The invention relates to a magnetic separator, for example a magnetic separator device that is particularly suited for use in a radiator, such as a radiator in a domestic heating system. The invention also relates to a radiator that includes the magnetic separator, and a method for installing a magnetic separator device into a heating system radiator.

Many domestic heating systems include a boiler and several radiators connected to the boiler by copper pipes, thereby forming a circuit. The radiators and pipes are filled with water and the boiler is arranged to heat the water. The hot water is pumped around the circuit. Typically, the radiators are made from steel or iron. Over time, the radiators corrode and release particles of material into the water, which are attractive to magnets. Such particles are referred to as ferromagnetic particles or ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material is either suspended in the water, flowing through the pipes and radiators, or accumulates as a sludge towards the bottom of a radiator.

It is known to use magnetic separator devices in domestic heating systems to capture ferromagnetic particles suspended within the water. Typically, a magnetic separator device is installed by a heating engineer, who is required to remove a section out of an existing pipe to create a gap, install the magnetic separator device in the gap, and couple the separator device to the existing pipework so that the heating system water flows through the separator device as it moves around the circuit. As water flows through the separator device, ferromagnetic particles are attracted to a magnetic member, thereby preventing the ferromagnetic particles from flowing around the heating system. When the heating system has its annual inspection, the heating engineer will open the separator device and remove the collected ferromagnetic particles from the system. This helps the heating system to operate efficiently, since sludge forming at the bottom of radiators creates cold regions which emit little heat. A significant problem with current magnetic separator devices is that it is necessary to remove a section of pipe to install one of the devices, and this usually requires a heating engineer to install the device properly. This can be a time consuming procedure, as it may be necessary to at least partially drain the system to install the separator device, and therefore can have a relatively high installation cost. Accordingly, it is desirable to install a magnetic separator into the heating system in a manner that does not require the cutting of an existing pipe, and that does not require a heating engineer to undertake the task. It is also desirable that the magnetic separator can be easily removed from the heating system, cleaned, and reinstalled.

When installed, it is desirable that the magnetic separator device is accurately located within the heating system, at an efficient place for removing ferromagnetic material.

Accordingly, the invention seeks to provide a magnetic separator that addresses at least one of the above-mentioned problems, fulfils at least one of the aforementioned desires, or at least provides alternative arrangement to known devices. The invention also seeks to provide a radiator having the magnetic separator, and a method for installing a magnetic separator device into a heating system radiator, that addresses at least one of the above-mentioned problems, fulfils at least one of the aforementioned desires, or at least provides alternative arrangement to known systems and methods.

According to one aspect, there is provided a magnetic separator according to claim 1. The invention provides a magnetic separator that is arranged to fit into a radiator within a heating system. During installation, a radiator threaded plug is removed, thereby exposing the radiator threaded aperture and providing access to the interior of the radiator. The magnetic member and connector assembly is inserted into the interior of the radiator through the threaded aperture. The mounting member threaded plug engages the threaded aperture, thereby sealing the threaded aperture, and wherein the magnetic member is suspended within the radiator from the threaded plug. Having an adjustable connector assembly enables a user to adjust the position of the magnetic member with respect to the mounting member, and hence threaded plug, prior to inserting the magnetic separator into the radiator. This enables the user to set the length of the connector assembly so that the magnetic member is located at an optimum position within the radiator. Since the magnetic separator is installed within the radiator, it is not necessary to cut any pipes, drain the heating system or have a heating engineer install the separator. The threaded plug can be any suitable size to match the radiator screw thread.

According to another aspect there is a magnetic separator arranged for installation within a heating system radiator.

The magnetic separator can include a mounting member. The mounting member can comprise a plug. The plug can be arranged to close an aperture in a radiator. The plug can comprise a threaded plug. A threaded plug is a plug having a screw thread. The threaded plug can be arranged to engage with a threaded aperture formed in the radiator. A threaded aperture is an aperture having a screw thread.

The magnetic separator can include a magnetic member.

