;
• It is not recommended to install automatic Mayevsky taps on such radiators in a central heating system. In such communications, the coolant can be heavily contaminated, so the air vent will have to be cleaned frequently. In addition, the heating in houses is sometimes turned off and air jams are often created;
• in central heating systems are sometimes observed water hammer, force up to 15 atmospheres. Therefore, special automatic air vents OMEC or MS-140 are required, which are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 150 degrees.

Mayevsky's crane is different high reliability, has been performing its function properly for many years. But, if there are contaminants in the coolant, the hole in the device may become clogged. In this case, it needs to be cleaned. It can be located directly in a brass body or in a special plastic lining. In any case, accumulated contaminants easy to remove with a regular pin or needle.

If necessary make a replacement If the Mayevsky faucet is damaged, you need to stock up on an adjustable or gas wrench, clamp and hold the radiator cap, since unscrewing the faucet will weaken it.

Installing Mayevsky taps on the radiators of the heating system will not require serious financial costs, a lot of time and effort. But this addition is significant will simplify the operation of communication and increase its efficiency.

Efficiency of the Mayevsky crane (video)

In some cases, air accumulates in the heating system. For open systems (with open expansion tanks) this is not a problem - it comes out on its own, but for closed systems it is necessary to remove it. As there are fewer and fewer open systems - they are considered less stable - air exhaust devices have become an integral part of modern heating. Today there are both automatic and manual models. They come in different designs, connection sizes, and are made from different materials. But they have one function - to remove gases from the heating system.

In normally designed systems, air rarely appears. Mainly after filling or refilling. If the layout is not entirely successful, suction occurs constantly. What are the dangers of its high content in the system? The most unpleasant moment is that in this case corrosion is activated, the metal components of the system quickly rust and fail. The second problem: increased noise level. And third, air jams form. Therefore, automatic air vents are installed in each system at the highest point.

This is a radiator automatic air vent. It is only slightly larger than the Mayevsky faucet, costs about $2, but it removes gases on its own

Most often, gases accumulate at the tops of radiators. Then the coolant circulation in it deteriorates. And this leads to the fact that the battery is only partially heated (which part remains cold depends on the type of connection). Therefore, manual air vents are installed in each heating device (radiator, register or heated towel rail). In our country, the Mayevsky crane is most often installed.

Why do they put manual models on radiators? They take up less space and are cheaper. But there are modern special modifications of automatic devices that are only slightly larger in size. They cost more (the device is more complicated), but the air is removed on its own.

Where are radiator air vents installed? In the pipe-free upper radiator manifold.

On which radiators should gas vents be installed?

Installation on aluminum batteries is required. When aluminum comes into contact with the coolant, water decomposes into components, one of which is hydrogen. Therefore, it is necessary to vent gases in such heating devices.

It is advisable to install it partially. In them, the contact area of ​​aluminum with the coolant is greatly reduced, but is still present. That is why the installation of the Mayevsky crane is desirable.

This is a straight and angular automatic air vent. They can also be placed on radiators, only the “pimply” should look up

Fully bimetallic radiators are safer in this regard: their entire core is made of steel. But many manufacturers require such a device in their installation recommendations.

These devices are ineffective on . In them, air removal is only possible together with a sufficiently large amount of coolant. But these devices (both manual and automatic) are not suitable for this. In this case, standard or ball valves are installed to bleed air.

With tubular radiators and registers, the situation is approximately the same as for cast iron: only taps work effectively. Therefore, there is no point in installing air vents on them.

This is a needle air vent valve, or a Mayevsky valve.

Installation of Mayevsky taps on steel panel radiators is mandatory. The fact is that the passages for coolant circulation have a small diameter. And if an air lock forms, the movement of the coolant will be blocked. It will completely or partially stop heating. The plug can be removed only by draining most of the coolant and filling it again. Therefore, most often panel radiators come straight from the factory with air bleed valves.

Types and technical characteristics

Depending on the method of removal, these devices are of two types:

• manual;
• automatic.

They are made with different diameters. The most common are 1/2” and 3/4” (half an inch and three quarters of an inch). In nature, there are also 1/8”, 1/4” and 3/8”, but they are not used in our systems. The modification most often used is a half-inch diameter 1/2”; in another system of units it is also called DU 15. In this case, the number 15 is the designation of the connection size in millimeters.

