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Where to install the magnetic dirt separator?

Doug_R
Doug_R Member Posts: 4
edited January 9 in Radiant Heating

I have a hydronic heating system with four zones:

  • Two zones are cast iron baseboard radiators (about 60 years old).
  • Two zones are in-floor PEX (about 30 years old).

I have significant rust in the glycol. A plumber suggested I install a magnetic dirt separator.

Can you help me determine which of the following installation options makes the most sense?

  1. Plumber's suggestion: Install the magnetic filter on the 1.25" main line, to the left of the air separator. We need to extend the loop to do that (as depicted by the blue line).
    • Pros: This placement would filter glycol from all four zones.
    • Cons: a) I will need to buy 1.25" elbows and reducers plus 12' of 1.25" pipe of which I'll only use 24". b) The location is a little awkward for easy maintenance of the filter.
  2. Alternative suggestion: Install the filter in the return line from the two cast iron radiator zones (see green line).
    • Advantages: a) Less costly installation, for there is no need to buy any pipe or reducers. b) Easier access for maintenance.
    • I don't see any cons. This line returns glycol from both radiator zones, which are the primary sources of the rust. As the glycol circulates, it will eventually pass through this filter, cleaning the entire system.

Any insights? Can you help me see any downside?

Mag filter placement.jpg

Comments

  • psb75
    psb75 Member Posts: 923

    Caleffi also makes a version that can be mounted on vertical pipe.

    Doug_R
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,736
    edited January 9

    I would look at the XF, mount it on the vertical return to the right of the supply that has the pumps connected.

    Really it works anywhere in the system, typically before return to the boiler.

    The XF is easy to clean and has an extra screen inside, in addition to a strong magnet.

    You may need to clean it weekly in the beginning if you have a lot of particles in the fluid.

    https://landing.caleffi.com/en/xf/

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
    delcrossv
  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,676

    The return is the best place to install any type of filter. You want to get the 💩 out of the pipes before it gets to any of the important parts of the system.

    Of course that is assuming that you have most of your circulators and zone valves (if any) on the supply side of the boiler.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    Doug_R
  • Doug_R
    Doug_R Member Posts: 4

    I take it you are suggesting that there is a third option: doing it on the vertical pipe to the left of the blue and green lines. That is the return for a zone with cast iron radiators and, of course, will filter all the glycol over time.

    I like it. Even easier to access.

    Thanks for your response.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,736

    I was thinking this line is the return from all the zones?

    IMG_0947.jpeg

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Doug_R
    Doug_R Member Posts: 4
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833225#Comment_1833225

    Thanks for the recommendation. The XF looks like a great filter.

  • Doug_R
    Doug_R Member Posts: 4
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1833464#Comment_1833464

    Thanks for annoting the photo. You are correct—this is the return for all the zones. Installing it there will be easier than extending that blue loop. Thanks for clarifying.

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