The magnetic separator can include a connector assembly. The connector assembly can connect the magnetic member to the mounting member. The length of the connector assembly can be adjustable.

The threaded plug can comprise a half inch BSP screw thread.

The mounting member can include a hexagonal formation. The hexagonal formation can be engaged by a spanner, for example to tighten engagement of the threaded plug and the radiator threaded aperture.

The magnetic separator can include an annular seal mounted on the mounting member. The annular seal can be arranged to form a seal with the radiator when the threaded plug is inserted into the threaded aperture.

The mounting member can include a bleed valve. The bleed valve can be arranged to allow air trapped inside the radiator to escape. The bleed valve can be mounted on the threaded plug. The bleed valve can comprise an aperture, which allows air and/or water to escape from the radiator, and a screw element that is arranged to selectively close the aperture, thereby preventing air and/or water from escaping from the radiator. The aperture can be arranged transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the mounting member. The screw element can be arranged co axially with the central longitudinal axis of the mounting member.

The mounting member can include a hollow body. The hollow body facilitates fluid flow to the bleed valve. One end of the hollow body can be connected to the connector assembly.

The magnetic member can comprise a tubular member. A first end of the tubular member can be closed. A second end of the tubular member can be closed.

The tubular member can comprise steel.

The tubular member can have a maximum outside diameter, or maximum width, that is less than or equal to 18mm, preferably less than or equal to 16mm, and is more preferably less than or equal to 15mm.

The magnetic member can include at least one permanent magnet, and preferably a plurality of permanent magnets.

Each permanent magnet can be located within the tubular member.

The magnetic member can include n permanent magnets, wherein n is in the range 2 to 20, preferably in the range 4 to 16, and more preferably in the range 6 to 14.

The permanent magnets can be spaced apart along the length of the tubular member, such that gaps are provided between adjacent permanent magnets.

The permanent magnets can be arranged such that the north pole of each permanent magnet is orientated in a first axial direction. The permanent magnets can be arranged such that the south pole of each permanent magnet is orientated in a second axial direction, wherein the second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction.

The connecting assembly can be connected to the mounting member by means of a screw element. In some embodiments, the connecting assembly can include a screw element having an external screw thread, and the mounting member can include an aperture having an internal screw thread that is arranged to engage with the external screw thread. Preferably the screw element is located at a first end of the connector assembly. Preferably the screw element is arranged co-axially with a central longitudinal axis of the connector assembly. In some embodiments, the mounting member includes a screw element having an external screw thread, and the connecting assembly includes an aperture having an internal screw thread that is arranged to engage with the external screw thread.

The connector assembly can be elongate. A first end of the connector assembly can be connected to the mounting member. A second end of the connector assembly can be connected to the magnetic member.

The connector assembly can comprise a telescopic rod. A first end of the telescopic rod can be connected to the mounting member. A second end of the telescopic rod can be connected to the magnetic member.

The telescopic rod can include m rod sections, wherein m is in the range 5 to 15, and preferably in the range 8 to 12.

The connector assembly can be arranged to hold its length when extended. For example, the telescopic rod can be manufactured with sufficiently tight tolerances such that there is a reasonably stiff connection between each rod section. That is, the rod sections are not so slack with respect to their adjacent rod sections that they slide relative to one another under the action of gravity. Preferably the telescopic rod has a fully reacted length of around 10cm and a fully extended length of around 60cm. The connector assembly can be connected to the magnetic member by means of a screw element. In some embodiments, the connecting assembly includes a screw element having an external screw thread, and the magnetic member can include an aperture having an internal screw thread that can be arranged to engage with the external screw thread. Preferably the screw element is located at a second end of the connector assembly. Preferably the screw element is arranged co-axially with a central longitudinal axis of the connector assembly. In some embodiments, the magnetic member includes a screw element having an external screw thread, and the connecting assembly includes an aperture having an internal screw thread that is arranged to engage with the external screw thread.

The magnetic separator can include a first guide element. The first guide element can be arranged to prevent the magnetic member from contacting an interior face of the radiator. The first guide element can be made from non-magnetisable material. For example, the first guide element can be made from plastics, for example a thermoplastic such as polypropylene.

