They are different products for different purposes and you can t really compare efficiency between the two.
Central heating air separator piping diagram.
They do have a reputation for blocking up with.
Excessively high flow rates will impede these functions.
One pipe systems were originally fitted and add ons to coal fires with back boilers.
There are a few systems like this remaining in use but generally they are approaching 50 years of age or fitted by a diy installer with a very old book of how to fit central heating.
An air separator is an in line device that removes entrained air microbubbles that is moving with the flow of the fluid.
A new separator is about 20 so it might be worth installing a new one.
Dirt separators if cleaned regularly have low pressure loss characteristics important for reducing energy demands and ongoing running costs.
Integrated piping systems zheating cooling fire protection condenser water trade.
These air pockets can actually restrict or block flow in a hydronic piping system.
Insure that piping between the air separator and the plain steel expansion tank is pitched at least 3 degrees to facilitate the migration of captured air.
This is a diagram of the obsolete one pipe pumped system.
The design of the air separator means that is has to be on its side with the side vent pipe at the top to work properly.
Excessive air within a system can cause excessive noise reduce the accuracy of control valves and the performance of heating and cooling equipment therefore removal is important.
Piping air dirt separator expansion tank secondary pumps p b 1 p b 2.
Hydraulic separators must be properly sized to provide proper hydraulic air and dirt separation.
As 1 et 1 p 1 p 2 fcu cooling primary pumps secondary pumps secondary pumps primary pumps air dirt separators.
So it is quite likely that the way it is currently installed is contributing to the pumping over.