Dirt (or sediment) separators remove the impurities (primarily made up of sand and rust particles) circulating within a system’s closed loops. If dirt is not removed, system efficiency is severely reduced. A suitable dirt separator ‘catches’ all dirt particles without blocking the flow through the system. A buildup of dirt in the system will lead to increased pressure drops, blockages, and premature failure of components.
How Does a Dirt/Sediment Separator Work?
System impurities are separated from the system by several methods depending on the type of dirt/sediment separator. In some models, internal coalescing media helps break entrained air and suspended solids out of system fluid. The unit’s design slows fluid velocity, allowing entrained air and suspended sediment to come out of the solution. Tangential inlet and outlet nozzles then induce centrifugal fluid flow, creating 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, versions fitted with a magnet are designed for the separation of ferrous impurities.
Dirt Separators by Manufacturer
Taco Dirt Separators
4900 Series Magnetic Dirt Separator
Taco 4900 Series Magnetic Dirt Separators increase system life and efficiency by removing ferrous material and other harmful, loose particles from closed-loop hydronic heating systems. A powerful, service-free magnetic ring and convenient blow-down valve are included for quick and easy system maintenance. The 4900 Series Magnetic Dirt Separator is available with sweat or NPT connections ranging from 3/4"-2".
View the Taco 4900 Series Brochure
Learn more about full system control with Taco’s air and dirt control in this webinar:
Armstrong Fluid Technology Dirt Separators
Dirt & Air Separators (DAS)
Armstrong Dirt & Air Separators (DAS) are designed to eliminate trapped air and suspended dirt particles associated with the start-up and maintenance of hydronic and HVAC systems. They are available in carbon steel (shell), stainless steel (coalescing medium), and styrene-butadiene rubber (gasket).
Features:
- Low installation cost
- Space-saving design removes dirt and air at the same time within a single unit
- Improved system efficiency and operating economy
- Eliminates the need for bypass/isolation valves, filters, and other components that can aggravate system friction
- Designed for minimal pressure drop and no fluctuations
- Less corrosion, pump cavitation, and wear of system components for extended service intervals and overall system life
- The service-friendly design allows flushing of dirt particles and air-vent maintenance while the system is in operation
Request a Quote for Armstrong Separators
Bell & Gossett
Heating, cooling, and dual hydronic systems require effective air management to provide maximum performance efficiency. Proper air control enhances hydronic system energy efficiency by helping reduce pipe corrosion and scaling, which adds extra unnecessary friction losses. Less internal corrosion decreases maintenance costs, increasing system life, and with air removed, there can be less system noise, reducing occupant complaints.
Coalescing Removal Separators (CRS)
Bell & Gossett CRS coalescing-style air and sediment separators are available for use in any HVAC system. Its internal coalescing media helps break entrained air and suspended solids out from system fluid. The CRS efficiently removes these contaminants, improving heat transfer capabilities and resulting in lower energy costs while protecting pumps, boilers, and other components and extending the life of your system.
CRS separators are available in several 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 grooved end connections.
CRS Mag
For additional protection against ferrous sediment, the CRS is 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 pose a severe threat to modern system components. In addition, the insert can be easily moved from its position inside the separator to facilitate blow-down and sediment removal.
Features/Benefits:
- 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 and 100% of entrained air from your hydronic system
- Removes 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
View the Bell & Gossett CRS Brochure
Sediment Removal Separator (SRS)
Bell & Gossett Sediment Removal Separators (SRS) are patented centrifugal style air and sediment separator for use in any HVAC system. Its 3-to-1 body diameter to nozzle diameter ratio slows the fluid velocity, allowing entrained air and suspended sediment to come out of the solution. In contrast, 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, 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 impurities can then be easily removed via an air vent or connection to an expansion tank and a blow-down valve.
All SRS models are designed, constructed, inspected, and stamped per Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME code for 125 psi (862 kPa) maximum working pressure and 350°F (177°C) maximum working temperature. Higher pressures and temperatures are available upon request. Models are available in sizes 3" through 36" and are available with NPT (3" only), flange, or grooved end connections.
Features and Benefits:
- Removes entrained air and suspended sediment to protect the system against damage, provide better heat transfer, reduce energy cost, and eliminate system noise
- The centrifugal flow pattern creates a low-pressure vortex in the center of the tank and lowers pressure drop through the tank
View the Bell & Gossett SRS Brochure
Shop Bell & Gossett Sediment Separators
Read the Bell & Gossett Air Management Product Family Brochure