The first guide element can be mounted on the magnetic member. For example, the first guide element can be mounted on the magnetic member towards a first end thereof. Preferably the first guide element is arranged co-axially with a central longitudinal axis of the magnetic member. The first guide element can be fixed to the magnetic member by the screw element that connects the connector assembly to the magnetic member.

The magnetic separator can include a second guide element. The second guide element can be arranged to prevent the magnetic member from contacting an interior face of the radiator. The second guide element can be made from non- magnetisable material. For example, the second guide element can be made from plastics, for example a thermoplastic such as polypropylene.

The second guide element can be mounted on the magnetic member. For example, the second guide element can be mounted on the magnetic member towards a second end thereof. Preferably the second guide element is arranged co-axially with the central longitudinal axis of the magnetic member.

At least one of the first and second guide elements can comprise a cup shaped body. Preferably each of the first and second guide elements comprises a cup shaped body.

The cup shaped body can include a major opening located at a first end of the cup shaped body. In some embodiments the first and second guide elements can be mounted on the magnetic member in a manner such that the major openings face towards one another. The first end of the magnetic member can be located within the cup shaped body of the first guide element. The second end of the magnetic member can be located within the cup shaped body of the second guide element. The maximum outer diameter, or width, of the cup shaped body can be less than the minimum internal diameter, or width, of the radiator member in which the separator is located. Typically the clearance between the internal surface of the radiator member and the outer surface of each guide member is at least 1mm.

The cup shaped body can include a plurality of apertures located towards a second end of the cup shaped body. The apertures enable fluid to flow out of the cup shaped body. This helps the separator device to be inserted into, and removed from, the radiator. The cup shaped body can include a recess having a hexagonal cross-section. The recess can be arranged to receive a nut. The recess can be located towards the second end of the guide element. In some embodiments, the nut fixes the second guide element to the second end of the magnetic member.

The first and second guide elements can be similar. According to another aspect there is provided a magnetic separator arranged for installation within a heating system radiator, the magnetic separator including: a plug, which is arranged to close an aperture formed in the radiator; a magnetic member; and a telescopic rod connecting the magnetic member to the plug, wherein the length of the telescopic rod is adjustable. The plug can comprise a threaded plug. The aperture can comprise a threaded aperture.

According to another aspect there is provided a radiator having a magnetic separator according to any configuration described herein. The magnetic separator can be located within the interior the radiator and can be releasably attached to the radiator. The radiator has a threaded aperture, which can be closed by a threaded plug included in the mounting member.

According to another aspect there is provided a method for installing a magnetic separator device into a heating system radiator according to claim 32. Since the magnetic separator is installed within the heating system radiator, it is not necessary to cut any pipes, drain the heating system or have a heating engineer undertake the task. Instead, a radiator plug is removed, thereby presenting an aperture to the interior of the radiator. The magnetic member and connector assembly is inserted into the interior of the radiator through the opening, and the mounting member closes the radiator opening in place of the radiator plug.

According to another aspect there is provided a method for installing a magnetic separator device into a heating system radiator.

The method can include providing a heating system radiator, having at least one plug located in an aperture. The plug can be a threaded plug. The aperture can be a threaded aperture.

The method can include removing the plug, thereby exposing the aperture and providing access to the interior of the radiator.

The method can include providing a magnetic separator. The magnetic separator can have a mounting member comprising a plug. The plug can be a threaded plug. The magnetic separator can have a magnetic member. The magnetic separator can have and a connector assembly connecting the magnetic member to the mounting member. The length of the connector assembly can be adjustable. The method can include inserting the magnetic member and connector assembly into the interior of the radiator through the aperture.

The method can include closing the aperture with the plug of the mounting member. The method can include closing the threaded aperture with the threaded plug of the mounting member.

The method can include adjusting the length of the connector assembly, thereby adjusting the position of the magnetic member with respect to the mounting member. The adjustment can take place prior to inserting the magnetic separator into the radiator. The magnetic separator used in the method can be arranged according to any configuration described herein.

