UKGP-SSF-10 side stream filtration skid — continuous magnetite and debris removal
What a side stream filtration skid does
A side stream filtration unit — also called a kidney-loop, sidestream filter or polishing filter — takes a small percentage of total system flow (typically 5–10 %) and passes it through a high-efficiency filter and magnetic separator before returning it to the main circuit. The UKGP-SSF-10 skid runs continuously alongside your main system pumps, so magnetite and fine debris are removed from the water without taking the heating or chilled-water system off-line. Over weeks of operation the total system contamination drops, circulator seal life improves, plate heat exchangers stop blocking, and zone valve cycles drop.
Sizing the UKGP-SSF-10 — flow rate, system volume and turnover
The UKGP-SSF-10 delivers 1,260 m³/h of continuous side-stream flow at a 0.37 kW pump duty. A reasonable rule of thumb is to size the side stream filter to give one full turnover of the closed system every 1–2 hours; for a 30 m³ heating volume that's a 15–30 m³/h skid. Smaller skids work, they simply take longer to clean a dirty system. For commissioning duty — a brand-new build with chloride flush water still in the pipework — step up one size to halve the polishing time.
Filter media, micron rating and magnetic separation
The UKGP-SSF-10 skid combines a self-cleaning depth filter with a removable rare-earth magnetic rod. Depth filtration is selectable from 20 µm (fine) to 4,000 µm (coarse) depending on the dominant contaminant: 100 µm is the right starting point for most LTHW circuits, 50 µm for chilled water with closed-cell expansion vessels, 20 µm for systems feeding plate heat exchangers. The magnetic rod catches ferrous fines below the depth-filter rating and is wiped clean in seconds during routine service — no replacement consumable, no down-time.
Controls, pumps and IP55 panel
The skid ships pre-wired with an IP55 control panel: differential-pressure switch across the filter, run/fault status, BMS volt-free contacts for remote monitoring, hours-run meter and emergency stop. The pump is a vertical multistage Grundfos CR (or equivalent), mechanical-seal, rated for closed-loop water duty. All wetted parts are 316 stainless or epoxy-coated carbon steel. Skid drops in on four anti-vibration mounts and connects with flanged isolation valves on the main heating return.
Installation, dosing and water-treatment fit
Install the side stream filter loop in parallel with the main circuit, drawing from a low point on the return and discharging back upstream of the boilers. Pair the skid with a chemical dosing pot for inhibitor top-up, an air and dirt separator on the main circuit for primary deaeration, and (on multi-boiler systems) a low loss header for hydraulic separation. The combination delivers a BSRIA BG50-compliant water-treatment package on a single skid footprint.
Lead time and ordering the UKGP-SSF-10
The UKGP-SSF-10 is built to order at £15,250 ex VAT with a 3–4 week lead time. Bespoke skids — duplex stainless wetted parts, BMS Modbus/BACnet integration, mounted on a trolley for rental fleets — are quoted inside two working days. All skids leave the factory tested, certified and packed for road or container shipment.