Where are air separators installed in the piping system?

Air separators are typically installed on the supply side of a hydronic piping system. Their primary function is to remove entrained air from the water circulating in the system. When the system is filled, air can become trapped, forming bubbles that can lead to inefficient operation, reduced heat transfer, and potential corrosion.

By placing air separators on the supply side, they can effectively capture and vent the air that accumulates during operation before it reaches the heat exchangers or other components that rely on consistent water flow and pressure. This positioning ensures that the system runs more efficiently and helps maintain optimal performance.

The other choices represent areas within the system where air separators are not ideal. For example, the return side is where water returns to the boiler or heat source, and air at this point may impact system performance but is not where air separators are primarily located. Drain side typically involves water removal and does not relate directly to air separation. Service side could be interpreted in various ways but does not specifically pertain to air removal functionality as intended in hydronic systems.