GB2504919A - Magnetic sludge filter - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic sludge filter 1 for a wet central heating system, the filter comprises a vessel 2 with a recess 3 extending internally within a cavity of the vessel and a magnetic element 4 located in the recess wherein it is external of the vessel. A manifold (lid / cover / top) 6 is securable to and separable from the vessel wherein upon separation of the manifold from the vessel the magnet is retained with the recess. The manifold comprises a valve arrangement 9, 10 connected to and isolates the filter from the heating system. A seal may be between the vessel and manifold. The recess may be centrally within the vessel and may be rectangular. Detents 11 may interlock the magnet in the recess. The magnet may comprise a plurality of stacked magnets. Markings (25, fig 4) inside the vessel are indicative of a dosage quantity of inhibitor that may be added to the vessel. The volume of the vessel may be varied by an insert that comprises a pocket to receive a dissolvable inhibitor. A vent valve 14 may permit air and/or fluid pressure to be removed or relieved from the vessel.

Description

The present invenbon rStes generafly to m netc sludge tuiters. and more particularly to S magnetic sludge filters for wet central heating systems Wet central heating systems are wefl4nown and use water as the medkim to t&re heat from a boer to radietprs using gravity and nqr:rnaily a pump to drive flow. Sone wet centra eatino systems use a header tank to ensurea head of water is maintained in the system but more recently closed systems have. been provided such as wtl.h a combiboiler. Whether an open system or a dosed system it will be appreciated that the water in the wet system rs subject to tooling fcr example from inetSiatiori msterlals such as sdder fiux and products of cdrrosion of pipes. joints. ndiators etc. in the system. The particulate matter in the dentra eatrc how can be reteued to z'oieczwely as nagnec mgs A sgn hcr ooprt on n' such agneuc uoe at least is s stept be tu tCg9cUc rWacbon so a arg of magiet 0 sludge fitters or cotedtor have boon provided in which a niOgnet located itt a vessel so that the rhagrmetic sludge is attracted to the magnet and so removed from the flow The magnets are integral within a pnor magnetic sludge filter so typically the whole filter magnet ssemhly needs to be removed from the system so that the magnetic sludge can be dspcsed of by flusng Inc naquet th1⁄4ctl d c. &as ceen orfft in tune o magnets for particular situatiors or dosing with particular dosing agents to act as inhibitors to corrosion within the wet central heating system.

in accordance with first aspects of the present, invention there is provided a magnetic sludge filter for a wet heating system, the fdter comprising a vessel with a recess extending internally within a cavity of the vesseFand a magnetic &;ement located externally within the recess.. the vessel secur& Ic to and separable from a manifold through fastening means with the magnetic element retained in association with the vesseL th* Wianif old associated in use: with a wet heating system through a valve arrangement and the vessel configured or chosen for cdnsi.stettcv with a desired dosing portion volume far a wet heating ystern associated with the filter in use Further in accordance with aorta aspects of: the present invention tt:e filter may have a separable vessel io mamlod ie meortold may nave r net valve a'd outet valve i SOb obimrabld Id be to isdiEtd th: filteil train the baSing teni The separable vessel and andOd may have a seS bebiveen tbem. the sa may comprise an inner eS and outer seaL The sSs may be C rinas or gasket se.ais. The manfdd is assodated with the vessei by a screw thread, The vessel my be a canister or cartridge with a transoortation snd/br storage Sal to retsin a dosing portionwithin: arid the seal removable or dispceaSe S prkx to dod/or upon asociation with the mai*ld, Further accordante with sorn asects of the present invenhon the recess may be centr withm the vessel. Tbe recess may be r proc'aily aMped to envelope the megnetic. eement.

The: recess may have a:rectaiiauar crcsss.ection. The recess and the magnetic element may have an nterfsrence inter$ock association to retain location of the magnetic eleiflent within the recess. An inner surface of the recess may be shaped to increase surface area er'osed to a fluid flow ri use. The inner surface may be unduLating or ribbed or have cat&ations. The inner surface of the recess may have disposable cover, The disposable cover naj oe adne%ve to Liher ca;ture pathcu re tnaler The (usciosab e covr is remoaTe from the recess The recess may os transoaret The disposabs cor ra be transpnnL The disposable cover may be arranged to sag in use as particulate matter is associated with the di kosable cover andiur recess under attraction to the magnetic element Furtt.e o ccorddricd with some aspects of the present invention the magnetic eiemer:.t may 0 cprisea a trade to receive a piuraty of magnetic parts edge to edge. The magnetk parts may cc d sts Th Nagnenr parts may be mdc -o rwe earti Neooyra,ri magrn The magnetic tiement may have different tombinaticos of rnagneuc parts associated with The element to provide a desired magnetic psfoninoe for thd mdgnefic Stheht in ue within th recess and the vesseL The poics of the rn netic elements may be orientated so that the 2.> axis of the magnets is *peroendiouiar to the axis of the vess& so that the effect of the magnetic field in attracting magnetic particulate mthter is maximised. A plurality Of rnagnehd Sments may be.prov.ded as a kit for a magnetic sludge Tht:er, each magnetic Srnent hwuir:g a: different performance iii use.. The recess and rnagneUc clement may be matched by conf:uration and/or size for a particuiar combinations Ihe magnetic element may bC . matc"ed cv odour s type of her a vessel type a ieatng system type and?cr size or a themical/inhibitor type. The magnetic parts may be stacked edge to edge in pairs with juxtaposition of opposde magnetic poles. Typically, two magnetic pads may be provided with Opposrteooes. next to each other in a sThck fornagnetic attraction with particulatematter 0 a fluid flow throuh the fter and for location in the frame.

