FILE NO: DATE: SUPERSEDES: DATE:
Vortex Air Separator
37.15 Dec. 18. 2007 35.15 Apr. 13. 2007
PRODUCT DATA SHEET
The Air Removal Requirement Air is introduced to a hydronic system: y During initial fill y During routine equipment maintenance
y While maintaining system pressure y In a cooling tower operation
Fill water at 50ºF (10ºC) can hold up to 9% entrained air at 30 psig (207 kPa). When heated up to 200ºF (93ºC), the water can hold up to 4.5% entrained air. The remaining 4.5% air is released into the system as air pockets, bubbles, and microbubbles, that can negatively impact the performance of fluid flow or heat transfer equipment.
Cast Iron 2”, 2½”, 3”
Cast Iron 4” - 6”
Fabricated Steel 8” - 24”
Water In
Air-Free Water
How the Vortex Air Separator Removes Air Circulating the water through the Vortex Air Separator creates a vortex or whirlpool action, sending the heavier air-free water to the outer portion of the tank and allowing the lighter air-entrained water mixture to move into the lower velocity center. At the centre of the vortex the air is released from the water forms bubbles and exits through an air vent or compression tank installed above. Instead of relying entirely on low velocity separation, the Vortex Air Separator offers the advantage of efficient separation in a much smaller tank.
The Benefits & Advantage of an Air Free System Air-free water flow means improved systems operation and lower operating costs. The Vortex Air Separators eliminate entrained air from heating and cooling systems providing these benefits: y Allows quick venting of air at start-up y Reduces annoying noise caused by air entrained in the system y Reduces service costs due to air-bound piping y Extends the life of the system by reducing corrosion and erosion y Improves heat transfer efficiency in boilers, fan coils, chillers, etc. y Reduces the overall energy costs of your system y Optimizes pump performance by reducing incidences of ‘air lock’
Installation Schematics Vortex Air Separators should be installed at the highest temperature and the lowest pressure points in the system. Where this is not possible, the best location is at the point of highest temperature. Ideally, a separator should be located on the outlet side of the boiler, and the suction side of the pump.
Supply to System
Air Vent
Cold Water Supply
Return From System
Armstrong Circuit Balancing Valve
Pressure Reducing Valve Chiller
Armstrong Vortex Air Separator
Blowdown Cold Water Supply
Relief Valve
Pressure Reducing Valve
Closed Expansion Tank
Air Vent
Armstrong Circuit Balancing Valve
Return From System
Armstrong Flo-Trex Valve Armstrong Vertical In-Line Pump
Armstrong Vortex Air Separator
Blowdown
Armstrong Suction Guide
Supply to System
For Chiller Applications
Armstrong Vertical In-Line Pump
Hot Water Boiler Closed Expansion Tank
Armstrong Suction Guide
Armstrong Flo-Trex Valve
For Boiler Applications Steam In
Vacuum Breaker
System Return
Armstrong Circuit Balancing Valve
Air Vent
Relief Valve
Pressure Reducing Valve Cold Water Supply
Armstrong Heat Exchanger
System Supply
Armstrong Vertical In-Line Pump
Armstrong Vortex Air Separator Condensate
Closed Expansion Tank
Blowdown Armstrong Suction Guide
Armstrong Flo-Trex Valve
For Heat Exchanger Applications
Open Expansion Tank
To Closed Compression Tank
System Water In
Relief Valve
Pressure Reducing Valve Cold Water Supply
Air Vent
Armstrong Vortex Air Separator
Tank Fitting
Relief Valve
System Water In
Pressure Reducing Valve Cold Water Supply
Armstrong Vortex Air Separator
Typical Piping Connections to an Air Separator S. A. Armstrong Limited 23 Bertrand Avenue Toronto, Ontario Canada, M1L 2P3 T: (416) 755-2291 F (Main): (416) 759-9101
Armstrong Pumps Inc. 93 East Avenue North Tonawanda, New York U.S.A., 14120-6594 T: (716) 693-8813 F: (716) 693-8970
Armstrong Holden Brooke Pullen Wenlock Way Manchester United Kingdom, M12 5JL T: +44 (0) 161 223 2223 F: +44 (0) 161 220 9660
Š S.A. Armstrong Limited 2007
For Armstrong locations worldwide, please visit www.armstrongpumps.com