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Filtration For Condensing Boilers?

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scatgo
scatgo Member Posts: 73

From what i undersatnde mod cons have narrow passages that can clog easy. If you are going to set on up on a old cast iron system a flush is a must but is it possible to have some sort of filter on the retune water side to make sure things don't jam up?

Comments

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,642

    Yes, you can get a combination filter and magnetic separator. See attached. Other companies make them including Caleffi.

    mattmia2scatgo
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,653

    more generically called a magnetic dirt separator though the issue is more with wet rotor circulators than with boilers. since they are magnetic, wet rotor circulators tend to get iron particles from the system building up in their bearings.

  • scatgo
    scatgo Member Posts: 73

    Thanks, brother. I just couldn't find anything like that with a goggle search.

    Happy thanksgiving.

    Peace

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,653

    i don't know anyone that would call it a filter but that is what the supplyhouse.com category calls them:

    https://www.supplyhouse.com/Magnetic-Boiler-Filters-28160000

    you could also put a strainer in the system.

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 26,651

    High efficiency boilers and ECM circs need some good particular protection. They are a couple steps beyond a basic Y strainer.

    A separator forces particles into the bell of the unit, to flush out. Whereas as Y strainers trap particles in the flow stream. Y strainers cannot grab the tiny magnetite particles.

    A mag separator does both particle, down to 5 micron, and magnetic particles .05 micron.

    Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 4.37.22 PM.png Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 4.43.31 PM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • jumper
    jumper Member Posts: 2,501

    When replacing or installing boilers I'd recommend at least some sort of sidestream filter. Often that recommendation was declined.