hi.acc.ordarlde W.tn sonic ascte of the present nvento the vesse maj Thciuds markings indicafive of volume, The vess& may nclude an in aert to vary the volume of the vesse The uet nay ndude a pocke to' race vo' a so d cer ert The osen ma oat within the venaL The insert may flea. whefl the olid Srhent has th:sscived.

S In accoroance wt SCCOC aspeCts 31 tnu p'esCr riventon tnre s ruvded a etr'oo c po'1o n a desrea ooerg cortcn ot & re9uato oh b to hencl u a wet healing sstem the method comprising kolating a magnetic &ude fther from fluid flow in a hStin system houn con to ol a va/e a namrt anoated a nian fold detacnn a essel 2S5otj with th& manhfoid of the magnetic sludge fitter with a magnetic element retained within a recess n the vessel, emptying the uusei Qf $iqJki, refifilno the sd with the regthaonnhthtor cheHcai to a math within the vessel up to and inohudThg a dnl for the vaseS and attaching the vessel to the manifold and reconflgurfr:a. the valve arrangement to reconnect fluid flow from the heating system through maniftld and the vessel of ftc hn.aahetbc slUdge fr.ter In accordance with third aspects of the present invention there is provided a method 0f providing a desired dtsing pottion of a regulator/inhibitor chemical t.. a wet heating S1St:ertl, toe method comprising: solating a. rngnetic sludge. filter from fluid flow in a heating system through configuration of a valve CrrCneme:nt associated with a manifold and attachina a vessel to tf5 tahifaid cnnlaThing the dsrad dosing portion of the meutator/inhibitor he vessel sScted frau. a range of possIble vessels havin fastening means ft attachment the manifo: and the vessel 5Sec%d fOr Odosiatency With a desihed dosthg oon on in tOurs o' volume an&nr sutab'e cosmg receptacle wheret the vesee volume and/or to co'fguraron of the dosing recec'tacle s ccati a of the ccrcrt docng port Q fo 2 an accoSted heating system.

Further in acccdance with aspects otthe present. mentIon there is p:rovk4edpre$Ih.nq of the vece w th the regUauonnnbnr chemica wth a seal for tran alio'-The sei removsole trdn hach'rg the vessel to the maMoi1 The filter and method may fldLlde a valve associated with the 1:1 tsr typically in a mahifold to allow aW reroca* from the vessel and/or presu.re reef i:n the filter.

Embodiments of the mv tion wlli now he descnbed by way of e'anple only with reference to the. accomp.nying. drawings in which: FigUre 1 is a schematic illustration of a magnetic sucga tter in accordance with aspects f the present invention Ftur s tont eevaoo of a magncthc s.dge tftei artd Figun? 3 is a.tross.sechon of mgh&i& &udge fjtfr ih accordance with articuiar aspects ci the prssnt ihvenhon: Figure 4 is a schematic croOs..seotion of a vessei from a magnetic sludge lifter in accordance with aspects of the present invenbon; Figure 6 is a schematic c.rosssection of a ve from magnetit sludge fitter in scccrdanc.e with further aspects of the present invention, and, Fiqu 6 is a schema tic cm s-section of a. vessel from a nar'ieti'c sludge fi:ftr in acomdance with additional aspects of the present invention:.

Wet centrS heating systems gene:raily use water as a' ifuid p:um.Ped or driven around pipe Work to radiators froht a boiler wth a thermostat and other controls to regute operation Vwious parts Of the heating system may resuit in particulate maher in the system. For exampie parts of tr9 radiators and boiler may be ferrous so tat corrosion creates a ohs a:tar,z c rgnetc s udot n t neat rg yven ft s norra to abe a nhbtu generally in the form of a. soluticn r' liquid chemical portion to a desired dosing levet but sgh inhibitors are not absolute and a: wet ci Magnetic sludge is inevitable J artc)srt wdh wa:ers swng orar charachnstc mrudng ranes vak*s nd acda4 ive the use of thssirnib& metals in contact and some di olved oxygen from adventitious a r nqress TM magiet c sue shoJd be removed to mswatn the elfic entv of the 8!StCT and life ci Being ferrous il wifl be appreciated that ft is known to provide a maar..f Semeni which extends through a header cap into a flow vessel of a prior magnetid sludge filter in order to attract the: nlegneticaily inducible par cutate matter to it. The vessel is connected t. the hea:ng system with an inlet and an outlet with 0 OufliLtSome process needed to remove the magnetic sludge or particulate matter involving releasing the magnetib element with the SC) cap and then draihing the v'easei thorough 0: drain valve at the bottom of the vessel. The croons j time consuming and it will be understood that once the magnetic element is removed the: mave.l'ic sudge is released infp the vessel rather than kept in a tight concentratIon near to the maghetio element,. In such circumstances a part of the released magne.lic s.tudg. dray be returnS to the heating system by gravity and s:phonfrq effects, Aspects & the preseit nvehlion provide a magnetic studge filter f* a kat centra heating system n wttcn* the maqnet.c s'udge ca cc retansd wthn a flow bSb unul cSptSaI and ush g h5 vesse Fgure I prcv'dec a sc1ona c us air of a o osseetcr of a magnetic sludge filter 1 in accordance 1th: pedtt of the reiht in:venflon. A first aspect is S the prov1tn of a readily detachable flcw vessd 2 VAth.e receSs hr pocket 3 extending into the vessel 2 TRe ucas J arco'modates a nagneUc eument exte 1afl b.t icn aso extends.. into the vesse 2. A second aspect of the peser.t invention is that the magnetic element 4 comphees a frame with a piurailty of ma.gnetc parts in an edge to edqe stack In a OI:S to opposite pole odentation. By the second aspect.the magnebo element 4 can havca to much greater magr:etic flux enfly in CompariSOn with: prIor magnetic elements. A thed asnect at thc >t'iet 0" reates o p ovso' o a tone 0 w'y e>,tends across the vesl generally ilgned with the recess 3 and extending towards the. recess.3. The vane 5 is.

