Atlas Copco Core Functions and Working Principles
Fine Oil Removal
This is achieved through a coalescence filtration technology. Multiple layers of special materials (usually hydrophobic glass fibers or composite materials) are used. The surface tension and Brownian motion of oil droplets cause tiny oil mist particles to collide and coalesce within the filter, eventually settling to the bottom of the filter by gravity and being discharged through the drain valve.
Work Flow
After the oily compressed air enters the filter, it first passes through the pre-treatment layer to intercept larger particles and droplets, then passes through the coalescence layer to cause the tiny oil mist to coalesce, and finally passes through the separation layer to ensure the output of clean air. The oil content of the treated compressed air can be as low as 0.01 ppm or less, far exceeding the treatment effect of conventional oil separators.
Main Features and Application Scenarios
High Precision Filtration
The filtration accuracy is typically 0.01 - 0.1 microns, effectively removing liquid oil, oil vapor, and some moisture from the compressed air, providing high-quality air source for downstream equipment. Applicable scenarios
For industries with extremely high requirements for compressed air cleanliness: such as food processing (to avoid oil contamination of products), pharmaceuticals (in compliance with GMP standards), and electronic component manufacturing (to prevent oil contamination from damaging precision components), etc.
As a pre-treatment device for adsorption dryers, it reduces the contamination of oil vapor on the desiccant, prolonging the service life of the dryer.
Design Advantages
The original factory filters usually adopt a modular design, making installation and maintenance convenient, and the filter element replacement cycle is clear (generally 4,000-8,000 hours, depending on the oil content in the intake air and the processing air volume).
Some models are equipped with a differential pressure indicator, which can directly monitor the blocked state of the filter element and remind of timely replacement.
Maintenance and Precautions
Regular filter element replacement
Blockage of the filter element will lead to an increase in pressure loss (it is generally recommended to replace when the differential pressure exceeds 0.2-0.3 bar), affecting the energy efficiency of the system. When replacing, pay attention to:
Perform the operation after stopping the machine and releasing the pressure to avoid safety risks caused by residual compressed air.
Clean the filter housing before installing a new filter element to ensure the integrity of the sealing gasket and prevent bypass of unfiltered gas.
Discharge maintenance
Regularly discharge the accumulated oil at the bottom of the filter (manual discharge or equipped with an automatic discharge valve) to avoid excessive liquid accumulation being carried away by the airflow, affecting the filtering effect.
Pre-filtration protection
It is necessary to ensure that the upstream oil separator is working properly, reducing the initial oil content entering the coalescence filter, avoiding premature blockage of the filter element and extending its service life.
Original factory accessory advantages
The filter element and housing of Atlas Copco's original factory oil coalescing filter have a high design matching degree, stable coalescing efficiency, and non-original filter elements may have a decrease in oil removal effect due to material or process differences, affecting the quality of the air source.
