A magnetic separator

A separator device comprises a housing 10 having an inlet 18 and an outlet 20, a magnetic element 22 located within the housing to collect and separate ferrous particles from a flow of fluid through the housing, and wherein the housing is provided with an air outlet device 14a. The housing may be formed of a body 12 and a removable lid 14 that carries a bolt 24 which secures the magnet within the housing. Preferably the air outlet device is a moveable screw threaded component which allows air to escape from the housing and additionally allows the introduction of fluids into the device. Preferably the magnetic element is a hollow tubular member (26, Fig 4) in which a number of evenly spaced magnets (28, Fig 4) are located excluding the end portions. The magnets (28, Fig 4) may be cylindrical, rare earth magnets with opposite poles on their circular faces, alternately arranged with pole extension members (30, Fig 4). In use, as fluid flows past the magnetic element, certain particles carried by the fluid are attracted to the element and separate out from the remaining fluid. Advantageously, the separator may be used in a heating system, located within the pipework, water heater or boiler.