Preventing freezing in a boiler condensate drain pipe

Alternative ways to prevent a boiler condensate drain pipe from freezing include providing ducting for selectively directing a portion of boiler exhaust gases into the drain pipe; neutralising the pH of the condensate by dosing with a soluble base; passing hot water periodically through the condensate pipe; electric heating the pipe using a wire coil; insulating the pipe by using a double wall pipe with air-gap between; inserting a flexible pipe into the drain pipe and directing condensate through the flexible pipe; passing heated air through the pipe; vibrating the pipe with a cam or an eccentric weight; and using a low friction coating on the inside of the pipe. The drain pipe temperature, base quantities, or pH can be sensed; heating be with a ceramic disc heater; and treatment be intermittent.

Separator

A separator 10 comprises a housing 12 and a separator chamber 14 contained within, an inlet 16 and outlet 18 to the separator chamber and a dividing member 20 for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 24. A flow path is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers, and obstruction means 74 provided in the second chamber for slowing flow through the second chamber. Preferably a removable magnet 58 is provided in the first chamber to attract particles out of the flow. Advantageously the separator is used in the main circuit of a central heating system to remove magnetic and non-magnetic particles held in suspension.

Separator

A separator 10 comprises a housing 12 and a separator chamber 14 contained within the housing, and a dividing member 20 for substantially dividing the separator chamber into a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 24. There is an inlet and outlet to the first chamber and a flow path is provided between the first and second chambers for allowing flow to circulate between the first and second chambers. Guide means are provided for guiding only a portion of the flow from the inlet through the second chamber and obstruction means 74 are provided in the second chamber for slowing flow through the second chamber. The second chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet only via the first chamber. Preferably a removable magnet 58 is provided in the first chamber to attract particles out of the flow. Advantageously the separator is used in the main circuit of a central heating system to remove magnetic and non-magnetic particles held in suspension.

Water and dirt separator

Water and dirt separator

Magnetic separator and release tool

A release tool 44, for releasing connectors on the inlet and outlet of a magnetic separator for a central heating system, the release tool has first and second bearing areas for bearing against the inlet and outlet connectors, and a handle region for enabling force to be applied, via the bearing areas, to both connectors simultaneously. Preferably a magnetic separator 10 for a central heating system comprises a housing 12, a separation chamber within the housing 12, inlet and outlet ports (20, 20a, Fig 5) extending from the housing, the inlet and outlet ports including push-fit connectors 30 having collets surrounding the mouth of each of the inlet and outlet for releasing the connectors 30, and the release tool 44. Advantageously the release tool allows for release of connectors when located behind a magnetic separator and in close proximity to pipes and walls. Also disclosed is a magnetic separator including a housing having a curved surface and an extension for bearing against a locking ...