In addition to diameters, the following parameters are also important:

• Operating pressure. In most models it is 10 atm, there are devices designed to operate at 16 atm.
• Type of work environment. There are air valves, and there are those that handle liquids. Heating systems use working liquids or universal ones (both air and liquid).
• Temperature of the working environment. More often they are found with an operating temperature of 100 o C - 110 o C. There are those operating up to 150 o C.
• Thread type: external or internal.

These technical characteristics of air vents must be selected for the existing type of system. For individual heating systems, any will be suitable, but when selecting devices for radiators powered from centralized systems, you need to know both the pressure and the temperature specifically for your home (find out at the housing department, housing department, housing office, etc.).

Operating principle of automatic air vent

The designs of these devices may change, but the principle of operation remains the same. The device is a hollow cylinder, which consists of two parts - upper and lower. They are connected to each other using a thread, the tightness is ensured by a rubber (silicone) sealing ring. At the top there is a small hollow cylindrical protrusion. Air leaves the system through this protrusion. It has a thread onto which a plastic (polypropylene) cap is screwed. With this cap, you can stop bleeding air if desired (tighten it).

One of the devices is simple and effective

The operation of the automatic air valve is based on the buoyancy of a float placed inside. The float is connected to a rod that acts on a spring-loaded spool that closes the outlet. If there is no air in the system, the air vent body is filled with coolant, the float has risen up. In this position, the rod supports the spool, and air does not come out (or come in). When air appears in the system, the coolant is gradually displaced and the float moves down. The rod does not press as hard on the spool, and the spring opens the outlet hole. The accumulated gas escapes, coolant is again drawn into the housing, and the valve closes.

In devices from different companies, the mechanism for influencing the spool may be different, but the principle remains the same: the float is down, the valve is closed, when it rises, it is open. The operating principle of one of the modifications is demonstrated in the video.

Types of automatic air vents and their installation

These valves can be straight or angled, and there are special models for radiators. Specialized or angular modifications are often installed on batteries. They are screwed into the radiator manifold (if the diameter allows) or installed through an adapter.

Regardless of the type, the device must be installed so that the outlet (cap) is directed upward. There are two installation methods:

The shut-off valve has a spring-loaded gasket inside, which shuts off the coolant when released. When installing the air vent, the valve is pushed down, opening access to the system. It is very desirable to install this simple device in centralized heating systems. It allows you to remove air vents without stopping and draining the system. You will have to remove them for cleaning. In general systems, the coolant contains many impurities that settle and clog the spool and the mechanism supporting it. If a lot of dirt accumulates, coolant begins to flow through the outlet hole. This means it's time to disassemble it and clean it. This is where the shut-off valve comes in handy. With it, you simply unscrew the air vent device, the spring is released and the hole is sealed with a gasket.

When installing an automatic air vent there are several rules:

A little about prices. It has a significant variation and depends on the manufacturer, connection diameter (half-inch ones are about 10-15% more expensive), as well as on the material used. The cheapest models cost about $5, the most expensive - $15. But in different stores prices for the same models can vary greatly. For example, you can buy a Danfoss DU 15 automatic air vent for both $7.63 and $11.5. But, of course, you need to look carefully so as not to buy a fake. This is especially dangerous with well-known companies: Danfoss (Danfos), Wind (Wind) or Valtec (Valtek).

We also list prices for shut-off valves. There is also a spread, but not so significant: from $1.1 to $1.8.

Manual way to remove air from batteries

And yet, more often manual models are installed on radiators. And the most common of them is the Mayevsky crane. It is small, simple and effective. It is also called a needle air vent valve.

It is a metal washer with a thread applied around the circumference. The washer has a through cone-shaped hole with threads. The hole diameter is very small. On one side 1-1.5 mm (towards the radiator) and about 5 mm on the other.

Diagram of the Mayevsky crane

A locking cylinder is screwed into the hole, which is also threaded. When closed, it blocks the coolant flow completely. The cylinder is unscrewed, the cone is lifted, the hole opens. If gases have accumulated in the radiator, they come out. If there are no gases, the coolant comes out. But there cannot be a lot of it: not much will leak into a hole with a diameter of 1 mm.

In some models, a plastic disk with a drain hole (also about 1 mm in diameter) is attached to the body. This disk turns freely around a horizontal axis, which allows you to set the drain hole in a convenient position.