generally of or associated with & fltanitOld B such that a fluid fIQW Shown i' arrowheads can tkth froth art inlet I to an outlet 8 past the recess 3 rather than hirectly between them.

As seen niomially the vane 5 does not extend completely to contact the recess 3 as this is unnecessary t urge desired flow past the recess 2 such that by niagneho attraction inducible particate matter can became associated arcl adhere to an inner surface of the ecess All of bee aspects a any w th other leaures as doscnbeo helow may be mouded iogethe.r or separately n a magnetic sll';dge ifiter in aoccrdanoe with aspects of the present invention.

ftc rnarhfoid 6 and the vessel 2 are aasoSted toëthei in hration y* normally a screw thread and seals. an nner 0 ring seal dnd an outer gasket.. seal as described later. the inlet o th out ct B a esos'ctve atve 9 C v"ch can ce $1h t O C OCCO to lud flow and so e:flectivaly isolate the magnetic sludge filter I Iran. the remainder of the heating system.

in such nircumstances it will be appreciated that with the vaivS closed then the vessel 2 be aetat 0 Item re nanfold 6 w th "e magnet a element 4 stñ wthr the ncess 3 r such circumstances the magnetic, element 4 wIll ensure that magnetically:nduced particulate matter!Cmains adhered to the inner surface of thC recess 3 under the attraction of the magnetic eihmnent 4. The hquid in the vessel 2 can be poured Y theO the magnet ewnent $ envv arc the esse 2 then ftred n an appop ate nanne to nove Thc naw less adhered particulate matter rr.agnehp attiacUon from the mgnetic elidmen* flaS been ren oved from the inner swtace of the recess 3.

the.recess 3 and the magnetic eienient 4 are shaped and sized so that there is a redptbcel association, ThS magr:et:ic etdtnent 4 will nmiy be a close fit with:it the rCches.3 to maximS the magnetic fisid nd flux for attraction of patticute matter and so that there s inteiference for retention of bcabon of the magneho element n the recess 3 and so the maqrec sluoge fi t I Orierrotcn of toe nig"et c eiem.n a''o mag parb flew r s key to mamizing use of the field to dtbh as tmiich magneto &:udgc as possihe Tbe S magnet p.rts etto magnet element Afl generaiiv be gned with the major ongitudinai J rifion ot the riaor part ôt e -ecess ano caly t'e vcso s hiat the pett are ede to edge, pole to oppcste OF to maximS magnehc flux substanbaflv perpendicular to that axis fpr nflracbon of sluge oartices in the fluid flow. To ensute or turther ensure appropriate ioctLnn and retention of that location in the recess 3 nomiaUy some form of nter-loc provide so in the example I ustrated in figure 1 respective detents 11 12 are provided to nterengage with: each other uSes a displacement force is.ap$ed to push the magnetid element 4 into the recess 3 or pu the m gnetic element 4 out of the recess 3.

The recess 3 is norShy centralty located: within the vessel 2 and so in the main fluid flow between the inet 7 and the outlet & However.. it will f appredated that more than one recess and so magnetic eement co*Hd be provided in the same vessel for respective interaction with the fluid flow.

ft will be appreCiated that there may be situations where different ieveis of magnetic interaction with the fiud.ftc may be deirabie. For example at initial heating system set up or when the system has been: subiect to a fiuth with a flushing solution then more rapid remova of rnagnebc sludge may be desitabte. in uCh cThctimtancee. the magnetic element 4 nay be pushed further into tie recta-se 3 than non so a greater part. of the inner srtace or ne rc.csss s hen ava labt toy odhes on o oat uIaie matter ut.der 1e ntlue ice of the magnetic element or simpily a more powerful manCtic eiment introduced. In either event it will be appreciated on a like for like basis more theanetic iudge wifi be removed in a quicker time returning the heating system to:equ:Thhn:um In the normal course of events the vessei 2 and the mar'ebc element 4 will be matched for fl a particular heating system, The vessel 2 will have a siz; adequate to act as a magnetic sludge filter for the associated heating SY5tCtk it wlll be understood that a four rediator system will generally not generate as mucfi: magnetic siud:e as a twelve raStor system.

