Flamco smart de-aeration filter technology, helps remove scale and air bubbles from the Chiller/Boiler system

PGTECH distributes Dirt and Air Separators from Flamco, the renowned Dutch manufacturer of air and dirt separation solutions. Flamco’s product range includes Dirt and Air Separators, Air Separators, and Dirt Separators for Chiller (Cooling) systems and Heating (Boiler) systems worldwide. To better understand the efficiency and advantages of Flamco’s separation technology, explore our in-depth article on Flamco’s Smart magnetic air and dirt separation technology—delivering superior filtration performance, energy savings, and minimal maintenance.

Why do we need get rid of air and dirt in HVAC system?

Air and dirt in a system causes problems such as reduced heat transfer, unnecessary faults and wear and noise. But also lead to disruptions of the system and reduced pump performance. Higher energy consumption and an unreliable system are the consequence.

Where do air and dirt come from?

Air particles and gases are always present in the water of heating and cooling systems. They are generally a consequence of activities performed (maintenance, draining and filling etc.), micro-leaks, diffusion and chemical processes in the water. Dirt is caused by corrosion processes, maintenance to the system or failing system parts.

It can accumulate and cause blockages. The use of filters is not ideal because these do not trap smaller particles, silt up, cause high flow resistance, need regular maintenance and require replacement of components.

Air and dirt in a system lead to:

• Shortened system-life due to corrosion.
• Reduced comfort due to less heat transfer and noises.
• Cavitation and magnetite damage pumps.
• Disruptions of the system.
• Loss of image for installers and component suppliers.

With air and dirt separators these adverse factors are reduced as much as possible.

The new standard

Flamco has the answer

The new Flamcovent, Flamco Clean and Flamcovent Clean Smart air and dirt separator range removes even the smallest microbubbles and minuscule dirt particles from the system water. They are close to maintenance-free and the flow resistance is negligibly low, which saves energy.

The new and proven standard

The Smart air and dirt separators are smart products in every aspect. And just as in other innovations from Flamco, their new technology delivers optimal performance. Just like the Smart range with connection sizes up to 2", the proven effectiveness makes them future ready and the new standard in air and dirt separation.

Main advantages

• Up to 60% better performance compared to conventional air and dirt separators.
• Extremely low flow resistance resulting in the best energy conservation possible.
• Standard flow velocities up to 3 m/s.
• Consistent performance throughout its service life.
• Low maintenance.

Smart in every regard

High separation performance with energy conservation

The separation element combined with the return flow ensures excellent air and dirt separation and at the same time saves energy because of the negligible flow resistance. An exceptional rate of at least 40% of the air and dirt is separated per cycle while using only 10% extraction of the main flow.

Inside the chamber of the separator the water velocity is heavily reduced down to less than 1% of the main flow. This efficiently separates microbubbles and dirt particles by allowing the air particles to automatically rise to the air release valve at the top and the dirt particles to sink to the bottom to the dirt collector. A supermagnet additionally contributes in trapping ferrous particles.

Double thrust function

Two thrust functions ensure efficient dirt removal and de-aeration of the system water.

Fig. A: The first function is achieved by the separating element in the path of the main flow through the unit, diverting contaminated water into the entrapment chamber.

Fig. B: The second effect is achieved by bringing back the clean return flow of water in the centre, upstream of the separating element. This forces the microbubbles and dirt particles present in the main flow outwards and into the chambers of the separator to be removed.

A smart concept

Continuous operation and a long service life

Flamco Smart performs 60% better than conventional air and dirt separators, while the flow resistance has been reduced to a negligible level. This avoids wear to the pump of the central heating boiler and reduces energy costs.

The absence of obstructions in the main flow ensures that clogging or blockage is prevented which guarantees superior and continuous operation over its service life. Moreover, this feature also considerably prolongs the service life of the product.

Performs 60% better

Supermagnets

25 Neodymium supermagnets are incorporated into the dirt scraper of the Flamco Clean Smart and the Flamcovent Clean Smart. The magnetic rating per magnet is 13,000 Gauss/1,3 Tesla. The complete flow in the entrapment chamber is directed to pass the magnet. Due to the low flow velocity, the magnets are able to trap even the smallest particles (as small as 4 µm). By extracting the magnet, the magnetic particles are moved downwards, where two dirt scrapers and the drain valve are situated. This allows for easy and efficient removal of dirt.

Low-maintenance

The low-maintenance characteristic of the air and dirt separators is a great advantage. The renewed technology ensures extended periods between necessary maintenance. A label can be affixed to the handle of the drain valve that makes it simple to show when maintenance was last performed.

Smart in all details

Conical air chamber

The air chamber of the Flamcovent Smart and Flamcovent Clean Smart is conical in shape and fitted with an elongated float for extra distance to the venting valve. This reduces the chance of contamination of the valve seat to a minimum. Floating dirt particles collected in the upper entrapment chamber can be drained away periodically with the drain valve.

Dirt scraper with magnet holder and drain valve

The removable dirt scraper consists of several parts: A double scraper, one for the base of the entrapment chamber and one in the cone of the dirt scraper itself. It has also a magnet holder with supermagnets. By pulling the magnet downwards, the magnetite particles are drawn to the underside of the dirt scraper where they can easily be removed via the drain valve. The removable magnet is designed to allow a minimum of space below the dirt separator when extracting.

IsoPlus insulation

This easy to install insulation set consists of two halves which are joined together by attached hook fasteners and thermoformed deep-drawn covers. The outer polystyrene surface layer (thickness 1 mm) is laminated on the melamine insulation foam (thickness 50 mm).

• Fire class B2, according to DIN 4102.
• Suitable for retrospective installation.
• 100 % recyclable.
• λ-value: 0.035 W/mK.
• Available for connection sizes DN 50 up to DN 200.

The new air and dirt separators from Flamco further strengthen this value proposition. They are available in a wide range of connection sizes (DN 50 to DN 600), with welded (S) or flanged (F) connections, and maximum working pressures of 10, 16, or even 25 bar—offering reliable, energy-efficient, and future-proof solutions for both new installations and system upgrades.

Conclusion

Experts in control systems emphasize that the initial cost of installing air and dirt separators is far lower than the long-term expenses related to energy consumption, maintenance, equipment repairs, and system downtime. More importantly, when installed, these devices significantly enhance the cooling and heating efficiency of Chiller and Boiler systems. According to consultants and manufacturers, the installation of air and dirt separators can reduce energy consumption by 12%–25% and cut total annual operating costs by up to 55%. In Europe and the United States, such separators are considered essential components in Cooling and Heating system designs. In Vietnam, design consultants have already started incorporating them into projects, and it is expected that within a few years, hydraulic air and dirt separators will become standard in Cooling and Heating system designs to optimize performance and efficiency.

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED – Authorized Distributor of HVAC System Products in Vietnam and Regional Markets

News Editorial Board: PGTECH

Engineer: Manh Thang

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED

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