Flamco

Saying that air and dirt particles are a hazard to the functioning of heating and cooling systems, Flamco a Netherland-based company, has announced introducing what it claims to be a new technology in air and dirt separation. The patented Dual Zone Flow Diversion technology unites all existing techniques for separating air and dirt particles from the system water, the announcement claimed. Introduced for the Flamco Clean, Flamcovent and Flamcovent Clean product lines, the company has now started marketing the technology, the manufacturer added.

According to Flamco, the innovation is a sustainable solution for both residential and commercial buildings, and has a lower risk of malfunction.

Explaining the rationale behind the concept, Flamco said that systems that are properly de-aerated, from which both small and larger particulate matter can be removed efficiently, have better output, are quieter and have a longer service life.

The manufacturer lists the following features and advantages:

• Three existing technologies are used simultaneously in the Dual Zone Flow Diversion technology: coalescence, reduction of the flow speed and reduction of pressure. Micro-bubbles adhere to the metal surfaces of the PALL rings in the structure under the influence of coalescence; air bubbles rise to the automatic vent due to the reduction of the flow speed; and gases dissolved in the fluid are released because of reduction in pressure.
• The air and dirt separators prevent three-way valves from sticking, which could lead to a build-up of dirt particles in boilers (heat exchangers), pumps, radiators and pipes. Efficiently separating and removing air bubbles prevents the formation of rust and magnetite in the inner workings of the system. Rust and magnetite can have an adverse effect on the circulation pump.
• Research conducted at the University of Antwerp has shown that the invention removes even microscopic air bubbles from between 10 and 20 μm.
• The optimised through-flow in cooling and heating systems is due to the efficient way in which the Dual Zone Flow Diversion technology separates dirt particles, such as grains of sand, bits of metal and paint or tape residue from the water.
• In common with the air bubbles, lighter dirt particles rise into the special basket with PALL rings, from which they are released via a blow-off cock fitted underneath the automatic vent. Thanks to the low-flow speed, heavier dirt particles drop to the bottom of the separator, where a drain cock is fitted.
• The entire process of separating dirt and air is carried out with minimal loss of pressure.
• The technology makes it possible to use a smaller pump, which consumes less electricity, helping to keep down costs.
• It can be applied to both small and large systems, in sealed heating and cooling systems, and in solar thermal systems in which steam can be created.