The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a side view of a magnetic separator according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is exploded isometric view of the magnetic separator of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic separator of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the magnetic separator of Figure 1 being inserted into a radiator.

Figures 1 to 4 show a magnetic separator 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The magnetic separator 1 is arranged for insertion inside a radiator of a heating system, for example a towel radiator for a domestic heating system.

The magnetic separator 1 includes a mounting member 3, a connector assembly 5 and a magnetic member 7. The magnetic separator 1 can include guide elements 9 which can be mounted on the magnetic member 7.

The magnetic separator 1 has an elongate configuration.

The mounting member 3 includes a plug 11. The plug 11 includes a head 13, for example a hexagonal head of the sort that can be tightened by a spanner or a wrench. The plug 11 includes a shank 15, which protrudes from the head 13 and is arranged co-axially with the head 13. The shank 15 includes a screw thread 17, which extends along a part of the length of the shank 15. For example, the screw thread 17 can be ½ inch (12.7mm) BSP screw thread. The shank 15 includes a non- threaded part 19, which is located between the screw thread 17 and the head 13. The non-threaded part 19 provides a seat for a seal, such as an O-ring (not show). The seal is arranged to engage with radiator to seal an aperture in which the plug 11 is mounted.

The shank 15 and head 13 include a central bore 16.

Optionally, the plug 11 can include a bleed valve 21. The bleed valve 21 is preferably located on the head 13, and is arranged co-axially with the head 13 and shank 15. The bleed valve 21 includes a body 23 having a first through bore 25 arranged coaxially with the head 13 and shank 15. The first through bore 25 is contiguous with the central bore 16, such that fluid can be communicated to the first through bore 25 via the central bore 16. The first through bore 25 includes an internal screw thread 27. The body 23 includes a second through bore 29 that is contiguous with the first through bore 25, such that fluid can be communicated to the second through bore 29 via the first through bore 25, and is arranged perpendicular to the through bore 25. For example, the second through bore 29 can extend radially outwards from the first through bore 25. The bleed valve 21 includes a screw element 31, which includes a screw thread 33 that is arranged to mate with the internal screw thread 27. The position of the screw element 31 is adjustable within the first through bore 25. The screw element 31 can be moved to a first position within the first bore 25 wherein the screw element 31 closes off the second through bore 29 from the first through bore 25, thereby preventing air and water escaping from the interior of the radiator. In the first position, typically, the screw element 31 is seated on, and in tight engagement with, a shoulder 26, which defines a constriction of the first bore 25. The screw element 31 can be moved to a second position within the first bore 25, wherein the through bore 29 is open to the first through bore 25, thereby allowing air and/or water to escape from the interior of the radiator via the second through bore 29. In the second position, typically, the screw element 31 is moved out of engagement with the shoulder 26. Thus air (and some water) can be selectively allowed to escape from the radiator by adjusting the position of the screw element 31 within the first through bore 25, thereby bleeding the radiator.

The mounting member 3 includes a support element 35, which is connected to the plug 11. The support element 35 has a first end 37, which fits into the central bore 16 and is connected to the shank 15. The support element 35 can be connected to the shank 15, for example by press fitting, a screw connection, or any other suitable means. For example, the shank can include an internal screw thread, which is arranged to mate with an external screw thread formed on the first end of the support element. The support element 35 has a second end 39, which is connected to the connector assembly 5. For example, the second end 39 can include a bore having an internal screw thread 41.

The support element 35 has an open structure, which allows air and water to flow through the support element 35 into the central bore 16. For example, the first end 37 of the support element can comprise a first annular member 37a, the second end 39 of the support element can comprise a second annular member 39a having a central hub 45 connected to the second annular member 39a by a plurality of spokes 47, wherein the first and second annular members 37a, 39a are connected together by a plurality of elongate support members 49. The support element 35 can have a unitary structure, for example, the support element 35 can be cast or moulded.

