Help protect your heating system from air and dirt
Does your heating system make gurgling noises? Do some radiators stay partly cold? Air and dirt in the system water could be contributing to these problems.
Air can interfere with water circulation and heat transfer. Dirt, including magnetite, can accumulate in radiators, pumps and valves. Addressing these problems helps your heating system perform as intended.
The SpiroVent RV2 air separator and SpiroTrap MB3 dirt separator are designed to remove air and dirt from circulating system water. Any resulting energy savings depend on the condition of your installation, the problems present and how the system is operated.
How can air affect your heating?
System water contains dissolved gases. When the water heats up or the pressure changes, some of these gases can form bubbles. Air can also enter during filling or maintenance.
Air pockets can prevent radiators from heating evenly, while circulating bubbles can cause noise and interfere with water flow. Increasing the heating temperature to compensate may increase energy consumption without addressing the underlying problem.
Remove circulating air with the SpiroVent RV2
The SpiroVent RV2 separates circulating air and microbubbles from system water. As water passes through the separator, these bubbles are collected and released.
Correct selection and positioning are important. Your installer can advise on the appropriate solution and installation location.
Benefits of the SpiroVent RV2:
- Removes circulating air and microbubbles.
- Helps address air-related circulation problems.
- Helps reduce the need for manual radiator bleeding.
How can dirt affect your heating?
Corrosion can produce magnetite, the dark magnetic particles often found in heating water. Other contaminants may also be present.
These particles can accumulate in radiators or sensitive parts of the installation, interfering with flow and heat transfer. Removing dirt from circulating water helps protect the system from contamination.
Separate dirt with the SpiroTrap MB3
The SpiroTrap MB3 separates dirt from system water. Its magnet captures magnetic particles such as magnetite, while the separated dirt collects for discharge during maintenance.
Your installer can check the condition of your system water and advise whether cleaning, water treatment or other maintenance is also needed.
Benefits of the SpiroTrap MB3:
- Separates magnetic and non-magnetic dirt.
- Helps protect pumps, valves and heat exchangers from circulating contaminants.
- Allows collected dirt to be discharged during maintenance.
What does the research tell us?
Spirotech’s whitepaper summarises Kiwa Gastec testing and TNO calculations concerning air and dirt in a radiator heating system connected to a high-efficiency boiler.
In the tests described, introducing gas or magnetite reduced radiator heat output. Air removal and magnetic dirt separation helped restore heat output. The calculations described in the whitepaper also indicate that compensating for reduced heat output can increase energy consumption.
These findings explain why controlling air and dirt matters. They do not establish a fixed gas-saving percentage for every home or for installing a particular separator.
What could this mean for your home?
The benefit depends on your starting point. A system affected by air or dirt may respond differently from one that is already clean, correctly vented and operating properly.
Relevant factors include:
- The amount and location of air and dirt.
- The type, condition and settings of the heating system.
- Operating temperatures and heating demand.
- Correct product selection, installation and maintenance.
Ask your installer to assess your system before estimating potential savings. Any financial estimate should also account for your energy tariff and the cost of installation.
Find the right solution for your heating system
Planning maintenance or replacing your boiler? Ask your installer to check system water quality and consider air and dirt separation as part of the work.
Our product specialists can help you and your installer select an appropriate solution.