How to use the Mayevsky crane

If you have air collected in your heating radiator, you need to take a special wrench (a small piece of plastic that comes with each kit) or a regular screwdriver. Insert it into the slot on the air vent disc and turn it one or two turns counterclockwise. At the same time, a hissing sound will be heard - air begins to escape through a small hole next to the disk. Gradually, water begins to come out along with the air (the stream is very thin, don’t be alarmed). When the stream becomes continuous, close the tap by turning the key (screwdriver) in the opposite direction.

This procedure is usually needed when starting up the system, and from time to time throughout the year. After the end of the heating season, you also need to check for the presence of gases - it is forbidden to drain the coolant, since “dry” the inner surface of the radiator very quickly corrodes. And since the coolant remains in the radiator, reactions continue to occur. What you can do to remember to bleed the air is to turn the tap a little after turning off the batteries. Then there will be a small hole through which, without pressure, water (coolant) will not flow, and the gases will gradually escape.

Another option for a manual air vent

This valve is produced by the same companies that make automatic valves. There is also a cone here, but the design of the device is somewhat different. In addition there is a handle. It is, of course, more convenient to use than a key. The principle of operation is similar: turn in one direction, the cone moves away from the hole, the air comes out. Turned it in the opposite direction and closed the hole.

A little about prices. The price of the Mayevsky faucet is $1.2-1.5, manual valves of other types start from $2. It’s hard to say how much the most expensive one might cost, but there are “antique” models that offer to buy for $20.

How to install manual models

The Mayevsky tap is screwed into the adapter. Usually there are no problems with selecting diameters, since this device comes in a mounting kit for radiators. Only during assembly you need to remember that if you install it on the radiator on the left, you must first screw the air vent into the adapter and tighten the threads (with a regular wrench, without using excessive force). After this, you can screw the assembly into the manifold. The whole installation.

Another version of the manual device is no more difficult to install. The process is the same as when installing an automatic one. In this case, it is also desirable to install it in tandem with a shut-off valve (the Mayevsky valve cannot be removed without stopping the system). If you are installing with a valve, screw the valve into the adapter from the installation kit. Then install this assembly on the radiator. And then you can screw the air vent into the installed valve.

Sometimes, to ensure tightness, winding is screwed onto the thread. You just don’t need to wrap it around a lot, and you can’t use paint. It is better to take a little sealant (you can only use sealant).

How the Mayevsky crane is installed is demonstrated in the video.

Results

In properly designed systems, it is quite sufficient to install manual water vents to remove air from radiators. If gases accumulate regularly, it is easier to install automatic devices and not constantly check whether the batteries are heating up, or whether it is time to release the accumulated gases.

A very common problem is incomplete warming up. But not every person has the necessary information to solve this problem on their own. Many call specialists every time a breakdown of this kind occurs, others cope with the help of an adjustable wrench and a basin for water. And the rest, after reading this article, will install a Mayevsky crane for themselves. The operating principle of this device is described below.

Read in the article

What is a Mayevsky crane, principle of operation

In 1931, an unknown plumber-fitter S.A. Roev from Minsk developed a special device that made it possible to bleed air by combining two parts with a gasket between them. In 1932, this crane was tested by users and recognized as a working device. But 1933 showed the world the inventor Ch.B. Mayevsky, who improved the device with improved sealing, a cone-to-cone valve design and a safety key to operate it. Since then, the Mayevsky valve has been used to this day, although the official name of the device, which is indicated in GOSTs and SNiPs, is radiator needle air valve.

The device is based on the principle of spontaneous release of air from the battery. The tap is designed in such a way that when it is opened, the shutter needle rises, which, in turn, opens a special hole with a diameter of 2 mm. All excess air that has collected in the battery escapes through this hole. The square head screw moves the valve working connection.

Important! During operation of this valve, it is necessary to turn off the circulation pump for more efficient bleeding of air. If your boiler is equipped with a built-in pump for circulating liquid, it must be disconnected from the network.

Photo of Mayevsky's crane and description of its varieties

Each project has a different location of the working parts (batteries and heated towel rail), so the design does not always allow placing the Mayevsky crane in a place accessible for maintenance. Which led developers to create several types of valves.

Manual crane model

The most common modification, as it has a fairly reliable mechanism, the main thing is that access to it is free, since the tap is opened using a flat-head screwdriver or a special four-sided wrench for the Mayevsky tap. The needle mechanism works in two varieties, horizontally opening the shutter to allow air to pass through, and with a hole in the nut body.