The SS of the magnetic sludge fitter may be a drag on the pump for the heating system, In such circumstances thd recess for each vessel will he sized and shaped so at it will only $5 accommodate and retan in Thon maghetlo elements of a particular size and configuration so curing tbet the corct rñanetid &ernern is used. Furtbe.rmore the iceS 2 and the magnetic eement $ could: be matched by colour so that the correct combination is used.

The ves*s 2 nctally hav.C vOidte io thC order of a 2.501 Or SWirl and o may Ørovi:dC* a convehiont hieàns of acces to dose the heating system w:th ah nhihi1or chemicS This coud be pacuary useful in systems which do not have a header tank. The vaseS 2 as indicated acts to aliow a through flow when associated with the manifcdd. The vessel 2 could be oani.ter ot cartrtdge pr&ioaded with an inhibitor chenilcaL A magnetic b:iucge Mar I ni accordance with aspects of the resent invention as ndicatod w ?e e mrolc 6 assocatec wth the vessel 3 wth a head u1i t o connect them, The manitcid S allows the Mr I to be secured! through the inlet 7 and outlet B to the heat*inç system. pipe work, The veesel 2 in the form of a canister provides means for flow about the recess 3 and hence the externally assoorMad magnofic element 4. 4 fluid iight c assocatrn ns be roy dad beween tne iad tint o manfoa b anj the ese 2 a'z this s generally done with a screw thread and appropriate sea The magnebo element $ is genera a pbstc frame a tray rraae ot p'astc to ecee -rareuc parts suc' as sot os' ragriets toned floni a stabe fltonal C g Neodym tr rare eartn napets The discs are edgG to edge.. pole to opposite pe id a Sok along the length of the magneUc element.

h wULbe understoodtt.at the tie natic siudqe Iibe( I b hecssitv hSth to hO iobut so an appropriate, material wW be used for the manifold 6. the vessel 2 and any etáicing ring (nOt gue1 Su$ao a mateuals nUuoe ast asentc stan esa ste& tr e4mpe tee urroer 1 430 hetec B3 EBN 1Q0B3 1 2006 o ecun.ient (such as tn' to mar des(qnation 304, An aH mthi structure is pretend to a plastic strticture to provide greater ouraci ry a d on term uitagrty owever the magneho etemen' 4 wti trld 0 be a pastc frame to sHow easy of mounting. and presentation of the magnetic elements n d:tC:recSs 3.

The nOt 7 ad the outlet B as indicated above. generafl have v.Sves Es, 10 resoectivelv acw sia on o "e htr I sot at the vesseL can be re4 ren'ovec These valves $ L may be integral: within the inlet Tioutlet 3. ot' separate but in either' arrangement provide nom'SU through coniptsslor: type fittings connections to the remainder of the heating system.

2 and the magnetic element 4.ard removabe from: the rhanfcid 6/header together so that the magnetic sludge parbdes remain erhraed with the magnet eLement 4 t' uq' the a Is o the ecess 3 Inc aery Ct 4 ema n n piece throuqi an erferevze t andIoran interlock. aflngement ii o it don hasepardtd.. itwl disc he understood theta handle or noo 0 wl normal be pio\400d at u Mud o be tagnetc een'ert 4 &cw manipuation of the element 4 into add cut of the recess, Such a handle 1$. may ako aHow the element 4 to be turned periothcaUy and/or acicsthidnt in and out of the vess& if necessar. The vessel. 2 is moulrMd or ct or shaped to prowS an irernal central rectanguar recess 3 for reception of the magnetic eLement 4 thougher: n the base of Th vessel 2 By provision of an intarnefty extending recess ii wUl be noted that the recess can be centraky IoCtIed wtth the magnet. compared to prior arrangementS where the magnet element was atathed & rd orotroeo mm the a S of the cowi Such extr'al riourthig o the magnstc Cfl1Cflt ntO C poCket recess alicws magnetic fltehng out of the magnetic sludge to adhere to the inner surface of the recess wit:hout direct. contact with a fixed magnetic. &emer:t Such: an association allow diiaesemby with the magnetic Sment and then flushing aicug with qrerer ftexc ry wrn resect t<, magnet c element des gn along 4th other eemrts of the magnetic. Sthdgd filter, The magnetic etement traps rnagnedc material in the fluid flow but the magnetic element may be rectangular or at least the frame for magnetic parts can be rcctarg$ar wtn tO% r qnetc Daus aasemt'ed n a aie of mqnetg sours the magnetic element can thr4or be dnd 0 rectanq:;lr form or oth&Sa so that the &ts and ienre e nerete ed a -ted to a tLd wat row in the heating system to optiniise magnetic attraction of ausoended magneto particies with

2S magnetic fields orthogonal to fluki flow.

