Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) is used to address what type of issue in low-hazard applications?

An Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB) is specifically designed to prevent back-siphonage in plumbing systems. Back-siphonage occurs when a drop in water pressure creates a vacuum that can draw contaminated water back into the potable water supply. This is particularly a concern in low-hazard situations, such as garden hose connections or irrigation systems, where there is a potential for non-potable water to be siphoned back into the drinking water supply.

The AVB operates by allowing air to enter the system when a negative pressure condition is detected, thus breaking the siphon effect and preventing any contaminants from entering the clean water supply. Its design includes a spring-loaded valve that opens when the pressure falls and closes when the pressure returns to normal, thereby ensuring that the system remains safe and free from contamination.

In summary, the AVB effectively addresses back-siphonage by breaking the vacuum that could lead to the reversal of flow in the system, thereby maintaining the integrity of the potable water supply.