Vacuum breaker: Secure system protection against vacuum
Vacuum breakers are designed to prevent negative pressure/vacuum and back suction and hence avoid damage in vapour system, water supply line, tanks, heat exchangers and process systems. Vacuum vent valves ensure reliable pressure equalisation through air supply and protect against deformation or contamination. These valves are used primarily in the food industry, the chemical industry, heating technology and irrigation. Vacuum breaker also known as vacuum release valve fulfil the requirements of the EU Pressure Equipment Directive and the UK Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations.
When the system pressure falls below atmospheric pressure, the vacuum breaker valve opens and allows air to flow into the system. This equalises the negative pressure and prevents pipes or containers from being damaged. The valve closes once the pressure stabilizes again.
Top-quality vacuum breakers for reliable operation
Threaded vacuum breaker: These compact vacuum breakers are made of brass (VB14) or stainless steel (VB21) and are designed for operating pressure of up to 14 or 21 bar. Vacuum breaker protect vapour systems and process plants from negative pressure and at the same time enable effective condensate drainage from pipelines and storage tanks. The devices are only designed for fluid group 2.
Wafer-type Gestra vacuum breaker: The valves RKE86 & RKE86A from Gestra, which can also be used as non-return valves, are designed specifically for steam systems and are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel.A quick pressure equalisation and durability with minimum maintenance are ensured. These valves are designed for fluid groups 1 and 2.
Find the right vacuum breaker for your application now and ensure maximum operational reliability!
VB 14 Vacuum breaker 1/2 inch PN16 brass Product number: 213-1050-04
Vacuum breaker 1/2" female thread in brassThe VB14 venting valve is a vacuum breaker for general applications in condensing vapour or liquid systems with 1/2" screwed BSP system connection and 1/8" screwed BSP air inlet connection. The housing is made of brass (Cu Zn 39 Pb3) and the valve ball is made of stainless steel (Z 100 CD 17). The vacuum breakers with an opening pressure Δp of 6 mbar are designed for vertical installation with a system connection at bottom.
Body:
Brass
Brass
Available, delivery time: in stock
VB 21 Vacuum breaker 1/2 inch PN25 stainless steel Product number: 213-1051-04
Vacuum breaker 1/2" female thread in stainless steelThe VB21 venting valve is a vacuum breaker for general applications in condensing vapour or liquid systems with 1/2" screwed BSP system connection and 1/8" screwed BSP air inlet connection. The housing is made of stainless steel AISI 303 and the valve ball is made of stainless steel AISI 440 C. The vacuum breakers with an opening pressure Δp of 6 mbar are designed for vertical installation with a system connection at bottom.
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 15 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-04
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 15The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN15 - 1/2'' inch
DN15 - 1/2'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 20 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-05
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 20The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN20 - 3/4'' inch
DN20 - 3/4'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 25 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-06
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 25The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN25 - 1'' inch
DN25 - 1'' inch
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 32 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-07
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 32The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN32 - 1 1/4'' inch
DN32 - 1 1/4'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 40 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-08
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 40The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Nominal width :
DN40 - 1 1/2'' inch
DN40 - 1 1/2'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 50 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-09
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 50The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN50 - 2'' inch
DN50 - 2'' inch
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 65 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-10
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 65The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN65 - 2 1/2'' inch
DN65 - 2 1/2'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 80 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-11
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 80The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Nominal width :
DN80 3'' inch
DN80 3'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86 DN 100 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8602-12
Gestra RKE86 vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 100The RKE86 wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of chrome steel 1.4317 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN100 - 4'' inch
DN100 - 4'' inch
Body:
Chromstahl
Chromstahl
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 15 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-04
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 15The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571
Nominal width :
DN15 - 1/2'' inch
DN15 - 1/2'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 20 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-05
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 20The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN20 - 3/4'' inch
DN20 - 3/4'' inch
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 25 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-06
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 25The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN25 - 1'' inch
DN25 - 1'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 32 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-07
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 32The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Nominal width :
DN32 - 1 1/4'' inch
DN32 - 1 1/4'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 40 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-08
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 40The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Nominal width :
DN40 - 1 1/2'' inch
DN40 - 1 1/2'' inch
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 50 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-09
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 50The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN50 - 2'' inch
DN50 - 2'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 65 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-10
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 65The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Nominal width :
DN65 - 2 1/2'' inch
DN65 - 2 1/2'' inch
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 80 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-11
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 80The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN80 3'' inch
DN80 3'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
Gestra RKE 86A DN 100 vacuum breaker PN10/16/40/ANSI150/300 Product number: 300-8603-12
Gestra RKE86A vacuum breaker/non-return valve DN 100The RKE86A wafer non-return valve is also suitable as a vacuum breaker valve to prevent unwanted backflow and protect systems against negative pressure. The vacuum vent valve is suitable for installation between flanges PN10-40 and ASME Class 125/150/300 and has a short face to face length acc. to EN 558, Series 49. The metal-seated valve has the body made of stainless steel 1.4408 and the valve disc as well as the spring are made of stainless steel 1.4571.
Nominal width :
DN100 - 4'' inch
DN100 - 4'' inch
Seal :
Metal
Metal
Body:
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Available, delivery time: in stock
FAQ about vacuum breaker
A vacuum breaker is a safety device that prevents negative pressure in pipes, tanks and vapour systems. This protects the system from deformation, back suction and potential damage due to pressure differences.
When a vacuum develops in the system, the vacuum breaker valve opens and allows air to flow into the pipe or tank. This equalises the pressure and prevents damage. As soon as the pressure returns to normal, the valve closes again.
Among their many applications, vacuum breakers are used for example in steam and heating systems, water pipes, tanks, heat exchangers, in the food industry, in the chemical industry and in irrigation systems.
To ensure an effective air supply, a vacuum breaker should be installed at a higher level in the system. The exact installation depends on the model and the area of application.
The vacuum breaker prevents negative pressure and back suction in the system as it allows air to flow into the system. However, the non-return valve protects the system against the backflow of liquids, but does not particularly protect against negative pressure.