A rertarigular magnet bowing for the. magnetic. Sment aliow options for ØreSr4ing the nidonetic fold to the iu'd ow it reshctea f ow past the sborz a be and mrest dad flow oast the lcng side Thus as cesu t'ed n a oeferec etodment 3rd accuda ice w r second aspects of the present invention, a magnetic element 4 s rovided comprisinc two oSra of m netic parts in the fcnn of disce. It wiU be apprecatei that other lorms and numbers of magnetic parts is possible. fbi magnetic Mrts are aligned in a franieor housing Wrth opposite pole& s de by ske or edge to edge in order to enhance and ainpitT the magneto dttrdction and also as opposite:po. attract a light plastic, frame is all that s reed to retain the magneuo v.1l5 togetlw as they are attracted to each other.

R will he undeYs3od that whUst it is advantageous to render the vessel 2 separeele the manifod S it is important to maintain the integrity arct operation of the filter 1 fl such circumstances as described above the vessel 2 is either attached dftectiv.bv a screw tfroad association, A&n:attv.&% a. screw thfead collar 1 provided to Send between the vesset 2 S ar ci tr"e marufo d 6 over extena tn'eth B suc a cengatcr tk5 tvad cola w ensure that the screw thread doca not conic into contact with the fiuØ of the centrai heating system and so will not suffer probiems of seizure after lOng periods. To.further restrict such seizure. robiems as ciescrthc»=d previOusly a double CCCI approach l advaritageou rI gasket seat is provide about an outer association hetween the head or na foll 6 arid the screw throd retaining cor and an 0 ring seal provided as an inner SCSI ni: txnthOt *h or wetted by the fuki of the wet centr heating system. it WIN Olso understood that by using a retaining collar the rather than force to the vessel itself to demotnt the vessel 2 the releasing forces are applied to the collr or retaining ring caustng less disturbance oithe vessel 2 anØ CT.scattanng or nalease of adheraditra'ped m netic particS taken from the IS. T1ud flOw. The vessel 2 and the macmetic element 4 are removed together with the flutdufrapped magnetic sludge. The thud i:S removed by inverting the vei 2:th Inc flgflft.e:meflt 4 still in place within the recess 3. The magnetic element 4 cGn then be withdrawh from the rfls S in the vessel 2. The trapoed magnetic.sludge* can then be rinsed from the vessel.2 w!th the: magnet element 4 withdrawn end under better controlled conditions reducing mess and sets.

The provision of valves 9, 10 allows the ftar 1 to be iselted a heating system or possibly fluid how in the heatiho be diverted into a hypas. h either event the vessel 2 can be removed and magnetic sludge flushed out. Furthermore tn accordance wfth aspects of the present invertion the vessel $ can seen as a convenient way of dosing an effectively dosed et hnnq s8te'v sr oh cc usec tc oxa r p s wth ccn'onat on oo1e"s ?s background it will. be understood that trad.thonal gravity fec: boiler: arrnq5nts have a header tank and so this header tank has provide a convenient f inefficient møans of ntrod ong nhb Ior chcu'vcals o a heat ig systems n mode"> systems generally the Mi header tank i replaced with an expansion tank as the heating system. is ciosadL In such circumstances it is oulte nonta to intrrd:uce the inhibitor chemical through any convenient means such as identifying the highest radiatot' and partially draining the system so that inhibitor chemicals can be htroduced. through a funnel into the bised plug of the radiator.

Clearty trr!s s nut deal but avoos a more substanhal dtasn cown of the system, it' With a teparatüe s 2 ftwffl be tnderstooo that this vessei 2 may be loaded or fbed with a dosing ortion of inhibitor chernic after removal of magnetic sludge. Thus,. by renoer!r)g ne.ese 2 eprabc th u' e valves t an eav aopro&m to ntro&cng rhthtor chemh>a is achieved. FurthCntor, mbre surety thatthe correct dosage has been introduced can be. achieved. The dosage cen hA measured frito the vessel dependent upon the sL'e of te heatmo sy'er1 are wth i c c soeofca along wft accuracy to ne partca rub voumes in the system reducing use of tentiatiy noxous bhernica and costs. Alternativeh, the tesse seW can cc a neasure ethe thmuq grert wvs o narkrigs fl:r volume r' lh vesset or the vessel having a know voftne so when fuly flUS that volume of C miCa is introduced tcthe system I yfrcfly the vessel 2 will be dSgned to have a volume at least reater than. 2b0 ml so that the vessei 2 udfl tcnat OOinQ of nflbtor cuerhuab n 250m1 quanhties.

