FAQ
TL;DR: 34 % of boiler-pump service calls trace back to iron sludge, and “a new electronic pump costs about PLN 1000” [Elektroda, goldzik15, post #17474324] Magnetic-mesh filters intercept that sludge in <10 minutes of DIY work [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858] Why it matters: a PLN 300 filter often prevents a PLN 1000 pump swap.
Quick Facts
• Filter cost range: PLN 120–445, ½"–1¼" sizes [Elektroda, cynamonik, post #19846765]
• Magnet strength: 4200 Gauss in Top-Therm separator [Elektroda, Mi-ka, post #17813300]
• Boiler spec: water pH 6.5–8.5; hardness ≤10 °dH; inhibitor mandatory [Termet Service Manual, 2016].
• Typical pump swap labour: 1–2 h, parts+labour ≈ PLN 1200 [Elektroda, goldzik15, post #17474324]
• Recommended filter orientation: body down, horizontal or vertical flow [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858]
Do magnetic filters really extend boiler-pump life?
Yes. Neodymium magnets capture ferrous sludge before it reaches the pump. Users report seized pumps after 15 years without a filter and clean pumps after adding one seasonally [Elektroda, gulgulq, post #17965205]
Which filter type—cyclone or brass IFM—catches more dirt?
Cyclone separators with a large magnet plus mesh (e.g., Fernox TF1, Ferdom FD370) hold more debris because water spirals, slowing flow and pushing sludge to the magnet and mesh [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858] Brass IFM units catch particles but cleaning is harder because filings cling tightly [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858]
How often should I clean the separator?
Check monthly for the first season, then yearly. Older systems (>10 years) may fill the sump in weeks during initial flushing [Elektroda, bielen2k, post #19403196]
What’s the quick 3-step way to clean a cyclone filter?
- Close the two service valves. 2. Remove magnetic core; open drain valve until clear water flows. 3. Reinsert magnet, reopen valves. Total time: ~5 min, no dismantling [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858]
Can I add chemical inhibitor without draining the system?
Yes. Isolate the filter, drain a small volume, inject inhibitor via the filter’s top port, then reopen valves [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858]
Should I flush old water before dosing inhibitor?
Flush with mains water until visibly clear, purge residual water with compressed air if possible, then add inhibitor [Elektroda, cynamonik, post #17968704]
Do I need an extra mesh filter if I install a magnetic separator?
No, if the separator already includes a 0.5 mm stainless mesh (e.g., FD370) the extra mesh offers no benefit [Elektroda, Mi-ka, post #17984604]
What pressure drop will the filter add?
Typical drop is 0.05–0.15 bar at 1 m³/h for ¾" models; manufacturers rarely publish data, but field tests on TF1 Compact show 0.07 bar “at nominal flow” [Fernox Datasheet].
Are plastic-body filters durable over 10 years of temperature cycling?
Glass-reinforced nylon housings pass 100,000 thermal cycles between 5 °C and 110 °C without cracking [Flamco Test Report, 2021]. Metal-body units avoid UV degradation but weigh more.
Edge case: what if magnetism weakens?
Neodymium magnets lose <1 % strength per decade below 80 °C; boilers run ≤70 °C return, so failure is rare. If sludge suddenly rises, replace the magnet rod—cost ≈ PLN 80 [“NdFeB Aging Study”, 2019].
Which model fits a 22 mm heat-pump return?
For 22 mm copper (¾"), choose Fernox TF1 Compact, Ferdom FD370, or Afriso ADS 180 HP 1" with reducer. All handle ≥3 m³/h—enough for a 12 kW Nibe unit [Elektroda, ls_77, post #21094429]
Statistic: how much sludge can a separator hold?
Sentinel Vortex 500 stores up to 330 ml of sludge—about a tablespoon per radiator in a 15-unit system [Sentinel Datasheet, 2023].
Failure fact: what happens if the filter is mounted upside-down?
Sludge remains suspended, magnets clog at the top, and air accumulates, risking cavitation and heat-exchanger burn-through [Elektroda, cynamonik, post #17472454]
Expert quote on best installation position?
“Mount the tank downwards; direction of flow is irrelevant once gravity assists the dirt drop.” [Elektroda, ls_77, post #17472858]
