Filter in gas line, is it needed?

[ian.]

I saw on a plumerparts posts comments that the gas engineer always used an inline filter on the gas line to the boiler due to debris.

I’ve just had a new boiler fitted, is it a good idea to ask my installer back and pay for a filter to be installed or a waste of money as the gas isn’t that contaminated, what would you do ?

 

[gmartine]

Absolutely no harm adding a sulphidation filter at the meter so all appliances are protected, manufacturers are now getting a bit icky when having to replace the gas valve more than once within the warranty.

 

[Ricky]

There has been articles in the gas installer about black dust, Black dust is caused when hydrogen sulphide attacks metal. Hydrogen sulphide is present in natural gas, this metal sulphide occurs as copper sulphide - a black film present on copper piping.
So fitting at the meter won't cure the problem, it needs to be at the appliance if you do opt for one.
I like most installers have come across the problem but as an industry it's head in sands time as usual.

 

[ian.]

There has been articles in the gas installer about black dust, Black dust is caused when hydrogen sulphide attacks metal. Hydrogen sulphide is present in natural gas, this metal sulphide occurs as copper sulphide - a black film present on copper piping.
So fitting at the meter won't cure the problem, it needs to be at the appliance if you do opt for one.
I like most installers have come across the problem but as an industry it's head in sands time as usual.

I will get my installer to fit one for me now I’m more informed, anything I can do which helps the boiler must be a good thing, to be honest if it wasn’t for the passing comment I wouldn’t have known of the issue, maybe it’s not a big problem, but as a consumer I would have gone for the upsell if it was offered.

 

[Ricky]

I will get my installer to fit one for me now I’m more informed, anything I can do which helps the boiler must be a good thing, to be honest if it wasn’t for the passing comment I wouldn’t have known of the issue, maybe it’s not a big problem, but as a consumer I would have gone for the upsell if it was offered.

black dust | copper | hydrogen sulphide | heating | CIPHE|

Black dust is caused when hydrogen sulphide attacks metal, normally copper, in heating systems. Black dust can be a cause of big problems for gas appliances.

www.ciphe.org.uk

For the full version of an article

 

[gmartine]

@ Ricky

If the sulphidation filter is sited at the appliance how is the pipework before it protected?

 

[ian.]

I will get my installer to fit one for me now I’m more informed, anything I can do which helps the boiler must be a good thing, to be honest if it wasn’t for the passing comment I wouldn’t have known of the issue, maybe it’s not a big problem, but as a consumer I would have gone for the upsell if it was offered.

Quick update - Sulphidation filter now installed and spare 'O' rings purchased (Nitrile Rubber Type BS215) in advance of future maintenance, thanks for all you help with this.