How to Make a Water Connection Air Separator

Many industries use air separators to remove the air from different fluids that move through pipes. Some air separators are used in marine fuel engines while you can find others in hydronic systems, such as boilers and heat exchangers in residential and commercial heating systems. To make a connection into a waterline to add an air separator, you will have to cut the waterline and solder the separator onto the pipe.

Pipe cutter
180-grit sandpaper
Water-soluble paste
Paintbrush
Solder wire
Cool wet rag
Torch

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the main waterline. Shut off the boiler and pump. Cut the pipe leading from the boiler to the pump with the pipe cutter. Run the pipe cutter along the horizontal pipe until it separates.
- 2
  Rub the sandpaper along the edges of the pipe to remove metal burrs. Dab the paintbrush into the water-soluble paste, which is a type of flux specifically designed for water pipes. Brush over the two ends of the pipe to help the solder fully connect between the air separator and pipe.
- 3
  Push the air separator onto the ends of the pipe. Wrap the cool wet rag around the air separator to protect it from the flame on the torch.
- 4
  Aim the lit torch at the joint between the pipe and the air separator, called sweating the pipe. Lay the solder against the pipe to fill the seam. If the pipe is not hot enough, continue to apply heat until the solder melts around the connection. Ensure there is a solid seal fully around the seam.

Names of DIY Insulation Foam

Bleeding a Baseboard Heater

Heating & Cooling Repair