Moisture Separators for Compressors

Filters and moisture separators for compressors are a class of devices capable of purifying a large volume of compressed air driven by an industrial compressor (from thousands to hundreds of thousands of cubic meters per minute). Since such pneumatic devices are installed on the main line of the air duct, they are also referred to as main air line filters for compressed air.

At "Specialist", you can purchase air purification equipment for compressors in three types:

1. Moisture separators for compressors (also known as vortex separators) intended to remove primarily water condensate from the air as well as oil particles and other contaminants;
2. Mechanical filters for coarse and fine purification that allow air to pass through a filtration element which retains solid particles;
3. Carbon filters for compressors that absorb the smallest remnants of water and oil.

Moisture Separators for Compressors (Separators)

Since atmospheric air contains moisture, it is necessary to separate the moisture after compression in a compressor. The most effective way to eliminate a significant amount of water is to cool it to condensation temperature in a refrigerated dryer and pass it through a moisture separator.

The internal shape of the vortex separator for compressed air forces the flow to move in a circle at high speed, pushing droplets to the walls, similar to what occurs in a centrifuge. All condensate flows down to the moisture separator and accumulates there, so it should be drained regularly or automated using special float condensate drain valves (traps).

Main Line Filters for Compressed Air

These pneumatic filters differ from air preparation units by their volume and more complex multi-layer filter cartridge. Since an air receiver tank made of black metal is often installed after the compressor, it and the pipelines corrode and may become a source of rust into the pneumatic systems. Air filters after the compressor retain these and other solid particles and have a layer to reduce the content of compressor oil.

Carbon Filters After the Compressor (Oil Separators)

The carbon filter for the compressor is the most effective oil separator, as after activated carbon adsorption, there are almost no oil traces left in the compressed air. This filter is used only when increased air purity is required.

Using Compressor Filters-Moisture Separators

Where to Install a Moisture Separator for a Compressor?

Moisture separators should be placed on the main pipeline section after the receiver and air cooler (dryer), as condensation occurs in compressed air when the temperature drops.

How Does a Compressor Moisture Separator Work?

In the moisture separator, centrifugal force is used, similar to how it works in centrifuges—the internal elements of the filter force the air stream to move rapidly in a circle, causing micro-droplets of liquid to be pushed to the filter walls and flow down to the condensate collection area. Water is periodically drained manually or automatically.

How to Choose a Moisture Separator for a Compressor?

Several parameters should be considered:

• The device must withstand the maximum operating pressure
• The filter throughput must be more than l/min or cubic meters than the total consumption of pneumatic tools and devices (usually, the compressor is already selected based on the same parameters, so the filter expense characteristic can be chosen based on it);
• In high humidity air or continuous operation of compressor equipment, it is preferable to choose moisture separators with automatic condensate drain.