Mayevsky crane

How do automatic air vents work?

The operating principle of an automatic air vent for heating is the presence of a float. The float supports the needle valve through a spring, the system is set to a certain air pressure in the radiator, as soon as the air becomes more than the permissible value, the valve opens and bleeds all excess air through a hole in the center of the valve head. When the pressure returns to normal, the valve will close. Installation of this version of the device applies only to hard-to-reach units. On an industrial scale, other devices are used to eliminate air in batteries.

Mayevsky automatic crane

Tap with safety valve

This is an improved Mayevsky manual crane, supplemented with a high-speed sensor. The essence of its work is to prevent damage to the heating system and its working parts if the pressure exceeds 15 atmospheres. The valve will open and drain excess water from the battery. Excessive pressure can occur due to water hammer.

Why does air accumulate in the system?

An air lock is the worst enemy of the heating system. The more air in the batteries, the worse they heat, because the air does not allow the coolant to completely fill the heating device, and it does not heat up at full power. Causes of air entry:

• Depressurization during repair work of the riser or batteries.

• If the system was completely drained. In this case, the presence of air locks in the pipes is inevitable.

• If damage occurs at the junction of individual parts of the structure.

• Poor quality assembly of the heating system, expressed in defective fixation of one or more components.

There are a number of other reasons for oxygen getting into pipes, but they occur very rarely.

Important! In the process of regular aeration, the metal of the heating elements undergoes corrosion, since oxygen negatively affects the structure of the material, destroying it. Such a system will last much less than heating with rare air entering the radiators.

Installing a faucet into the system

First of all, you need to carry out preparatory work. Their list changes depending on. As for general recommendations, before starting work it is necessary to drain all coolant from the system.

Installation of the device in a cast iron battery

Initially, the old modification does not imply the presence of a special hole for additional devices that improve heating performance. Therefore, you need to work a little to ensure that the Mayevsky tap is adapted for cast iron radiators.

1. Completely disconnect the connected pipes from the battery. Remove it from the wall hooks and completely drain the remaining water through the bottom holes.
2. Determine the side that is opposite to the side where the hot water enters.
3. Now in the center of the top plug you need to drill a hole, the diameter of which matches the faucet you purchased (it is better to buy the minimum thread diameter to make it easier to make a hole for it). Having made the entrance, you need to cut the thread in increments of 1.5 mm.

1. That's it, you can screw the tap into the finished hole.

Note! The central heating system experiences frequent water hammer, so you should buy a faucet with a safety valve. In such systems, installing an automatic air vent is impractical due to the principle of its operation and the contamination of the coolant. The drain hole will often become clogged. Cleaning it is quite simple: you need to take a needle and clean the hole until it is completely free of dirt.

Installation of the Mayevsky crane in modern systems

By default, new generation radiators are designed for the installation of all kinds of taps. Therefore, installation is much easier.

1. Drain all the water.
2. Remove the plug that sealed the hole you need. If the connector has an unusual diameter, then you need to completely unscrew the core, and having purchased a suitable one, assemble all the elements.
3. The faucet itself must be screwed in such a way that the drain hole faces away from the wall and at 45 degrees from the horizontal downwards. This is an ideal position for placing the container needed when draining liquid.

Nuances during operation

In order for the process of bleeding accumulated air in the system to occur without undesirable consequences, detailed instructions for all manipulations are given below.

• If the heat exchanger moves due to , then it needs to be turned off. This is done 15 minutes before the start of work. This is necessary so that the air stops mixing with water and accumulates at the top point of the battery.

• Stock up on a dry rag and an empty bucket, because when you open the valve, you need to wait until the air stops hissing, followed by water. You can close the valve only when the water begins to flow in an even, uninterrupted stream.
• What to do if the air does not stop bleeding? Look for a breakdown or loose twist in the area of ​​the battery being serviced. This can be done using a piece of paper. Leave the valve open and move the paper from a distance of 1 cm over all possible places on the radiator and suitable for it. Having found a place where air is leaking, replace the damaged element.
• When the air vent system has not been used for several years, the valve threads may become sour. You will have to use a lubricant like WD-40, and then lightly tap the tap and try to unscrew it.