The connector assembly 5 connects the mounting member 3 to the magnetic member 7. The connector assembly 5 is arranged to control the separation between the magnetic member 7 and the mounting member 3, thereby selecting the position of the magnetic member 7 within the radiator. When the magnetic separator 1 is inserted into the radiator the position of the mounting member 3 is fixed with respect to the radiator since the plug 11 takes the place of an existing plug. Thus the position of the magnetic member 7 within the radiator is determined by the configuration of the connector assembly 5. In order for a user to be able to select a range of positions for the magnetic member 7 the connector assembly is adjustable, which controls the separation between the magnetic member 7 and the mounting member 3.

Typically, the connector assembly 5 comprises a telescopically adjustable rod 51, which connects the magnetic member 7 to the mounting member 3. In particular, a first end 53 of the telescopically adjustable rod is connected to the second end of the support element 35. A second end 55 of the telescopically adjustable rod is connected to the magnetic member 7. For example, the first end 53 of the telescopically adjustable rod can comprise a first screw element 57 located at the first end of the telescopically adjustable rod 51. The first screw element 57 is arranged to engage and mate with the internal screw thread 41 in the mounting member 3, and is preferably arranged co-axially with the central longitudinal axis of the rod 51. The second end 55 of the telescopically adjustable rod can include a second screw element 59. The second screw element 59 is arranged to engage the magnetic member 7, and is preferably arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the rod 51. Having at least one of, and preferably each, of the first and second screw elements 57,59 arranged co-axially with the central longitudinal axis of the rod 51 provides a compact arrangement.

The telescopically adjustable rod 51, can include any practicable number of telescopic rod sections 51a. For example, the telescopically adjustable rod 51 can include n telescopic rod sections 51a, wherein n is in the range 5 to 15, and is preferably around 10. The length of the telescopically adjustable rod 51 in its fully retracted configuration is preferably around 10cm. The length of the telescopically adjustable rod 51 in its fully extended configuration is preferably around 60cm.

By extending and retracting the telescopically adjustable rod 51, the position of the magnetic member 7 is adjustable with respect to the mounting member 3, and hence the position of the magnetic member 7 can be appropriately selected prior to inserting the magnetic separator 1 into the radiator. This is significant since the inventors have determined that the most effective location of the magnetic member is within the lower half a radiator vertical member, particularly when located in the third quarter of the length of the vertical member, the first quarter being located adjacent the top of the vertical member and the fourth quarter located adjacent the bottom of the vertical member.

Typically, each telescopic rod section 51a has a circular transverse cross-section, that is a cross-section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod 51. The maximum diameter of telescopically adjustable rod 51 is typically in the range 10mm to 18mm, and is preferably around 14mm. This ensures that the rod 51 fits within a vertical member of a towel radiator.

The magnetic member 7 includes a tubular member 61 and a plurality of magnetic elements 63 mounted within the tubular member 61. Preferably the tubular member 61 is made from steel, such as stainless steel. Typically, the magnetic member includes m magnets, wherein m is in the range 2 to 20, and preferably in the range 4 to 16. Twelve magnetic elements 63 are shown in Figure 3. Typically, the magnetic elements 63 are spaced evenly apart, along the length of the tubular member 61. The magnetic elements 63 are preferably arranged such that the north pole of each magnetic element 63 is oriented towards the south pole of an adjacent magnetic element 63.

The purpose of the magnetic member 7 is to attract particles carried by water within the radiator, that are attracted to magnets. For example, the water within the radiator can carry ferromagnetic particles due to corrosion occurring within the radiator, which is typically made from steel or iron. The magnetically attractable particles are attracted to the magnetic member 7 because of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic elements 63.

The outside diameter of the tubular member 61 is typically in the range 8mm to 15mm, and is preferably around 11mm. This ensures that the magnetic member 7 is able to fit within the vertical member of a towel radiator. The length of the tubular member 61 is typically in the range 150mm to 220mm, and is preferably around 190mm.

The tubular member 61 has a first end 65. The first end 65 includes an annular shoulder 67, which defines a threaded hole 69. The threaded hole 69 is arranged to receive and mate with second screw element 59, thereby connecting the magnetic member 7 to the connector assembly 5.