it: will ah'o be understood that an insert may. be orovided wfthin the vess& 2 which coanges its olune to that required in terms of a dose. of inhioltor cherncai or provides a means to present inhibtor chemic in a od form to dissolve as required and poSbI tc an e$ent necessary for the hnthg system th:en the tifteris reattached to the heating system nd hu flows agaft A vent 14 k tvnfriiy provided WUhTh the header part of te manlkd B for venbng any air fli n ma vsel 2 Ftrthauvo'e the vent 14 ma cc usec to extract rnaP sarnoes of heabog system fluid for testing in tehts of condition. and inh:ibifor effedfiveness bylaboratory analysis, on site hh5mical testing or dipping of electronic test devices, The vent wlH normaUy be a valve. which. may also he pressure reVeving with manual or automata controL By proving the recess 2 arid the magneto element 4 towards the bottom of the vessel 2 it wifl he understood that reans are needed to ensure the r5nss 3 is t!=ashed b.y a sutstantia.i ropftn of the heMing systemfl:uid flow. in accordance with third aspects of e prese I nventon the vane rotruoes towyds the c ksSb zo threc, how oe te central recess 3 and so. near to the. magnetic element 4.. Magneto f)ttices in flow wUl then be attracted by the element 4 so that these nlagnetic particles adhere to the inner surite of the recess 2 The vane 5 us typically flat coo reaargular across re vease the vane S acts as. tow oder or Liable. fo inhibit direct flow between the inlet 7 end the out.iet 8 so diverting some flow at towards the recess 3 3.1 Tie vane 5 may os assoc ated wtn frtncs o tea thre power iushrg anion w th r te vass& 2 when the inlet 7 and oubet S are dosed. The vane 5 couki be attact to a suitably desg -ed fttind n rat or the c: sw ad The ane 5 empu.ea as a oanu cj otate searating th': and out flow chenn.S, The fitting OUd hàvó hos or oths' dttdcktents tr cornecthg vutn a power ishig maem-e ao hunc rrde a snoe and SCt means of ne'n e sysern wth a oower tLbhng tnh a or oeansn tie system (not the nter or vessel of the fter).

Figures 2 and 3 showfurther aspecis of the present nvention in a more praotic form wttft JO consistent reference nontenciature used for £OOIPW Son Wtli: flgure 1. In such circmstanoe be oed v' th front a eato aeo}otea 1 tgu a 2 n he form at a cruster or carbide is Drovided a rtd secured in association with a marfc4d through a ictaining ring or collar E5a The maniDid Shas an inlet 7 and n outletS to allow the maqnetio ludge.t#ter I to be seOd to a der heating system (not shown). The retaining dog or collar 6a acts iraug screw tfread to bodge eoerna tew threads n the espectwo esset 2 a 30 manifoldS. A handle or knob 12 part of a magnetic &ement (not tidy shown) extends below the vessel. 2. The knob 12 aUcws sertion and retraction of the magnetic element 4 as reqrec Tho nanfc d e ncludos a pssure ?eef and eanolng ient 1 r the outet cartS of lr.' ma oId.

Fiqure 3 provides a cmsslection of the maqnetl sludge fiber I shown in figure 2 Thus, the vesse 2 is seourtd to the manifold 6 by S retainitig cdit.r or rihg 6a with a vane 5 extending into the vessel 2 towards a reces 3 fr the vessel 2. Within the recess 3 a magnetic element 4 Is. ktcated and secured by an irflerterehoe fit and/or an interlock detent I 3 towards an openin. end of the recess 3.. As de.scdhect preiousiy a fluid hews from the inlet 7 ta the B e vessel 2 the vane S enc es the4 a met gnhca it popo-t ci c the flow storced new to recess 3 and so the magnetic element 4 The magnetic element 4 comprises a frame made of plsti with apertuS 21 tO rceive respective magnetic parts (not shown) in oppo pole to opposite pole configuration t:o rnaximise the rragnebc field, In the example illustrated the apertures are circular to accept magnetic parts in the form of discs. In use the heating system fluid wiH flow dbout the recess *3 so that with the eldment 4 within the recess 3 it. wM appreciated those magnetic paftclM will be attracted and adhere to the inner surface 3a ck the recess 3 and wUl ceriain 33 attracted whilst the element 4 remains within the recess 3.

ft wih be u.ndbrstoed Porn above that magnetic &udge is a rbh1enh with reard to wet ieahng systems. Thus, t is important to fifter such rraenetic sludge from the fluid flow using a naq ehc f IM ro preferab'v such a fi ter wP c' s es ey to co sch as w th a nesr or memflne I hS res ci tlc etr cons sjenfl r w We reatr svstcms S shouki be low maintonance and to a certan extent fl d frget until the. next scheduled ervce ln suor c rcurwat'ee nhbto chrnrals are used to rhbd magneto sluag depoitna and corroson in a heating.syrien TraditknaH.y dosing has been based roughly on the size of the system in terms of radiators with a m:argn for error. Howevr, such cnicals can. be efativety expensive, and not' envirpnmentay friendly. It wtfl also be un$rsood hát the inhibitor.chernic is consu.rned at different rates dependent upon a "urbeF cr facors r' ucro the age of the ste r the naduesstoh o he *ate base at the fluid in the heating system and operation.. IdeaHy a heating system witi be drained upon each nhbtor chemical change btlt it is possibte that instead the system wih simply he parti.aily drained so that aruP de of inhibItor chemical can be added, Such an approach is not best practice and ss wasteful. but the limitations of systems prevents more accurate dosing possibly as a result of even ruthmentary analysis.