How to choose the right device

Today there is a wide range of modifications and designs of the Mayevsky crane. There are certain nuances that you should pay attention to when purchasing. The main indicator of durability is the brass base. In addition to the metal itself, you need to pay attention to the quality of the thread, ease of use of the mechanism for opening the valve, and the presence of a rubber seal on the fitting. The incoming pipe size extends to 1, ½, ¼ inches.

Modern devices are equipped with a ready-made plastic valve, which saves the owner from using improvised means. But such models are not entirely practical in rooms where children are often present.

For a clear example, the table shows models from different manufacturers with prices.

Image	Manufacturer	Type of modification	price, rub.
	OJSC "BAZ"	Manual, ½ inch	35
	Plumbing world	Automatic, 1 inch	449
	House-thermo	Manual, ½ inch	310
	R.B.M.	Manual, ¾ inch	352
	Carlo Poletti	Manual, ¾ inch	318
	"Delta"	Automatic with fuse	335

Mayevsky crane

Alternative replacement options

• Water taps. They are often placed at the end point of the heating system. This faucet is used to fill pipes with water and drain it. If the heating is autonomous, such a valve is installed at the beginning of the system so that it is possible to conduct an audit for the presence of air pockets. The water supply is connected to the initial tap, and it is drained from the final tap for a certain amount of time to expel all the air. Such a system is fundamentally different from the Mayevsky crane and the principle of its operation.

• If the owner for some reason does not want to install a Mayevsky crane, the following procedure can be performed. Loosen the thread on the top pipe coming out of the radiator. So, the air will come out, and at the same time it will splash everything around.
• In the case when the system does not involve the use of a pump, this means that the water flow rate is low. In this case, natural oxygen removal can be organized. So, a vertical outlet with an empty expansion tank at the end is cut into the upper part of the battery in the area of ​​the pipe.
• When using an ion boiler with a closed water circulation system, the Mayevsky tap will not last long. The fact is that a brine solution is added to the coolant to further accelerate the ions in the boiler. When bleeding air, salts will be deposited inside the valve, which will lead to rapid failure. For ion boilers, special devices are provided that are resistant to salts.

Important! Any alteration of the design of the heating system, which is not enshrined in GOST or SNiP standards, must be agreed upon with specialists from government services on heating appliances. Otherwise, you endanger not only yourself, but also everyone around you.

Summarizing

Of course, every owner of heating devices based on liquid coolant has the right to decide for himself how best to modify his system and whether to do it at all. But I would like to note that the use of a Mayevsky crane, firstly, will increase the efficiency of the entire installation, secondly, it will facilitate battery maintenance, and thirdly, it will not take a lot of money from you, because as you noticed, the table given in the article demonstrates the cheapness of the products . Now you know what a Mayevsky crane is, the principle of operation and the nuances of operation.

The main obstacle to the normal operation of heating batteries is the appearance of an air lock. The water in the system cannot circulate, the radiators do not heat up. For some, it may be a discovery that the solution to the problem was invented eight decades ago and this simple device is called the Mayevsky tap. The operating principle of the device is based on the movement of a needle valve, which allows air to be released from the communications.

Mayevsky's crane is a small but effective device for eliminating air locks

The appearance of an air lock in the heating system occurs for several reasons:

• After work on installing a new heating system, the remaining air cannot be displaced even by high water pressure.
• After heating is idle in the summer, air bubbles accumulate at the highest point of the communications. In private households, neglect of filling can lead to an air lock.
• Natural corrosion in aluminum heating system components leads to a chemical reaction and accumulation of gases that must be released using a valve.

Design and photo of the Mayevsky crane

Mayevsky's design is a needle air valve and consists of a screw and a metal body that fit tightly together. The air vent device is usually made of brass, which is resistant to corrosion. The bolt itself is made of steel, and the casing is made of durable plastic. In some versions of the device, the body can be rotated horizontally.

The needle valve is driven by a shut-off screw. The screw can be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver or manually, depending on the model.

Modern valves are additionally equipped with a special key, which greatly simplifies the process of adjusting the device. This key is especially convenient when adjusting a device located in a corner or other hard-to-reach place.

Note! Mayevsky’s device in a vertical heating system is installed only on the upper radiators. If the communications are horizontal, valves must be installed on each radiator.

The basic principle of operation of the Mayevsky crane and its varieties

The operation of a needle valve is based on the float principle. The accumulated air raises the float, which opens the exhaust valve.

