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Sniffle Valves: Keeping Suction Power Constant

Our sniffle valves enable precise control of airflow and prevent air streams from escaping undesired areas. They are commonly used in extraction systems to maintain consistent suction performance at individual extraction points and to reduce energy consumption.

Ratec Signet
Schnüffelventile / Falschluftventile

RATEC sniffle valves, also known as air bleed valves or leakage air valves, keep the suction at every extraction point in your system at a constant level. They control the airflow in a targeted way, stop air from being drawn in from unwanted areas and noticeably cut the energy consumption of the entire extraction system. We design every valve for your system and build it at our own plant in St. Veit an der Glan, Austria.

How sniffle valves work

When individual extraction points in a system are closed, the negative pressure in the ducts rises and the air volume drops. The sniffle valve sits on the duct and, in this situation, lets air in through a grille in a controlled way. An adjustable flap in the housing determines when and how much air flows in. This keeps the air volume and flow velocity in the ducts even, prevents deposits and keeps the fan operating in the right range.

Your benefits

  • Constant suction: at every extraction point, even when other points are closed.
  • No unwanted airflows: air is drawn in where intended and in a controlled way.
  • Less energy: the system runs evenly in its optimum range.
  • Robust and simple: sturdy housing, perforated grille, adjustable from outside.

Key technical data

FeatureSniffle Valves / Leakage Air Valves
Loadingcontrol airflow, keep suction power constant
Constructionhousing with duct connection, perforated grille, adjustable flap
Applicationcentral extraction systems with several extraction points
Nominal size, connections, materialsdesigned individually for your system

Matching accessories

Sniffle valves complement butterfly valves and intake manifolds in central vacuum systems. We manufacture them at our own plant in Carinthia, certified according to ISO 9001, EN 1090-1 and ISO 3834-2.

Want to stabilise your suction power?

Tell us about your system and the number of extraction points. We will get back to you with a specific proposal.

Frequently asked questions

Key details are the system design, number of extraction points, air volumes, and nominal diameters. RATEC designs each solution to customer specifications, so there is no flat rate. You will receive an individual quote.

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Usually at the end of a pipeline or at points where the flow would become too slow when extraction points are closed. The exact position is determined by the pipe network calculation. RATEC specifies the position during the planning of your system.

If many extraction points are closed, the air volume in the ducts decreases and the flow velocity drops. Dust then settles in the pipes. A sniffle valve keeps the air volume stable. RATEC designs sniffle valves to prevent deposits and ensure the fan operates within the correct range.

A snifting valve, also known as a secondary air valve, specifically lets air into the line if the vacuum is too high. In contrast, a butterfly valve closes a line completely or partially. RATEC uses both together in central extraction systems to ensure that the extraction performance remains constant.