CHOOSING THE RIGHT FILTER

Ed Morris, Technical Manager at Altecnic, explains the role filters play in protecting heating and cooling systems from debris.

Filters play an important role in protecting heating and cooling systems from circulating debris, but selecting the right solution isn’t always as straightforward as matching a filter to the pipe size. Different systems present different challenges, from flow requirements and pressure drop to the type and volume of contaminants present.

MYTH 1: ALL FILTERS DO THE SAME JOB

Not all filters tackle contaminants in the same way. Strainers physically capture debris according to mesh size, while dirt separators remove circulating impurities by slowing the flow and allowing particles to separate and collect away from the main system. Magnetic dirt separators provide additional protection by capturing ferrous particles that could otherwise circulate through pumps, valves and heat exchangers.

Specifiers should consider the contaminants likely to be present and the components that need protection. Dirt isn’t the only factor that can affect system performance. Air can contribute to corrosion, reduce circulation and prevent heat emitters from operating efficiently. Where air is also a concern, specifying a filter with an integral air vent, or combining filtration with a deaerator, can provide more complete system protection.

MYTH 2: IF IT FITS THE PIPE, IT’S THE RIGHT FILTER

Connection size shouldn’t determine filter selection alone. Specifiers must also consider flow rate, pressure drop, system volume and the level of particle separation required. A poorly selected filter can create excessive pressure drop, restrict circulation or lack the capacity required by a larger system. Available installation space and future servicing requirements should also be considered.

MYTH 3: THE SAME FILTER WORKS FOR EVERY APPLICATION

Different heating and cooling applications place different demands on filtration.

For domestic boiler systems, space can be limited, making compact magnetic filtration and straightforward access for servicing important considerations.

With heat pump systems, maintaining the required flow rate is particularly important. Filter selection should consider effective contaminant removal alongside pressure drop and hydraulic performance to avoid unnecessarily restricting system flow.

Underfloor heating systems can incorporate multiple circuits, manifolds and control components. Protecting these components from circulating debris is important for maintaining reliable flow and effective system control.

Meanwhile, commercial and higher-volume systems may require larger-capacity dirt separation solutions capable of handling greater system volumes and flow rates. Simply scaling up a solution designed for a small domestic system may not provide the most appropriate approach.