Types of crane

Mayevsky's device has several varieties:

• A classic manual device with a screw.
• Automatic design designed for individual heating systems.
• Device with safety valve. Protects the system from excessive differences in internal pressure. Especially in demand for systems with plastic pipes.

In addition, the CM may have the following design options:

• regular version with thread;
• with a plastic cap (suitable only for heating devices);
• Ball Valves.

Design and principle of operation of an automatic air vent

The operation of the automatic CM is based on the same float principle. The accumulated air lifts the float and releases the air, after which it returns to its place.

Schematic principle of operation of an automatic air vent for heating:

This valve does not require special attention; after installation, you don’t have to think about it. Mayevsky's automatic faucet usually has a nickel-plated or brass body and, just in case of a fire emergency, is provided with the ability to manually open.

Note! Heating system installation specialists do not recommend installing automatic CM on old-style cast iron heating radiators. The water in such a system contains many impurities, due to which the tap quickly becomes clogged and stops functioning.

For centralized heating systems, it is worth purchasing a Mayevsky tap for cast iron radiators. They can withstand pressure of fifteen atmospheres, withstand temperatures up to one hundred and fifty degrees and are used in steam heating. These devices are marked with the abbreviation MC140.

Helpful information! Another reason why automatic CMs are not used for central heating systems is the small diameter of the outlet valve. It is only two millimeters, and when air is released from the central system, the next time it is turned off, it will remain for several hours, annoying with its hissing.

Advantages and disadvantages of CM

It is worth mentioning that the task of air removal from heating systems can be assigned not only to the Mayevsky tap. An operating principle similar to this device is found in ball valves and other similar devices. But CM has obvious advantages:

• rapid removal of air from the system;
• manually operated valves can be installed in any radiators;
• automatic CMs are indispensable for individual systems and allow you to bleed air without human intervention.

The only disadvantages include the tendency of these devices to become clogged due to impurities and dirt in the systems.

How to choose the right faucet

The choice of KM depends only on the characteristics of the heating system in the house. For communications in a private home, you can use any of the listed types of taps. For radiators in a house with central heating, you will need CMs with fuses to prevent water hammer.

Automatic CMs should be installed only if there is confidence in the cleanliness of the contents of the radiators. Otherwise, the valves will have to be cleaned endlessly, and doing this during the heating season will be problematic.

Helpful information! The difference in the cost of manual and automatic CM is not great, so it cannot be a decisive argument in choosing a device.

How to install a Mayevsky crane

Installing the KM is very simple - it is simply screwed into the plug of the heating battery. If there is no hole in it initially, the plug should be replaced.

Note! The gasket in the CM must be made of rubber or silicone. You should not purchase a valve with a paronite gasket.

When installing the air vent device, make sure that the air outlet is directed downwards. This way, the water that rushes out of the system following the air lock will end up in a substitute container, and not on the wall or ceiling. To seal, the threads of the device are wrapped with fum tape.

Automatic KM

To change the air vent device to a new one, simply unscrew it while holding the plug with a gas wrench.

Note! All plugs on heating radiators are made with left-hand threads, so to prevent them from unscrewing when installing the faucet, they must be secured with an adjustable wrench.

If the heating communications are made of plastic pipes, installation of the CM will require the installation of an additional fitting.

Having studied the principle of operation of the Mayevsky tap and its design, installing the valve will not be difficult. You just need to take into account a few important nuances:

• Air tends to accumulate in all radiators, so in an individual heating system it is better to install a CM on each radiator.
• The needle valve must be installed on loop capacitors with the loop pointing upward.
• An air vent device is useful on heating coils and registers.
• If the faucet has not been used for a long time and rust has appeared on it, before venting it should be lubricated with kerosene and wait a little.

How to use a faucet correctly

If you suspect that an air lock has formed in the system, you should:

• Remove all valuable items away from the battery and prepare a container for water.
• Take a key for the Mayevsky tap or a screwdriver, insert it into the thread and slowly carefully rotate it counterclockwise.
• Stop turning the key after a hissing sound appears and wait until water comes out of the hole. Then close the tap.

Note! Combustible gases may form in the heating system and escape along with the air lock. Therefore, you should not smoke while venting.

If the batteries are still cold after bleeding, the radiator may have failed. In this case, it is better to seek help from a professional plumber.