A first one of the guide elements 9 (hereinafter “first guide element 9”) is mounted on the magnetic member 7 towards the first end 65. A second one of the guide elements 9 (hereinafter “second guide element 9”) is mounted on the magnetic member towards a second end 71 thereof. The purpose of the guide elements 9 is to locate the lateral position of the magnetic member 7 within the vertical member of the radiator. In particular, to prevent the magnetic member 7 from engaging an interior surface of the radiator. Radiators are typically made from steel or iron, and therefore the magnetic member 7 is attracted to the radiator structure and would engage the structure, without the presence of the guide elements 9. If the magnetic member 7 magnetically were to engage the radiator structure, this may prevent the magnetic separator 1 from being properly installed within the radiator, and may limit the effectiveness of separator 1 to remove magnetically attractable particles from water within the radiator.

Accordingly, each guide element 9 is made from a material that is not magnetically attractable, such as a plastics material. For examples, each guide element 9 can comprise a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene copolymer. Each guide element 9 can be moulded, for example by injection moulding.

Each guide element 9 can comprise a substantially cup shaped body. The cup shaped body can have a major opening 74 located towards a first end 76. Each guide element 9 can include an arrangement of slots 73 formed in the periphery of the cup shaped body towards a second end 75 of the guide element. For example, the guide element 9 can include four slots evenly distributed about the circumference of the cup shaped body. A respective through hole 77 is located towards one end of each respective slot 73. The through holes 77 permit water to flow through the guide element 7 to assist with insertion and removal of the separator 1 into the radiator.

Each guide element 9 includes a hole 79 located on a central longitudinal axis of the cup shaped body. Preferably the hole 79 has a hexagonal cross-section. The hole 79 is provided to facilitate mounting the guide elements 9 on to the magnetic member 7 in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the cup shaped body is arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the magnetic member 7. The first and second guide elements 9 are mounted on to the magnetic member in a manner such that the major openings 74 of the first and second guide elements face towards one another, and such that the first end 65 of the magnetic member is located within the cup shaped body of the first guide element 9, and the second end 71 of the magnetic member 7 is located within the cup shaped body of the second guide element 9.

The first guide element 9 is held in place on the first end 65 of the magnetic member since the second screw element 59 passes through hole 79, and screws into the threaded hole 69, and the lower end of the connector assembly presses the first guide element 9 against the first end 65 of the magnetic member.

The magnetic member 7 includes a screw element 83, which protrudes outwards from the second end 71 of the magnetic member. The hole 79 in the second guide element 9 includes a hexagonal nut 81 (see Figs. 1 and 3). The screw element 83 passes through the hole 79 and the hexagonal nut 81 screws on to the screw element 83, thereby firmly holding the second guide element 9 to the second end 71 of the magnetic member. For embodiments, wherein the hole 79 has a hexagonal cross section that is arranged to receive the hexagonal nut 81, it is possible to screw the nut 81 on to the screw element 83 by rotating the cup shaped body of the second guide element 9.

Preferably, each of the first and second guide elements 9 is similar. This reduces the number of parts that have to be manufactured.

The guide elements 9 each having a cup shaped body helps to capture some particles within the guide element 9 as the separator 1 is removed from the radiator, for example any particles that may be separated from the magnetic part 7, or that are otherwise floating within the water in the radiator, can be captured within the cup shaped body of the second guide element 9.

The maximum outside diameter of the cup shaped body of each guide element 9 is less than the internal diameter (or width) of the radiator vertical member.

