Effective air management achieves maximum performance efficiency in heating and cooling hydronic systems. Proper air control enhances hydronic system energy efficiency by reducing pipe corrosion and scaling, which can add to unnecessary friction losses. Less internal corrosion decreases maintenance costs and increases system life, while air removal reduces system noise.
What is an Air Separator?
Air separators eliminate entrained air efficiently and quickly from the piping system in closed-loop heating and cooling applications. Air separators are multi-pass devices and, over time, will “scrub out” air and bring the dissolved air content down to less than 0.5% of system volume. Removing air reduces corrosion, which destroys moving parts such as valve packings and pump seals. Eliminating air from the system will also reduce noise and improve heat transfer. Using an air separator will help maintain optimum system performance.
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Types of Bell & Gossett Air & Dirt Separators
Tangential Air Separators
Bell & Gossett Rolairtrol Air Separator
Bell & Gossett Rolairtrol Air Separators are patented centrifugal-style air separators for any HVAC system. Its 3-to-1 body diameter to nozzle diameter ratio slows fluid velocity to help remove entrained air from the solution, while its tangential inlet and outlet nozzles induce centrifugal fluid flow. This centrifugal flow creates a low-pressure vortex in the center of the tank where entrained air can come out of the solution and float to the top of the tank, where it is removed via an air vent or connection to an expansion tank.
Rolairtrol air separators are also available with or without a 304 stainless steel strainer to help break the fluid surface tension and remove suspended solids from system fluid.
Features of Bell & Gossett Rolairtrol Air Separators:
- The centrifugal flow pattern creates a low-pressure vortex in the center of the tank and lowers pressure drop through the tank
- Cast iron (2"-3") and carbon steel (3"-36") bodies (other body materials available upon request for 3"-36" models)
- NPT (2" & 2-1/2"), flange, or groove connections available
- With or without strainer
- 304 stainless steel
- 3/16" diameter perforations, 51% open area
- Designed, constructed, inspected, and stamped per Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Code
- Standard models rated for 125 psi (862 kPa) working pressure (higher pressures available upon request)
Bell & Gossett Rolairtrol Air Separators Brochure
Bell & Gossett Rolairtrol Air Separators Manual
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Bell & Gossett Sediment Removal Separator
Bell & Gossett Sediment Removal Separators (SRS) are centrifugal air and sediment separators used in HVAC systems. Their 3-to-1 body diameter to nozzle diameter ratio slows the velocity of fluid to allow entrained air and suspended sediment to come out of the solution. In contrast, their tangential inlet and outlet nozzles induce centrifugal fluid flow. This centrifugal flow creates a low-pressure vortex in the center of the tank, where entrained air can come out of the solution and float to the top of the tank, and suspended sediment can sink to the bottom. In addition, the SRS features an extended collection cap at the bottom of the tank where sediment can collect without the risk of being pulled back into the system by the exiting fluid. These sediment impurities can be easily removed via an air vent or connection to an expansion tank and a blowdown valve.
Bell & Gossett SRS Features:
- The centrifugal flow pattern creates a low-pressure vortex in the center of the tank and lowers pressure drop through the tank
- Models from 3"-36" are available with a carbon steel body (other body materials available upon request for 3"-36" models)
- NPT (3" only), flange, or groove connections available
- Includes extended collection cap on bottom of tank to prevent sediment from being pulled back into the system
- Designed, constructed, inspected, and stamped per Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Code
- Standard models rated for 125 psi (862 kPa) working pressure (higher pressures available upon request)
Bell & Gossett Sediment Removal Separator Technical Brochure
Bell & Gossett Sediment Removal Separator Manual
Bell & Gossett SRS Pneumatic Purge Valve Manual
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Coalescing Removal Separators
Bell & Gossett CRS Air & Sediment Separator
Bell & Gossett CRS coalescing-style air and sediment separators feature an internal coalescing media that breaks down entrained air and suspended solids and removes them from system fluid. The CRS efficiently removes these contaminants, improving heat transfer capabilities and lowering energy costs while protecting pumps, boilers, and other components while extending the life of your system. With its wide variety of sizes, connections, and configurations, the Bell & Gossett CRS is an excellent solution for any HVAC application.