Savings and safety

Air in the heating system has a destructive effect on the boiler and prevents the radiators from heating evenly. Mayevsky's crane does not just organize the operation of heating communications. It allows you to significantly save money on space heating.

In addition, Mayevsky’s device will protect residents of apartment buildings from unpleasant disagreements with neighbors due to emergency flooding. That is why this small but effective device should be installed in every home.

What is a Mayevsky crane (video)

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Mayevsky's (not Mayakovsky's) automatic crane is always popular among residents of multi-storey buildings, especially at the beginning of the heating season. After all, they encounter troubles in the form of cold batteries. When your neighbors’ apartment has been warm for several days, but your own apartment is cold. And at the same time, it is also very disappointing that you also have to pay for the cold radiators to the heat supply organization. What to do?

Do you need to figure out what the design of the Mayevsky crane is? This valve is correctly called an air lock valve. The tap is necessary to remove air from heating and radiators.

This “air” valve is necessary for the normal operation of heating devices.

The fact is that often excess air accumulates in the heating system, which disrupts the normal circulation of the coolant (hot water) inside the pipe system. And Mayevsky’s crane copes with this problem perfectly.

Air locks can also occur in the sewerage system, to eliminate which special valves are used. You can read about it at

The Mayevsky crane in the technical literature has the name:

• Locking equipment;
• Release valve;
• Radiator needle version.

This simple device was invented a long time ago, in 1930 in the USSR. Initially, this device was put into operation in order to prevent the population from actively disassembling water from the heating system for their own needs. And already during operation, another very useful property of this device was revealed - to organize the operation of the entire water heating system. How the Mayevsky crane works - this device is very simple, and consists of a conical element that rotates inward and a body.

When is a Mayevsky valve needed?

The Mayevsky valve is a “cone-in-cone” connection, and between them there is a gasket and a cross-shaped key. There is a small hole in the case for air to escape. This is, in fact, the simplest diagram of the device of this valve. Do you need to figure out exactly how the tap or Mayevsky valve works?

At low water speed and low pressure in the heating system, air accumulates in one place and air pockets appear there. They prevent the circulation of water in the system. Air also enters the system during long periods of downtime (summer, unheated periods). And therefore, when supplying heat to the system in the fall, the air must be displaced with water under greater pressure than provided.

If this fails, you must force yourself out of the system.

This is why the Mayevsky valve is needed. The heating system remains under increased pressure, and at the same time it is necessary to release air through an air vent at the upper level of the system, including in cast iron radiators - the basic principle of operation of the valve.

Pressure control is also necessary in sewerage systems. For this purpose special valves are used. You will learn more about the principle of operation and design in our material:.

Air locks can also occur in the sewerage system, to eliminate which special valves are used. You can find out more at

How to determine that you need to use the Mayevsky crane:

• The coolant is hot;
• The batteries are cold;
• Characteristic sounds in the coolant.

This means that there is an air lock or several of them somewhere in the system and it is necessary to remove them from the system. What types of Mayevsky cranes are there? There are several of them, and we will consider them all in more detail.

Mayevsky tap for cast iron radiators: installation location

The heating system with cast iron radiators is an old modification system, and in this case a Mayevsky classic type tap is used. It should be noted that all types of Mayevsky taps are designed for high pressure and can withstand pressures of up to 15 atm, at a coolant temperature of up to +120 ᵒC.

On which heating systems are Mayevsky classic type taps installed:

• For closed heating systems (centralized heating system);
• Heated towel rail valve;
• Autonomous modern heating systems.

The Mayevsky tap is correctly installed on the upper floors if we are talking about a centralized heating system. Experts recommend installing a brass Mayevsky tap. It is reliable, durable and cheap.

For each type of radiator it is necessary to select its own type of tap.

First of all, the Mayevsky tap is selected according to the size of the thread on the outside. In this case, with an old heating system with cast iron radiators, a tap with a ¾-inch fine thread is used. But for other, more modern heating systems, they use other tap sizes with a standard thread on a 1-inch or ½-inch cone.

Key for Mayevsky crane: types

How is it necessary to install the Mayevsky faucet into the existing heating system? The first rule is that the Mayevsky tap must be installed in the radiators, and in the side opposite from the point where the radiator is inserted into the heating system.

What types of Mayevsky keys are there:

• Classic;
• Automatic;
• With safety valves.

