A magnetic dirt separator takes care of drinking and process water quality

We usually only start thinking about the importance of water filtration once the water becomes harmful to our health or unsuitable for operating air-conditioning and other equipment that uses water. Why is this a problem? Water often contains chlorine, heavy metals, iron, nitrites or nitrates, but also viruses and bacteria. The presence of asbestos, herbicides and pesticides is not uncommon either, and besides an unpleasant smell and taste, these are responsible for a range of health problems for users. One option for filtering water is to install a magnetic dirt separator.

Dirt separator versus common filters

A dirt separator separates impurities, made up mostly of sand and particles of rust. These usually circulate in systems with closed circuits. The impurities collect in a large desludging chamber, which requires cleaning only rarely. At the same time, the impurities can be removed while the system is running. The advantages of dirt separators are their low pressure loss and consistently sustainable performance. This remains constant over time, unlike ordinary filters, which become clogged by the impurities they capture.

Caleffi Dirtmag dirt separator

The Caleffi Dirtmag desludger removes impurities contained in air-conditioning systems. The large internal volume of the Dirtmag device slows down the flow of the medium, which can be either water or a glycol solution. Slowing the flow of the medium helps particles separate out by gravity. These then collect in the decanting chamber. A removable magnetic ring captures ferromagnetic impurities. The impurities collected in this way can then be drained even while the system is running, simply by opening the drain cock.

The body of the Caleffi Dirtmag dirt separator is made of technopolymer. This durable composite material is characterised by a wide range of mechanical, thermal and technological properties. Since it is recyclable, it has only a small impact on the environment. Technopolymers also have high tensile strength, good resistance to crack propagation, very low moisture absorption, and are able to maintain their performance even when temperatures fluctuate.

How the impurities are removed

The operating principle of the Caleffi Dirtmag dirt separator is based on capturing impurities with a magnet. This happens through the action of two magnets fitted into a special removable outer ring of the separator. Its inner element consists of a set of radial mesh surfaces. When impurities in the water hit these surfaces, they separate out and fall to the bottom of the housing, where they collect. Ferrous impurities are captured directly inside the housing.

How to install a dirt separator

The Caleffi Dirtmag dirt separator can be installed on both horizontal and vertical pipes. However, any installation or removal should only be carried out while the system is cold. It is likewise essential to make sure the system is not under pressure.

The installation itself is not complicated. Manually turn the T-piece union to adapt the connection for a horizontal or vertical pipe, and install the desludger in the direction indicated by the arrow. The dirt separator should always be installed on the side before the pump, with its body kept in a vertical position.

Technical operating parameters of the Caleffi Dirtmag

The operating temperature range of the Caleffi Dirtmag dirt separator should be between 0 and 90 degrees Celsius. The maximum operating pressure should not exceed three bar, and the recommended flow velocity of the medium at the device's connections should be stable at around 1.2 metres per second. The Caleffi Dirtmag filter is available in three-quarter-inch and one-inch sizes.

If you don't like the taste of your coffee or tea, even though you care about the quality of the brand, or your air-conditioning is struggling, the problem may be insufficiently filtered water. Feel free to consult our specialists about a specific product - they are waiting to answer your questions at info@atria.sk.