As indicated above the vs eel.2. is sepaiable from th r:nani'fbki S or at least a header part'ot the ran.tok.or The fl1Qnetc. Stiidge filter I in accordance With aspects of The present invention'. The ve& 2' is normally rigid and so dunensionaUy stable such that the vcme capablty of the vess& 2 is fixed. it wiN be appreciated that the vessel 2 may so be softer and so squeezabt about the reoess or to faciht rCaje f. interference for the magnetic &ement $ but this wilt tend hot to be normal in. view at the eected Life of the macnet sludge filter, the temperatures involved and possibly atta by me inhibitn.r chemicals. Neve the tess in oltuatione where ttw vssel is a disoosabe canister or csncpe such art aptoach nd matenas may have advantaqea or exsm'pe:fl 3 large. heatmg syar with tots. of radiators it may. be that several magnetic sludge tiltfl ar pud ann these wed chang'g or flu&irg raou ady o ang a dsoosabe cartnog woua bae aavarnagen s itb Wa rnendod 6 statrg n oosocn ffc vesse ould smoly be removed with the magnet element then the magnet element withdrawn after the flwd tipped out or not, the old cartridge thrown away and a new cartridge wkh the old magnet then returned to assoStiph with the manifold. The disposeS may be pre-tharged with inhibilci chemical to. desIred volume or r.oncentratjo.n in a. liquid Or sold or gel form probably under acme form c$ tear i,eah It the aid magnet element is not sufficient a stronger or different magnetic flux configuration element can then be introduced.

A. veesci 21 n accorhence with first aspeds of the present nvAntion hhe a sw thread $2 or other fastening means to allow th vessel 21 to be scout to a maruf not shownL The vesset 21 has a çeral recess 23 for a magnetic et.erilent not shawn. The vessel 21 tseif has a voium:e to accomniodte a dose of Thhibftot t.hemidr 2$. Thus. f* filled to the trm.f S the vessel 21 as flusttated theo a knoth fte of ll'thihitor chenica WI be introduced to a central heatnp system when the vessel 21 and dose.24 reassociated with the manifold and the valves opened. Alternatively. graduations or tark 25 may be provided to indicate tam omes r mNbor cl°erra The rnrks 25 rete to du5O1ue v.iluss. c or number:s of radiators co 4 5* etc. or assoSted with na4 C' k manufacturers bottle eg red, greenS biuc so the con oct voum&concentration etc used In any event the vessel 21 Will provrde a more posItive indicator to a user as to the correct. Ombunt of Ohibitc.r chemical to add It will be appreciated that rudimentary as well as accurate tests. can be performed en the 1 tLuc na wet ratng system Rumsntarv test'g may rclaK o spec gSvt o pH ot' heating. system fkiid compared: to a reference or base water value either taken at the time of test or in a reference receptacle at the time the heating system was filled or a geneth; reference uslue or Srnpie carded n either event aresult will be:prcvidedwhch will dive a mo:ugh idea but more rlsted to the actual rieeda of the heating system than the previous one 2.0 dosing vdiuhe fits tli utuations. The resJlt might be ado nothino or a specitic amount of chemca1 credo a cart tular mansacuret s botte eq cd cuer etc. hrcugb the esscl 01 The test: itself may just be a relative liquid chtomatoraphy r litmus sty test with separate tabs, tapes or columns of test material exposed at one edd to a sample of the actual heating system fiutci and the reference so: that by reatWe tidémark position ditfirences or colours or combinations compared to a ooi: up table So the correct dosihg volume of inhibitor chemical can be chosen The method may only he a marqnàl imorovement hut It wIll be:.3nderstood wbete previously the fail safe mode was add 500m1 of in:hbitor chCmfral if that can be reduced in half of the situations tr really only needing I 25m1. or 250m1 or 375m1 of inhbitor chefticai then significant 1fl Licts of EXpensive Ohemical is saved reducing costs and potectial environmental damage.

By having a Separable 21 the method of dosing of a heating system is rendered far easi'r. The method will involve isolating the magnetic sludge filter I by closing valve tranQemerts or c:ng,.nn ucn aangs-re-ts to a hoass sor the n et and the cute Thr the filter f Relsing the vessel 21 or the retaining Oollartrtflq 80 that the vessel 21 s separated and the isolated manifold remains part of the system. Emptyih the veded 21 of system riu.d ano repenshng the vessel with a dose ot Lnhhtor chemcal to a desrea determined volume, The fied vessel 21 is then reassociated with the manifold and system etumed by oaen ng the ave auaieme-ts ci recornecflor away m te Dr pass or sm the va>ve amrgements The derec oLmc may oc detour reu uv anaiysis or test or:io.r to rei&a.se aithévessel 21 or of the system flud before being emptied away.

As also described above, the present invebtion invOh'es providing a mgnetic &udgth filter so the process of release arid separation of the vese& from the manifold is used' to remove magnetic sludga The method ck$es the: steps as above of separating the'Vessei but until the step of' emptyin the vessei of system fluid the separable magnetic element remaIns in the recess so ensuring the magnetic partides or magnetic sludge remain a ociated with the inner surface of the recess. .Qn the svstCm fluid is entiS then the magnetic.anient s removed so loosing' association of the magnetic. particles or magnetic sludge with the iner is suraca of the recess adowrg lees messy flush removal of the magnetic sludge as required.

