▣ An Air Release Valve (ARV) is a critical component of pressurized sewer force mains, designed to automatically release trapped air pockets that accumulate at high points along the pipeline. These air pockets contain high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) — a dangerous, corrosive gas that creates serious problems on multiple levels.

▣ When H2S gas becomes trapped inside a manhole vault or structure, it accelerates the degradation of concrete and metal infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and reduced system lifespan. When released into the open air, it produces the powerful rotten egg odor commonly associated with sewer systems, generating community complaints and creating hazardous working conditions for field crews.

▣ Air Release Valves can be located either inside or outside of a structure, and are found throughout municipal sewer collection systems, lift stations, and force main networks. Controlling the odorous gases released through ARVs is essential to protecting surrounding infrastructure, maintaining safe working environments, and keeping communities free from sewer gas complaints.

▣ Air Release Valves (ARVs) play a vital role in protecting the integrity and efficiency of sewer force main pipelines. Without proper air management, trapped air pockets can disrupt flow, reduce system capacity, and cause serious damage to the pipeline and its components.

▣ ARVs serve three critical functions in a force main system:

• Air Release During Filling & Startup — ARVs release large volumes of trapped air when the pipeline is being filled or started up, allowing the system to reach full operational capacity quickly and safely.
• Vacuum Protection During Draining — When a pipeline is being emptied, ARVs allow air back into the system to equalize pressure. Without this, negative pressure can build to the point of causing the pipeline to collapse — resulting in catastrophic and costly infrastructure failure.
• Continuous Air Pocket Release — During normal operations, small air pockets naturally accumulate at high points along the pipeline. ARVs continuously release these pockets to maintain steady flow and prevent pressure surges that can damage the system.

▣ While ARVs are essential for pipeline protection and efficiency, the hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) they release creates odor and corrosion challenges that require effective odor control solutions — which is exactly what Judd Odor Solutions, Inc. specializes in.

▣ There are several approaches to managing odorous gases released from Air Release Valves — but not all of them are effective or safe:

(1) Shut Off the Air Release Valve While this may seem like a simple fix, closing off an ARV can cause serious problems in your sewer force main — including pressure surges, pipeline collapse, and system failure. This is not a recommended solution.

(2) Seal Off the Structure Sealing the manhole vault or structure to prevent odorous air from escaping only traps high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas inside — accelerating corrosion and degradation of the infrastructure, and creating dangerous working conditions for field crews. This approach makes the problem worse, not better.

(3) ARV Vent Attachment — Recommended Solution The most effective option is to scrub the odorous air as it is naturally released, using the JOS ARV Vent Attachment. Available in medium and large sizes, the attachment fits directly onto the Air Release Valve and contains Carbon Pillows filled with high-capacity activated carbon secured in breathable material. As H2S gas filters through the carbon, the molecules adhere to the carbon surface and are permanently neutralized through adsorption — eliminating foul odors at the source while allowing the sewer system to vent naturally and safely.

(4) The Guardian Passive Odor Control System — Best for Higher-Demand Applications For ARV locations with higher H2S concentrations or greater gas volumes, the JOS Guardian provides an advanced passive odor control solution. Engineered for direct retrofit onto Air Release Valves, the Guardian requires no power, no chemical dosing, and minimal maintenance — delivering high-efficiency carbon media adsorption that captures and neutralizes H2S, VOCs, and mercaptans before they ever reach the surrounding environment.

Not sure which solution is right for your application? Call (772) 259-2256 or contact us today — our team will help you identify the best odor control solution for your specific site conditions.

▣ Yes, JOS offers multiple ARV odor control solutions to fit your specific application and site conditions:

• ARV Vent Attachment — Available in medium and large sizes to accommodate varying Air Release Valve configurations and PSI outputs, ensuring the right fit and maximum odor control performance.
• The Guardian Passive Odor Control System — For higher-demand applications requiring greater odor control capacity, the Guardian provides advanced passive H2S and sewer gas mitigation with high-efficiency carbon media. No power, no chemicals, and minimal maintenance required.

▣ Not sure which solution is right for your system? Call (772) 259-2256 or contact us today and our team will help you select the best option based on your site conditions and PSI requirements.