Atlas Copco Air Compressor Oil Separation Filter
1. Core Function and Working Principle
Oil-gas separation
During the operation of the air compressor, lubricating oil and compressed air mix to form an oil-gas mixture. The oil separation core uses multiple layers of filtering materials (such as glass fibers, synthetic fibers, etc.) for interception, collision, and aggregation to separate the lubricating oil from the compressed air.
The separated clean air enters the post-treatment system or is directly supplied to the users;
The separated lubricating oil flows back to the compressor main unit through the return oil pipe and is recycled.
Ensuring system efficiency
The efficient oil separation effect can reduce lubricating oil loss (lower fuel consumption), and at the same time avoid excessive oil content in the compressed air from polluting downstream equipment (such as pneumatic components, pipelines, etc.).
2. Key Performance Indicators
Separation Efficiency: The separation efficiency of high-quality oil separation cores can reach over 99.99%, ensuring that the exhaust oil content is lower than 3 ppm (for some high-precision models, it can be as low as 0.1 ppm).
Pressure Difference Value: Under normal operation, the pressure difference value is small (usually ≤ 0.2 bar). If the pressure difference is too large (such as exceeding 0.8 bar), it will increase energy consumption and require timely replacement.
Service Life: Affected by working conditions, air quality, and maintenance cycle, it is generally 4000-8000 hours (specifically as per the equipment manual).
3. Common Faults and Their Effects
Blockage or Damage
Filter material blockage: Leads to a decrease in oil-gas separation effect, excessive exhaust oil content, and a sharp increase in fuel consumption; at the same time, the pressure difference value increases, and energy consumption rises.
Filter material damage: The lubricating oil is directly discharged with the compressed air, causing severe oil leakage and even leading to the compressor wearing out due to lack of oil.
Poor Sealing
Poor sealing between the oil separation core and the housing allows unfiltered oil-gas mixtures to be directly discharged, causing excessive oil content in the compressed air.
4. Replacement and Maintenance Tips
Regular Replacement
Replace according to the equipment manual cycle (such as every 6000 hours or once a year, whichever comes first). Also, check if there are impurities or rust on the oil separation core housing.
Model Matching
Different series of air compressors (such as GA, ZR, GHS, etc.) require corresponding models of oil separation cores. When replacing, provide the specific model of the air compressor to ensure size and performance compatibility.
Installation Precautions
Clean the oil separation core housing before installation to avoid contamination by impurities;
Ensure the sealing gasket is intact, apply even force when tightening, and prevent air leakage.
Daily Inspection
Regularly observe the pressure difference gauge of the oil separation core. If the pressure difference value increases abnormally, check and replace it in advance; also, pay attention to the changes in the fuel consumption of the air compressor. If it suddenly increases, it may be a signal of failure of the oil separation core.
