The structure and working principle of the oil-water separator for Atlas Copco G series air compressors
Structural composition: It usually consists of a separation cylinder, filter element (or separation component), discharge valve, pressure gauge, etc. The separation cylinder is a pressure-bearing container, and it is equipped with baffles, filters or centrifugal separation structure inside.
Separation principle: It utilizes multiple effects such as gravity sedimentation, centrifugal separation, and filtration interception. When the compressed air containing oil mist and moisture enters the separator, larger oil droplets and water droplets will settle under the influence of gravity, while fine oil mist is adsorbed and condensed by the filter element. Eventually, the oil liquid gathers at the bottom of the cylinder and is discharged through an automatic or manual discharge valve (for some models, the separated lubricating oil can be returned to the oil tank).
Adaptation characteristics and parameters
Applicable models: Specifically designed for G series air compressors (such as G11-G160 and other models), the processing flow matches the exhaust volume of the corresponding models (usually 1.2-30 m³/min), and the working pressure is adapted to the conventional operating pressure of the G series (7-13 bar).
Separation efficiency: High-quality oil-water separators can achieve a separation efficiency of over 99% for oil particles, ensuring that the oil content in the outlet compressed air is controlled below 5 ppm (for some high-precision models, it can be as low as 0.5 ppm), meeting the requirements of general industrial gas usage.
Interface dimensions: Matched with the exhaust pipeline of the air compressor. Commonly, it is in the form of flange or thread connection (such as DN20-DN80). The specific dimensions vary with the exhaust volume of the random model.
Maintenance and replacement points
Regular drainage: Ensure that the automatic drainage valve works properly and promptly discharge the separated water to avoid excessive accumulation affecting the separation effect (manual drainage is recommended at least once a day). Replace the filter element: The separation filter element is a core component. It is recommended to replace it every 2000-4000 hours (specifically depending on environmental humidity and oil content). If there is excessive pressure difference at the inlet and outlet (usually over 0.5 bar) or oil-water contamination at the downstream gas usage point, check and replace immediately.
Cylinder cleaning: During filter element replacement, you can also clean the internal part of the separation cylinder to remove oil stains and accumulated impurities, ensuring a clear separation space.
