Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from a fluid comprises a vertically oriented chamber having top and bottom chamber portions separated by a chamber sidewall at least partially defining a chamber interior having a chamber centerline. A fluid inlet provided through the chamber sidewall selectively permits ingress of fluid to the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet is directed laterally between the chamber sidewall and the chamber centerline. A fluid outlet located proximate the bottom chamber portion selectively permits egress of fluid from the chamber interior. An air release structure located proximate the top chamber portion selectively releases accumulated air from the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet achieves a vortex motion during travel downward to the fluid outlet. The vortex motion prompts release of air from the fluid, the air collecting adjacent the air release structure for selective release.