Nordic Tec magnetic filters, designated as NT-SM, are classic magnetic separators used to protect central heating systems (and sometimes domestic hot water systems). They can be used in both closed and open circuits to remove contaminants and dirt, including fine waste products of corrosion and scale that detach from the internal structure of pipes and heating components. As magnetic devices, these dirt separators operate maintenance-free and do not require frequent supervision. Thanks to their presence, the impurities removed from the heating installation will not contribute to shortening the lifespan of circulation pumps, valves, and other devices. Magnetic filters also help us avoid problems with boilers, heat exchangers, or coils—components of the heating system that perform best precisely in a healthy and clean heating installation. The regular removal of dirt by the separator also slows down the so-called aging of the heating system, which is a decrease in heating efficiency and increased consumption of heating fuel, typically noticed after years of use.
A magnetic filter from the Nordic Tec catalog is a solution for protecting heating and cooling installations from harmful metallic contaminant particles that result from corrosion and the aging of system components—generally speaking, various (metallic) impurities that have a negative impact on the heating system. The operation of this type of magnetic filter is based on a strong magnet that captures fine iron filings and rust before they reach pumps, valves, boilers, or heat exchangers.
Thanks to this, the magnetic separator, often also called a magnetic filter (interchangeable terms), significantly extends the entire system's lifespan and improves its efficiency. These types of devices are used both in new installations as a preventative measure and in older systems to limit the effects of existing corrosion. The Nordic Tec magnetic separator is a reliable choice anywhere where clean and trouble-free operation of the installation is important. Any installation properly protected from impurities is, in the long run, simply more economical—it uses less fuel or energy to heat the same building, and the devices used in the system, e.g., circulation pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, wear out more slowly.
Nordic Tec magnetic filters can be used preventatively in practically any system (including closed systems), but especially in older systems that are likely to have larger metallic impurities of corrosive origin, etc.
It is particularly worth considering magnetic filters when we have devices that might be more sensitive to operating with a dirty installation. Virtually every device lasts longer, has higher efficiency, and a lower failure rate when operating under favorable conditions—this applies to, for example, circulation pumps, three-way valves, or coils. However, there are devices, such as plate heat exchangers, UV sterilizers, or modern heat sources (e.g., gas boilers, heat pumps), that react to poor system conditions in a particularly negative way. If we are installing this type of device in the system — magnetic filters can play a very useful role in preventing failures and extending lifespan. In such cases, a magnetic separator can even be installed directly before a device that, in our opinion, requires special protection from contaminants.
In practice, the cost of Nordic Tec magnetic dirt separators is quite favorable considering the price-to-quality ratio. Nordic Tec dirt separators are made from the best materials; besides the brass elements (valves), the filters are made from a solid material which is a blend of PVC, nylon, and fiberglass. While many manufacturers mention reinforcing the construction with fiberglass, its actual content in most products is minimal. Meanwhile, the Nordic Tec brand is known for not skimping on materials. This guarantees that our brand's dirt separator will maintain its tightness and functionality for many years.
The prices of magnetic dirt separators on the market range from 40 to 150 €. We strongly advise against the cheapest filters, but this is a rule that applies to practically any type of hydraulic equipment. The cheapest magnetic filters are characterized by not being made from good materials (risk of leaks, which usually occur at the most inconvenient time) and having a weaker magnet. This type of filter is essentially a magnetizer—the magnet is its core component determining effectiveness. Therefore, one should avoid hydraulic separators at the lowest prices. The most expensive tier, on the other hand, is not a guarantee of the highest quality; it is usually just the result of a specific (expensive) pricing policy of a given brand, and they often do not stand out in quality, being comparable to magnetic separators from the mid-price range. Price is important, but it's worth buying wisely.
A magnetic filter is a device that is increasingly being installed as standard in systems with heat pumps or gas boilers. Its task is to capture iron particles, rust, and other ferromagnetic contaminants that can circulate in the water and cause damage to circulation pumps, valves, or heat exchangers, including those working directly with freon. Thanks to the use of a magnetic filter, the system operates more stably, and the risk of failure is significantly reduced. For clarity—this is not a mandatory component, but specialists recommend its installation as an inexpensive yet very effective form of system protection, both in new systems and in modernized heating systems. Compared to the prices of heat pumps, gas boilers—and indeed entire boiler rooms—a magnetic filter is not an element that significantly increases the investment cost—but it definitely impacts long-term safety.
Generally, it's commonly thought that a magnetic separator is a device intended specifically for heating systems. This is not entirely technically accurate, as this type of filter can work in practically any water system—regardless of its purpose. This can also include domestic hot water (DHW) systems.
However, using magnetic separators in heating systems is generally more justified because the water circulates in them and is only drained in cases of absolute necessity (heating system service)—so there is no natural flushing out of contaminants. In DHW systems, impurities are not always effectively removed with the water either, but to some extent, they certainly are. However, if you have an old, low-quality DHW system, a magnetic filter will certainly fulfill its role in such a system as well.