CRS separators are available in many models to best fit your system requirements. Models are available for air-only, sediment-only, and air/sediment combo separation, with options for removable or non-removable coalescing media and standard or high velocities. All CRS models are designed, constructed, inspected, and stamped per Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME code for 150 psi (1,034 kPa) maximum working pressure and 450°F (232°C) maximum working temperature. Higher pressures and temperatures are available upon request. Models are available in sizes 2" through 36" with NPT (2"-4" only), flange, or groove end connections.
For additional protection against ferrous sediment, Bell & Gossett CRS separators are available with an optional magnetic insert. Comprised of neodymium 45H magnets with a strength of 13,550 Gauss, the magnetic rod helps remove metallic sediment that can seriously threaten modern system components. In addition, the insert can be easily moved from its position inside the separator to facilitate blowdown and sediment removal.
Features of the Bell & Gossett CRS:
- Improved system efficiency: Lowers energy costs and improves comfort by removing poor heat transfer media like air and sediment from system fluid
- Removal of system impurities: Removes up to 100% of free air, 100% of entrained air from your hydronic system, and sediment to 30 μm within 100 passes
- Prolonged system performance: Improves and extends the life of your system components, withstands system operating conditions to provide long life expectancy, thanks to a robust design with stainless steel coalescing media
- Expanded capabilities: air and sediment combo, air only, sediment only, standard velocity, high velocity, and removable coalescing media
Bell & Gossett Coalescing Removal Separators Brochure
Bell & Gossett Coalescing Removal Separators Manual
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Small Air Separators
Bell & Gossett EASB-JR Air Separators
The Bell & Gossett EASB-JR is a micro-bubble air separator that makes residential and commercial hydronic heating systems more efficient, quieter, and last longer.
Featuring a brass body and stainless steel internal components, the EASB-JR air separator is designed to remove entrained air bubbles in hydronic systems automatically. As fluid enters the air separator, the velocity is decreased, creating a low-pressure area. As a result, the tiny bubbles are released from the fluid and then collected in the coalescing medium. As the bubbles coalesce, they rise to the top of the air separator, where they are released into the atmosphere through the built-in automatic air vent.
Their compact design and no-minimum straight pipe requirements allow EASB-JR to be installed wherever air is a problem. In addition, they are offered in several sizes: 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" NPT or Sweat, and 1-1/2" NPT.
The EASB-JR features a non-clog vent design that eliminates callbacks due to the fouling of the valve and a 1-1/2" NPT connection that allows easy connection to a diaphragm tank.
Bell & Gossett EASB-JR Air Separator Technical Brochure
Bell & Gossett EASB-JR Air Separator Manual
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Bell & Gossett EAS Enhanced Air Separators
Bell & Gossett EAS air separators are built to last with a rugged two-piece cast iron body and cap construction, stainless steel internal parts, brass vent, and non-ferrous internals. As system fluid enters through the inlet (either straight or angle), the diffuser distributes flow evenly across the stainless steel, wire brush-like medium. Air bubbles, even micro air bubbles, stick to the brush filaments. Trapped air rises above the diffuser within the separator through a baffle, where the air is then released through an opening at the top. Treated water then goes back into the system.
The EAS is also straightforward and convenient to install. It requires no minimum pipe run and has straight or angle pattern installation capability. In addition, it is usable for systems with either steel compression or diaphragm expansion tanks, is removable, and has a replaceable 3/4" high capacity vent.
Bell & Gossett EAS Enhanced Air Separators Technical Brochure
Bell & Gossett EAS Enhanced Air Separators Technical Manual
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Bell & Gossett IAS Inline Air Separators
B&G inline air separator are designed to efficiently separate air from circulating water in hydronic heating and cooling systems to assure quiet operation.
They feature:
- One-piece cast iron construction
- Sizes 1" through 3"
Bell & Gossett IAS Inline Air Separators Brochure
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Bell & Gossett Separator Parts
Bell & Gossett offers replacement parts and accessories for Rolaitrol and Sediment Removal Separators, including strainers, screens, and flange gaskets. They also offer parts for the EAS and other small air separators.
Bell & Gossett Separator Parts Catalog
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Bell & Gossett Air Management
Bell & Gossett offers a complete line of air elimination products for commercial heating and cooling application. From air and dirt separators to expansion tanks and air vents, Bell & Gossett air management products are designed to make your system more energy efficient, trouble-free, and long-lasting.