Installation is carried out only in the upper part of the radiator, and it does not matter at all what the system wiring is - upper or lower. The main thing is to correctly install the equipment of the required type, eliminating leaks.

Automatic Mayevsky crane: scope of application

In modern heating systems, an automatic Mayevsky valve is installed. How is it different from other types of crane? First of all, Mayevsky’s automatic crane differs in its operating principle. The automatic version of the device looks like a metal cylinder, and inside it there is a float, which is attached to a valve in the upper part of the cylinder - this is the Mayevsky automatic valve device. What does its action look like?

When air accumulates in the cylinder and the level of hot water begins to decrease, the float lowers, presses on the valve, and the hole opens.

Then the excess air comes out, the air pressure in the cylinder decreases, and at the same time the coolant level increases. The float goes up and closes the hole. This valve operates automatically and only when necessary. Experts recommend installing this automatic Mayevsky valve only in those places of the heating system where air pockets most often appear, but there are some nuances. This automatic faucet is designed in such a way that it is very capricious and requires high-quality and clean coolant. In other words, this wonderful variety of the glorious family of Mayevsky taps, these machines are not suitable for central heating systems.

Where should an automatic faucet be installed:

• In modern heating systems;
• Heating systems with high-quality coolant purification;
• In places where air most often appears;
• In areas of the heating system where access to system maintenance is difficult;
• To a battery that does not have easy access for its maintenance;
• Individual heating system with circulation;
• Individual heating system using aluminum radiators.

And one more nuance - if there are a lot of air pockets in the heating system, especially for individual heating systems with circulation in the system, then in this case you must first turn off the electric pump, then bleed the air from the system. This is very important to know!

Air valve installation tools

How to install a Mayevsky tap on an existing radiator? What do I need to do? It is necessary to unscrew the radiator cap and install a Mayevsky valve or an air valve with the appropriate external thread diameter in this place. And for sealing it is necessary to use a rubber or silicone gasket specially designed for heating systems.

Tools for installing a Mayevsky crane:

• Screwdriver;
• Rubber or silicone gasket for heating systems;
• Screw;
• Adjustable wrench.

If you install it in an old-style heating system (with cast iron radiators), they use a slightly different technology. A hole is drilled in the plug of an old cast-iron battery and a thread is cut. And then they install the manual classic Mayevsky crane.

How to use the Mayevsky valve correctly

So how do you bleed the air? It is necessary to prepare some tools, a place near the battery where the locking device is located. Remove things and food, as the water in the system is quite dirty. You need to place the bowl on the floor, under the tap.

Tools and materials when working with the Mayevsky crane:

• Water bowl;
• Rag;
• Screwdriver;
• Pin;
• Kerosene.

Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw counterclockwise and wait until the air leaves the system. If there is an air lock, then the tap must be opened a little more and wait. As soon as we open the tap, we hear a hissing sound, this is how it should be - this is air coming out.

If everything is normal with the heating system, then the air leaves the system very quickly.

How can you determine that the air has already escaped? Very simple. As soon as water starts flowing from Mayevsky’s tap, there is no more air in the system. And that’s why you need a bowl under the tap - the water in the heating system is very dirty. As soon as water flows, you need to turn the tap in the reverse order. Sometimes it happens that the Mayevsky tap is very clogged and there is no way to open it. Cleaning the faucet is very simple. It is necessary to clean the hole in the tap with a needle or pin. If the Mayevsky tap is rusty, and this happens quite often, the way out of this situation is simple - you need to drip a little kerosene onto the threads and wait 2-3 minutes, and you can already unscrew and bleed the air.

You can read about how to bleed air from a heating radiator video in other ways at

If the Mayevsky crane no longer performs its functions, then only replacing it with a new one will help. It is necessary to use an adjustable or gas wrench to dismantle the old tap. They clamp the radiator cap and unscrew the old tap. And in the same way, a new tap is installed, and then you can use it again. The best time for such a replacement is summer, or when the system is undergoing maintenance, when there is no water in the system. This can be found out at the Housing Office. And one more nuance - you should not keep the device open all the time; it, and especially the valve, quickly becomes unusable.

Mayevsky crane: principle of operation (video)

The types of Mayevsky crane and several ways to mount them are discussed above. There are, of course, more complex installations of such cranes. In any case, it is necessary to consult with specialists and review the installation drawing. Good luck!

Examples of a Mayevsky crane (photo)