HYDRAULIC SEPARATORS
operating conditions may arise in the system whereby the pumps interact, creating abnormal variations in circuit flow rates and pressures. The hydraulic separator creates a zone with low head loss, which enables the primary and secondary circuits connected to it to be hydraulically independent of each other; the flow in one circuit does not create a flow in the other if the head loss in the common section is negligible. In this case, the flow rate in the respective circuits depends exclusively on the flow rate characteristics of the pumps, preventing reciprocal influence caused by their connection in series. Therefore, using a device with these characteristics means that the flow in the secondary circuit only circulates when the relevant pump is on, permitting the system to meet the specific load requirements at that time. When the secondary pump is off, there is no circulation in the secondary circuit; the whole flow rate produced by the primary pump is by-passed through the separator. With a hydraulic separator, it is therefore possible to have a production circuit with a constant flow rate and a distribution circuit with a variable flow rate; these operating conditions are typical of modern heating and air- conditioning systems. HYDRAULIC SEPARATORS & HEAT PUMPS With heat pumps playing an important role in the decarbonisation of heating, the hydraulic separator will also play a key role in ensuring a heat pump system can operate efficiently. In systems which anticipate the use of a booster pump, it is suggested that separating the primary and secondary circuits using a hydraulic separator is required. This is to avoid interference between these circuits due to variations in the flow rates and head generated by the circulation pumps.
Selecting the highest performing hydraulic separator will ensure that the heat pump system can operate as intended, with some even adding the extra security of dirt and air separation. FINDING THE RIGHT HYDRAULIC SEPARATOR The Caleffi 548 and 549 hydraulic separators keep the primary and secondary circuits hydraulically connected yet are able to function independently from each other. With this, they combine different functional components, each of which to satisfy specific needs of HVAC systems. These functions consist of:
Dirt Separation •
The dirt separator separates and collect any impurities in the circuits as they collide with the surface of the internal element.
Deaeration •
Utilises the combined action of several physics’ principles: the widening of the cross section decreases the flow velocity and the technopolymer mesh creates whirling movements so as to facilitate the release of micro- bubbles. The bubbles, fusing with each other, increase in volume and, rising towards the top of the unit, are released through a float-operated automatic air vent.
These functions are available up to 50mm in our SEP4 549 Series Combination Hydraulic Separators . To limit heat loss, the 548 and 549 are supplied complete with pre- formed shell insulation to guarantee perfect thermal insulation. This insulation also provides the tightness required to prevent atmospheric water vapour from entering the unit. Due to this, the insulation allows for the hydraulic separator to be used in chilled water circuits as they prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the valve body. “The Caleffi 548 and 549 series hydraulic separators bring a combination approach to any header.”
Hydraulic Separation •
Through this, the component keeps the hydraulic circuits connected independently from each other.
Removal of ferrous particles •
The patented magnetic system also attracts ferromagnetic impurities in the water: the ferromagnetic particles are trapped in the collection zone, meaning that they are prevented from being recirculated.
For more information, contact Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on +353 (0)85 215 2288 or e-mail chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager on +44 (0)7760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk or visit the website at www.altecnic.co.uk
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