A sediment separator is a protective device used to separate rust, scale, welding slag, and other particles from the fluid circulating in heating, cooling, and industrial water systems, collecting them in the lower chamber. As the fluid passes through a filter element inside the separator, large and medium-sized particles are retained. The sediment accumulates in the lower chamber and can be drained through the drain valve without interrupting the system. This significantly reduces the risk of clogging and wear on valves, pumps, heat exchangers, and control components.

Boiler and chiller circuits, fan coil unit and air handling unit ducts, plate and tube heat exchanger inlets, and process water or domestic hot water lines are all susceptible to sediment accumulation. Using a sediment trap in the circuit helps control construction debris accumulated after initial commissioning and corrosion products formed during operation, prevents pressure drops and flow reductions, slows fouling of heat exchange surfaces, and extends equipment maintenance intervals. Regular draining keeps the sediment load in the system low, thus preventing "clogged filter" situations and system shutdowns.

The products are available with a wide range of fittings, from DN25 to DN300. The maximum operating pressure is 10 or 16 bar, depending on the model, and each unit is tested at one and a half times its operating pressure during production. Designed for pressure class PN16, they come standard with an electrostatic powder coating. The maximum operating temperature is 120°C, ensuring safe use in centralized heating and cooling systems as well as in many industrial water circuits.

To select the appropriate device, the pipe diameter, nominal flow rate, permissible pressure drop, and expected fouling profile in the system must be considered. In most applications, a sediment trap with the same nominal diameter as the pipe is preferable; however, if a high sediment concentration is expected during initial commissioning, choosing a larger diameter will reduce the frequency of maintenance interventions. The selection process should specify the pressure class, compatibility with the system's safety valve setting, the compatibility of the body and lining materials with the water chemistry, and the discharge pipe's ability to safely discharge wastewater to the atmosphere or the sewer system.

The unit must be installed in a straight line, preferably just before the protected equipment, with the flow direction aligned with the arrow on the housing. The bottom drain valve must be easily accessible, and shut-off valves must be installed at the inlet and outlet to bypass the circuit during maintenance. More frequent draining is recommended during the first few weeks of operation, followed by periodic draining depending on the system's tendency to become contaminated. The valve should be opened gradually and in a controlled manner to avoid short-term pressure surges during draining. Periodic visual inspection and verification of the seal and paint integrity are sufficient to ensure a long service life.