I. Core Functions of Atlas Copco Screw Air Compressor Oil Separator
Oil-gas separation: The oil-gas mixture (containing oil at a concentration of 1000-2000 ppm) discharged by the screw compressor is separated to an extremely low level (high-quality separators can reduce it to below 3 ppm), ensuring the output of clean compressed air.
Oil return guarantee: The separated lubricating oil is sent back to the compressor main unit through the oil return pipe to prevent oil loss and maintain the lubrication system circulation.
Pressure stability: As a buffer component for the compressed air outlet, it reduces air flow pulsation and stabilizes the system pressure.
II. Structure Composition of Atlas Copco Screw Air Compressor Oil Separator
Separator housing
It is made of pressure-resistant steel and is usually in a vertical or horizontal cylindrical shape. It accommodates the separation components and needs to withstand the rated exhaust pressure of the compressor (generally 0.7-1.3 MPa) and high temperatures (80-100℃).
Separation components
Primary separation layer: Mostly in centrifugal or baffle structure, using the density difference and inertial force of oil and gas to separate most oil droplets (about 90%).
Fine separation layer: The core is a filter element made of fiberglass or polyester fibers, capturing micro-sized oil mist (0.1-1 μm) through interception, diffusion, and aggregation, which is the key to ensuring separation accuracy.
Auxiliary components
Oil return valve (check valve): Prevents the backflow of lubricating oil when the compressor stops.
Pressure differential switch: Monitors the pressure difference before and after the filter element, indicating the replacement time (generally, replacement is needed when the pressure difference reaches 0.15 MPa).
Safety valve: Releases pressure to protect the housing from bursting in case of overpressure.
Oil discharge valve: Used for regularly discharging the oil deposits at the bottom of the housing.
III. Separation Principle of Atlas Copco Screw Air Compressor Oil Separator
Primary separation: After the oil-gas mixture enters the separator, the flow direction is changed by the guide plate, and the centrifugal force causes the large oil droplets (>10 μm) to be thrown towards the inner wall of the housing, forming an oil film and flowing into the bottom oil chamber.
Fine separation: The air after primary separation (containing fine oil mist) passes through the fiber filter element, and the oil mist is adsorbed and condensed on the surface of the filter element, flowing along the inner wall of the filter element to the bottom, and returning to the compressor through the oil return pipe.
Oil return process: The separated lubricating oil is under the pressure difference, passing through the oil return valve, the throttling hole (to control the oil return volume) into the low-pressure chamber of the compressor, completing the circulation.
IV. Key Performance Indicators of Atlas Copco Screw Air Compressor Oil Separator
Separation efficiency: High-quality separators can achieve an efficiency of over 99.99%, with residual oil content ≤ 3 ppm.
Pressure loss: The pressure loss of the new filter element should be ≤ 0.02 MPa. Excessive pressure loss will increase energy consumption.
Service life: Usually 2000-4000 hours, affected by air quality, lubricating oil quality, and operating conditions.