Typically, the internal diameter (or width) of each vertical member is around 20mm. Typically, the maximum outside diameter of the cup shaped body of each guide element 9 is around 19mm. These relative dimensions enable the separator 1 to be inserted into the tubular vertical member of a radiator without hinderance. Part of a towel radiator 200, which is typically used in a bathroom, shower room or cloakroom, is shown in Figure 4. Towel radiators 200 typically include first and second vertical members 202 and several horizontal bars 204 extending between the vertical members 202. The first vertical member 202 is connected to an input side of the heating system, typically towards a lower end of the first vertical member, and second vertical member is connected to an output side of the heating system, typically towards a lower end of the second vertical member. The first and second vertical members 202, and the horizontal members 204, are tubular and are connected to one another such that water can flow into the first vertical member 202, through the horizontal members 204 and out of the second vertical member. Towel radiators typically include a first threaded aperture 206 located towards an upper end of the first vertical member 202. The first threaded aperture 206 is closed by a first threaded plug (not shown). Towel radiators typically include a second threaded aperture located towards an upper end of the second vertical member. The second threaded aperture is closed by a second threaded plug.

Radiators 200 having a similar structure to towel radiators can be used in other rooms.

The insertion process takes place when the heating system is not operating. As a pre-step, the user first holds the separator 1 close to the radiator 200 and extends the length of the connector assembly 5 (see Figure 4) such that, when the separator 1 is located within the vertical member 202 of the radiator, the magnetic member 7 will be located within the lower half of the vertical member 202, and preferably located within the third quarter of the length of the vertical member 202, the first quarter being located adjacent the top of the vertical member 202 and the fourth quarter being located adjacent the bottom of the vertical member 202.

The user removes one of the first and second threaded plugs. For the purposes of this description, we will assume that the first threaded plug is removed, however the method would be applicable to the second vertical member if the second threaded plug were removed. Removing the first threaded plug opens the first threaded aperture 206 at the upper end of the vertical member 202, and exposes the interior of that first vertical member 202. The magnetic separator 1 is inserted into the interior of the first vertical member 202, through the first threaded aperture 206, with the second guide element 9 and magnetic member 7 leading. As the separator 1 is inserted, the guide elements 9 prevent the magnetic member 7 from coming into contact with the structure of the vertical member.

When the guide elements 9, magnetic member 7 and connector assembly 5 have been inserted, the threaded aperture 206 is closed by the threaded plug 11 in the mounting member, engaging with the first threaded aperture 206. The threaded plug 11 closes the first threaded aperture 206 thereby sealing the radiator, and thereby fixes the position of the magnetic member 7 within the radiator.

The heating system is then used as normal. After several months of use, the separator 1 can be removed for cleaning. The threaded plug 11 is unscrewed, and the separator can be withdrawn from the radiator via the first threaded aperture 206. Any ferromagnetic particles that have been captured will typically be located on the magnetic member 7. Those particles can be cleaned off the separator 1, for example by rinsing under a tap and/or using a cloth.

When the separator 1 is ready for use again, it can be reinserted into the radiator 200 in the manner described above.

A significant advantage of the invention is that it can be inserted into the heating system radiator, and does not require any new pipe work or cutting sections out of existing pipe work. Accordingly, the invention can be installed without requiring a heating engineer.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that modifications can be made to the above embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, for example while the embodiment above is described with reference to a towel radiator other separator may fit within other types of radiator.

Typically, the separator 1 is inserted into a part of the radiator that is axially aligned with the threaded aperture. For towel rails, this is typically vertical members. However it may be possible to insert into a horizontal member of a radiator, or an inclined member of the radiator, depending on the configuration of the radiator.

The support element 35 can be formed integrally with the plug 11.

It will be appreciated that for at least some of the parts described as having an internal screw thread that are arranged to mate with an external screw thread, the structures of those respective parts can be designed such that the part currently having the internal screw thread can instead have the external screw thread, and the part currently having the external screw thread can instead have the internal screw thread. For example, the second end 39 of the support element can include a protruding element having an external screw thread that is arranged to mate with an internal screw thread formed in the connecting assembly 5.

The magnetic member can include any practicable number of permanent magnets.

The magnetic member itself can comprise a permanent magnet.

The poles of the magnets can be oriented differently within the tubular member.

The description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all method installation steps, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the claims. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "including" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “upper” and “lower” may be used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of configuration steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination. Any feature from an embodiment can be isolated from that embodiment and included in any other embodiment.