Side Stream Filtration Units for Heating and Cooling Systems

Types of Side Stream Filtration Units for Heating and Cooling Systems

Maintaining optimal water quality in heating and cooling systems is crucial for efficiency and longevity. Side stream filtration units play a pivotal role by continuously filtering a portion of the system’s water, removing suspended solids, debris, and other contaminants. This process helps prevent fouling, scaling, and corrosion, leading to improved system performance and reduced maintenance costs. Various types of side stream filtration units are available, each employing different mechanisms to achieve these goals.

Common Types of Side Stream Filtration Units

Screen Filters

Mechanism: Utilize a physical barrier to capture particles as water passes through fine mesh screens.
Advantages: Effective for removing larger particles; simple design; relatively low cost.
Considerations: Regular maintenance is required to clean or replace clogged screens; not suitable for capturing very fine particles.

Centrifugal Separators

Mechanism: Employ centrifugal force to separate particles from water based on density differences.
Advantages: No moving parts; low maintenance; effective for removing medium to large-sized particles.
Considerations: Less effective for fine or low-density particles; efficiency depends on particle size and density.

Sand Filters

Mechanism: Water passes through a bed of sand or other granular media, trapping particles within the media.
Advantages: High filtration efficiency; capable of removing fine particles; suitable for large volumes of water.
Considerations: Require significant space; periodic backwashing is necessary to clean the media; higher initial cost.

Disc Filters

Mechanism: Consist of stacked discs with grooves that capture particles as water flows through.
Advantages: Compact design; automatic self-cleaning capabilities; efficient removal of fine particles.
Considerations: Higher initial investment; may require specialized maintenance.

Cartridge and Bag Filters

Mechanism: Water flows through filter cartridges or bags that capture particles.
Advantages: High filtration efficiency; capable of removing very fine particles; easy to replace.
Considerations: Regular replacement of cartridges or bags is necessary; ongoing operational costs can accumulate.

X-POT Side Stream Filtration Units: An Integrated Solution

VEXO offers an innovative approach to side stream filtration with its X-POT range, designed to provide comprehensive water treatment solutions for heating and cooling systems. The X-POT units combine multiple functionalities into a single compact device, addressing common water quality issues effectively.

Key Features of the X-POT Range:

Multi-Functional Design: Each X-POT unit integrates magnetic filtration, cartridge filtration, air and dirt separation, and a dosing unit. This design eliminates the need for separate components, saving space and simplifying installation.

Superior Filtration Efficiency: The X-POT utilizes high-quality filters capable of removing particles down to 0.5 microns, surpassing industry standards and ensuring exceptional water clarity.

Versatility: With models suitable for various system sizes and pressures, the X-POT range caters to a wide array of commercial applications.

Ease of Maintenance: Designed for user-friendly operation, the X-POT allows for straightforward monitoring and maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Reduced costs: Unlike traditional bag and cartridge filters, X-POT can be initially installed with only the magnets. Once the water quality improves, filters can be introduced, gradually lowering the micron size until 5 micron is achieved, as recommended by BSRIA’s Pre-Commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems Amended 6th edition (BG29/2021)

Overview of Select X-POT Models:

Model	Max working pressure	Max system volume	Flow rate	Pipe connection	Filtration rate	Integrated pump	Fault alarm	Enhanced BMS Compatibility
X-POT Compact	4 Bar	34,560 Litres	Up to 0.4 L/s	1/2” BSP	Down to 0.5 micron	N	N	N
X-POT 6	7 Bar	86,400 Litres	Up to 1 L/s	1”’ BSP	Down to 0.5 micron	N	N	N
X-POT 6+	10 Bar	86,400 Litres	Up to 1 L/s	1” BSP	Down to 5 micron	Y	Y	Y
X-POT XP	16 Bar	302,400 Litres	Up to 3.5 L/s	2” BSP	Down to 1 micron	N	N	N
X-POT XP+	16 Bar	302,400 Litres	Up to 3.5 L/s	2” BSP	Down to 1 micron	Y	Y	Y
X-POT XXP	30 Bar	302,400 Litres	Up to 3.5 L/s	2” BSP	Down to 1 micron	N	N	N
X-POT HFHP	10/30 Bar	2,592,000 Litres	Up to 30 L/s	6” PN 10 or 6” PN 30	Down to 1 micron	N	N	N

For a comprehensive overview of the X-POT range and its applications, you can watch the following video:

Selecting the appropriate side stream filtration unit is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of heating and cooling systems. Understanding the various types of filtration units and their mechanisms can aid in making an informed decision tailored to specific system requirements. Get in touch with our technical team to discuss your project.