Air and Dirt Separation

This free online CPD course from BESA Academy is presented by Flamco and provides essential knowledge on air and dirt separation equipment in heating and cooling systems. Designed for installers, technicians, and engineers working with sealed system equipment, this course covers the theory, application, and principles of operation needed to maintain system efficiency and prevent common faults.

This course is free of charge and CIBSE accredited for CPD. Download your certificate on completion.

What You Will Learn

This 35-minute course covers:

• The theory, use, and application of air and dirt separation equipment
• The principles of operation for air and dirt separators
• The theory behind air release and common symptoms of sealed systems containing too much air or dissolved air
• How to identify and address system faults caused by poor air and dirt separation

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is suitable for heating and plumbing engineers, installers and technicians working with sealed system equipment, building services professionals responsible for system design or specification, and anyone involved in the commissioning, maintenance, or troubleshooting of heating and cooling systems.

Why Air and Dirt Separation Matters

Air and dirt in heating and cooling systems reduce efficiency, cause noise and corrosion, and lead to premature component failure. Effective air and dirt separation protects system performance, extends equipment life, and prevents costly breakdowns.

Understanding how air and dirt separators work, where to position them, and how to identify common faults ensures systems run reliably and efficiently from day one.

The Benefits of This Course

Completing this course will help you:

• Understand the role of air and dirt separation in system performance
• Select and specify the right equipment for different applications
• Identify common symptoms of air and dirt-related faults
• Improve system reliability and reduce maintenance call-backs
• Earn CIBSE-accredited CPD to support your professional development

Course Format

Duration: 35 minutes
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Assessment: Knowledge check questions at the end of the course
Certification: CPD certificate available to download on completion
Accreditation: CIBSE accredited
Cost: Free of charge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is air and dirt separation in heating and cooling systems?
Air and dirt separation refers to the process of removing trapped air and solid particles from sealed heating or cooling systems. This helps maintain system efficiency, prevents corrosion and noise, and protects components such as pumps, valves, and heat exchangers from premature wear.

Why is air and dirt separation important for system performance?
Air and dirt within a system can reduce heat transfer efficiency, create noise, cause blockages, and accelerate corrosion. Proper separation ensures smoother operation, improves reliability, and helps extend the lifespan of system components.

Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for heating engineers, plumbing professionals, installers, technicians, and building services engineers involved in the design, installation, commissioning, or maintenance of sealed heating and cooling systems.

What common problems can occur if air and dirt are not removed from a system?
Excess air and dirt can lead to noisy pipework, poor heat distribution, corrosion, blocked components, pump failures, and reduced system efficiency. Understanding how to manage these issues helps prevent costly maintenance problems.

How long does the course take to complete?
The course takes approximately 35 minutes to complete. It is delivered online and can be taken at your own pace, making it easy to fit into your work schedule.

Is the course accredited for CPD?
Yes. This course is accredited by CIBSE for continuing professional development (CPD), helping professionals maintain and demonstrate their ongoing technical competence.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. Once you successfully complete the course and knowledge check, you will be able to download a CPD certificate confirming your participation.

Is the course really free?
Yes. This course is completely free to access through BESA Academy, providing valuable technical knowledge and CPD without any cost.