De-aerator apparatus

A de-aerator apparatus for removing gas from fluid flowing through a pipe, the de-aerator apparatus comprising:

• a housing having a chamber, an inlet connected to an inlet pipe for allowing the passage of fluid into the chamber, an outlet connected to an outlet pipe for discharging fluid from the chamber, and a vent for venting gas from the top of the chamber, the arrangement being such that as fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet and out of the chamber through the outlet, relatively large gas pockets present in the fluid in the chamber rise to the surface of the fluid and exit the chamber through the vent;
• and
• a device positioned within the chamber, said device having bristles facing the flow of fluid into the chamber through the inlet, the bristles vibrating for merging micro gas pockets present in the fluid with other micro gas pockets for forming large gas pockets which rise to the surface of the fluid within the chamber and exit the chamber through the vent.