Heat Pumps Today

23 Here, Mark Hall, Head of Mechanical Engineering & Devices at Fernox, explains why it is essential to protect heat pump systems from the adverse effects of circulating debris, and how the new Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter can provide an effective solution. The importance of quality system filters tailored for use with heat pumps As with traditional central heating systems, heat pumps are vulnerable to contamination. To preserve the lifespan of the heat pump and maintain its e ciency in the long term, it is crucial to protect the components from the damage that circulating particles can cause. In addition to e ective water treatment to prevent scale and corrosion forming, it is also essential to install an in-line filter to capture and contain debris and installation contaminants, in accordance with the latest version of Part L and BS 7593:2019. However, it is important to choose a filter that can deliver the highest levels of performance and one that is specifically designed for heat pump installations with higher flow rates. In contrast to more general filters on the market, the new Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter is the first filter from Fernox to the market that has been engineered to protect air and ground source heat pumps. The filter’s unique shape allows e cient capture of system debris and the settlement of particles within the main body of the filter. It utilises innovative flow and filtration technology (patent pending), which ensures a high-e ciency capture even at the high flow rates (up to 80 L/min) that are typical for heat pump installations. This unique Flow Disruptor technology is also highly e ective at capturing a range of magnetic and non-magnetic debris types, including magnetite, haematite and scale. Unlike filters that rely on magnets, the filtration technology in the TF1 Sigma HP Filter is not susceptible to wash-o or lost capture, which is characteristic at these high flow rates. All of this means it will significantly outperform, in heat pump systems, the magnetic filters that are designed to protect wall hung boilers. To find out more about the Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter, visit https://fernox.com/product/tf1-sigma-hp-filter/. www.acrjournal.uk/heat-pumps A D V E R T O R I A L Additionally, the Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter is available with 22mm or 28mm full-bore valves supplied as standard. The design of these valves means that there is no restriction of flow through the filter assembly. The filter also delivers market leading Kv values for pressure loss. These features ensure the heat pump can maintain the required Co-e cient of Performance (COP). It is also important to ensure that the chosen filter will o er the required level of durability. The TF1 Sigma HP Filter is injection moulded using an engineering-grade polymer, chosen for its excellent strength and hydrolysis resistance. Reflecting the robust design of other Fernox TF1 products, the TF1 Sigma HP Filter has been designed and manufactured as a sealed unit without a lid for greater integrity and security, reducing any potential for leaks. In addition, this also enables fast and simple servicing as, unlike lidded filters, there is no need for replacement ‘O’ ring seals, minimising ongoing maintenance costs. Installation of the TF1 Sigma HP Filter is simple. It can be installed in a variety of pipework orientations including horizontal, vertical, or at any point around the full 360° orientation – ideal for retrofit projects where clearance or service space is limited. Finally, the TF1 Sigma HP Filter has undergone comprehensive testing throughout its design, development and production. This testing included long- term integrity testing that saw the filter repeatedly pressure cycled between 2 and 10 bar, and temperature cycled between 0°C and 90°C, which has allowed Fernox to validate the performance of the filter as well as prove the quality of manufacture. While heat pumps are similar to traditional heating systems in a number of ways, there are specific considerations. This includes choosing a system filter that will be e ective and support the performance of the heat pump. The Fernox TF1 Sigma HP Filter has been designed and engineered for this application with an innovative filtration process and proven performance and durability.