Replace MagnaClean with another filter

[muppetman74]

Background - I'm a DIYer but am comfortable with draining down systems, adding radiators and using flux and solder etc.

So I've inherited an old system in our house with a 28mm old-style MagnaClean on the return. Both isolation valves are knackered (common fault the internet tells me!) so I've decided to change the filter rather than just both the isolation valves.

I like the look of the Trappex Centramag 2 as it supposedly captures non-magnetic crud as well. However, this requires a 115mm cutout rather than the 188mm cutout of the Magnaclean. There's plenty of space vertically but not horizontally between the pipes (see pic - flow is the left pipe, return is the middle and gas supply to the boiler is on the right). What would you seasoned pros do in this situation - extend the return pipe a little with a piece of copper and a soldered coupler, just install a MagnaClean 2 (which hopefully uses the same pipe cutout size) or something else?

Thanks!

 

[king of pipes]

I would remove a 1m of pipe fit your mag filter of choice and re pipe it . Kop

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

I'd just stick another Magnaclean on, won't the Professional 2 XP fit in the same gap?

 

[SimonG]

The centramag 2 can cope with a bigger cut out due to the slip coupling on one of the valves.

 

[Gasmk1]

The centramag 2 can cope with a bigger cut out due to the slip coupling on one of the valves.

As can spirotrap magnetic filter

 

[muppetman74]

Thanks, all. I hadn't realised that some of the filters have a slip coupling, so that's useful to now (they don't make a big thing about it on their websites, thought it would be a good selling point!)

Also, any pro tips about getting my spanner in between the pipes to remove/re fit compression fittings? Theres not enough "flex" in the pipes and I'd rather not have to remove a section of the pipe on the left (CH flow) to allow access to the middle pipe (CH return). I need to be careful of the pipe on the right (gas supply).

Cheers.

 

[centralheatking]

Background - I'm a DIYer but am comfortable with draining down systems, adding radiators and using flux and solder etc.

So I've inherited an old system in our house with a 28mm old-style MagnaClean on the return. Both isolation valves are knackered (common fault the internet tells me!) so I've decided to change the filter rather than just both the isolation valves.

I like the look of the Trappex Centramag 2 as it supposedly captures non-magnetic crud as well. However, this requires a 115mm cutout rather than the 188mm cutout of the Magnaclean. There's plenty of space vertically but not horizontally between the pipes (see pic - flow is the left pipe, return is the middle and gas supply to the boiler is on the right). What would you seasoned pros do in this situation - extend the return pipe a little with a piece of copper and a soldered coupler, just install a MagnaClean 2 (which hopefully uses the same pipe cutout size) or something else?

Thanks!

Magnaclean are the highest volume selling magnetic filter on UK market. The uk market is very crowded with these units, some come and go as a result. As you mention Trappex this is certainly a stayer with committed people behind it, it is high quality, well designed with a v strong magnet, and effective none magnetic strainer. Magnaclean do have a history of faults reported but this might be due to the sheer volume sold.
centralheatking

 

[muppetman74]

I'd just stick another Magnaclean on, won't the Professional 2 XP fit in the same gap?

This is probably what I'll end up doing for ease. I do fancy the idea of the Trappex to collect non-magnetic debris though. Not sure what to do - I fired off an email to Trappex to see what the maximum cutout the slip coupling can handle, want to minimise piping adjustments as pipe immediately to the right is the gas supply to boiler and not much space between the three pipes (return is the middle one in pic).

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Why not install a y strainer / filter for non items ?

 

[muppetman74]

Why not install a y strainer / filter for non items ?

I hadn't considered one as I was lead to believe they can cause too much resistance in the return flow. Is this not the case and are they commonly used? This is for an old (15+years) 15 radiator system with lots of pipework due to the layout of the house. Mostly old copper with a couple of Speedfit runs.

 

[king of pipes]

Fit a magna clean pro on there it will protect the boiler and collect all manner of debris . Kop
[automerge]1572718773[/automerge]

Fit a magna clean pro on there it will protect the boiler and collect all manner of debris . Kop

works well larger particals end up in the bottom section . Cheers kop