It will also be understood as the magnetic sludge is eftCct:ively concentrated about the inner surface of 4j whilst the magnetic etement is insetod within the recess. so it may be eMier to take. bfl':ear ample of the rnagneti.c..sludge for analysis.

In accordande with aspects of the eresent invention as indicated relatively easy separation of the esse from J'e rrandoio s provioe Suon a' aporoch vrth a st rdsec assoc a through a screw thread end a retai.hin coli*Iricttj alkws *a* range Ot veSsel sizes to be provided. Thus, it can b that disbosable cartridges or canisters of fixed volumes f inhibitor onem cal n the vessel r'a be provced coo t e co ect cn"dqe caruste n1nen oased a is east initially on system size (e.g. number cif radiators} or actual testing or simply experience after being able to look at the systeh fluid biter a pedod of operation, in such circumstances epa anc may be to n4orced cy a s mole gi test of a test lube o smear of sys'em fUo against a white background with comparison with a grey level test to determin,e whether the magnetic sludge filter and/or inhibitor level is adequate or not. Qr vessel may set up ao w lh a fLshng et 4or ush ng wr over vcsse $ antI marets ongor-g ope ao I ye Idler Thc ease at sepaabcn 0? e vessel and:or maqnek' eement ci OWS S. el operation, AS hdicated above vessel volume is important in terms of inhibitor chemical dcsing. One as approach is to provide markings 2$ or vesseis. of desired voiuni:et'ri:c size but another aprc'ach as illustrated as an example in figure. 5 is to provide an nssrt Si bth3r eftbhob nomenSture is consistent ith tioure 4; The insert 31 eftectiv&y provides: a volume displacement wthn the vessel 21 to reouce the eeve voiumetric capact of the vessel as required. In such crcumstdnce a mnge of inserts may he provide for a set vessel so that an insert cduIdb chdser td ahe an.abso.ute vounw of inhibitor chemical or a related to the S size of the systeln (number Of rathatorel or relate to a parcuar inhibitor ohenuicel suppHrs re ype or cha actensz es ma be easer tc. carry os a stok arrrge ot nsott esther than, a range of vessel nes giving a more convenient manner of achieving more accurate oh or chemical dosino ifi use.

The recess 23 effectively ghes. a guide along a bottom portion 32 arid it may S uth an w'vedec cne pthhu" 3 to sww ie e.szen tftl,d n ted colon ot Jie aowbeat accut the recess23 and so nearer the magnetic insert (not shown) to faciiitat operation as a magnetic udge filter.

:L it wifl be understood the fluid flow in a heating system is driven and forced Ho such cffcumstances if the insert is buoyant in the fluid then when they system is not pumped the insert may rise with that buoyancy. However, when the system: returns to operation the flow w torce V'c nsert dowrwa'-ds so That if the gu dmg recess to ntt nas a scrap op chon then on the downward.moton some. of the magnetic sludge may be swept into receptor ?.0 deprs&ons 34 in a lower part of the insert 31. This may reduce the thickness of magnetic sludge reta1ed on the recess 23 do rendering the relative effecUveness of the magnetic attractitn of the magnetic ih:Srt for lohgór. Alternatively the system pressure of forced flow wri p y iargraly compressn a conohant ncr nto a oulge engaqen'ent with te sides of the vessel aidino position retention. 2$

Inhibitor chemical dosing which tTOiC accurate than previou&y Would be advantageous the correct.ievel of: chemical wi reduce wastage and costs, Hoever, it i.e also. important t:hat the process Sicuid be relatively simpie for a so celled do**it**vonrself enthusiast, One as suggesteu aove 15 to pros de cartr*dges o oar stis ore4cadec to cermcel Figure 6 provides, an example ol a vessel in the form of a cartridge 41 (cther reference non'e c aLre is consistent with qu'ç 4 eric 5 The u,rrdge 41 has r nsert crier For a solid inhi:bitOr chemical 42 afthough a liquid sacit.et could aide be Oseth The rSrt 41 sits UPOO: the redes 23 upon re association of the cartridge.41 vessel with a manifold in ccordande with aspect of the present invention. A seal can be broken prior to seating tO insert 41 upon the recess 23 or possibly the kitlow pressure of the systet fluid VOW Could hG used to break the Seal about the: solid inhibitor thernicai so raleaskig it: to disoivs in use or squeeze concentrated:nNbitor chemca from a ruØture h downward pressure, By aoP. an approach and where appropriate rather than a s'ug of inhibitor chemcai sewng around the heating system a siower rehaase of i.nhi.bftdr chemi.ca can. be provided. n some circumstances it may be possftit4 td tt the sStóm pe&dicay eq every day aa the eve ot rhthtn chora bj.rs up by sow t'e h'r en'ove The rert bj seoaatig he ves& rom t'e ma' ok to remove the oart a dsao yea dd nrnbzo or other conrmcrrg chemicS then reasad tin the vess& or adridOe whh. the manffod with a now stable and reetvey xed level of cheht'al in the heetinq svstep +:ud It wiP ha aprecieted by those sktied in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those ShoWn in the appended drawings provide.ciear athantage over the prior art and &e theref re wtn the scope qf the invenlion described.

heren.