1. Function and Working Principle
Automatic liquid level control: In the condensate collection area of the oil-gas separator or gas storage tank, the spherical float valve, through the movement of the float with the change of liquid level, drives the valve core to open and close, automatically controlling the discharge or replenishment of the medium (such as condensate, lubricating oil).
Anti-reflux and sealing: The spherical structure combined with the sealing seat can quickly cut off or connect the flow path, preventing the backflow of the medium, and at the same time ensuring the sealing performance in the closed state, avoiding the leakage of compressed air.
Protective function: In the oil-gas separation tank, it can prevent the compressor from running without oil due to low oil level, or the problem of compressed air carrying oil due to high oil level.
2. Structure and Material Characteristics
Core Components: Composed of a float (hollow sphere), connecting rod, valve core (sphere), valve seat and valve body, achieving automatic control through mechanical linkage.
Material Selection:
The float and valve body mostly use corrosion-resistant materials, such as brass, stainless steel (304 or 316), suitable for the possible presence of trace oil mist, moisture and impurities in the compressed air.
Sealing Parts: Usually made of nitrile rubber or fluororubber, ensuring the sealing performance and durability under high temperature (80-120℃) and pressure conditions.
Adaptation Pressure: Depending on the compressor model, it can withstand a working pressure of 0.6-1.6MPa, meeting the working conditions of various industrial compressors.
3. Common Application Scenarios
Drainage of oil-gas separator: Automatically drain the condensate at the bottom of the separator, while preventing the leakage of compressed air or lubricating oil.
Oil tank liquid level control: In the lubricating oil replenishment system, control the oil tank liquid level within a reasonable range to avoid overflow or lack of oil.
Drainage of gas storage tank: Used to automatically discharge the accumulated condensate at the bottom of the gas storage tank, reducing the impact of moisture on the quality of compressed air.
Commonly used in GA, GX series screw air compressors and some fixed compressors' auxiliary systems.
4. Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Common Faults and Inspection:
Stuck: Due to the accumulation of impurities and scale, the float or valve core becomes stuck, manifested as poor drainage or continuous leakage, requiring regular disassembly and cleaning.
Sealing Failure: Aging or wear of the sealing parts leads to leakage, requiring replacement of the sealing parts.
Float Damage: The float cracks and gets waterlogged, losing buoyancy, causing the valve to fail to operate normally, requiring overall replacement.
Replacement Precautions:
Prioritize the use of Atlas Copco original spherical float valves to ensure the interface size (such as thread specification, diameter) and working conditions parameters match with the equipment.
Before installation, clean the connecting pipeline to remove impurities; pay attention to the flow direction indication (some models have directional requirements), avoiding installation in the wrong direction.
After replacement, test the liquid level control effect to ensure accurate opening and closing within the normal liquid level range.
Regular Maintenance: It is recommended to inspect once every 6-12 months, clean the components and replace aged sealing parts, especially in high-humidity environments, the maintenance cycle should be shortened.
