
Centrifugal
separators remove entrained droplets of water and oil greater
than 10 microns in size with 99% efficiency. They have no internal
filters or components to clean or maintain and are simply a fully welded
pressure vessel with stainless steel internal baffle used to create a
powerful air vortex (centrifugal force) and torturous path which
droplets larger than 10 microns simply cannot navigate.
The
internal baffle is oriented at a right angle to the inlet nozzle and
thus the vessel must be sized to minimize pressure drop as well as
maximization of centrifugal force. The design of the stainless
steel element requires sufficient surface area to coalesce the liquid
load and enable drainage.
Dirt, water and oils within compressed air systems are a source of
corrosion and contamination. Air contains water vapor which condenses
into liquid droplets due to temperature and pressure changes in your
compressed air system. Trace amounts of oil, pipe scale
and other particulates from the local environment, air compressor,
receiver tanks and distribution plumbing contribute to coating the pipeline and equipment
in the system and it all coalesces to low points in your plumbing.
This coalesced liquid can be removed with float drain traps without any lose of
compressed air, however centrifugal separators are required for removing
the entrained droplets and slugs of water that accumulate in low areas
of piping where there are no drain traps installed.
AftercoolerCompressed air systems larger than 10HP often
include an aftercooler, which is a section of water cooled piping used
to reduce the specific volume of air to increase the efficiency of the
compressor. An aftercooler also condenses up to 2/3 of the liquid
within the air, thus a separator installed after the aftercooler stage
removes both condensate and oil carry-over from the compressor.
IntercoolerSimilar to an Aftercooler except
installed prior to the compressor or between compression stages to
improve air compressor efficiency and protect the compressor. The
removal of heat from the air results in the condensation of the water
vapor suspended within the air. Removing the condensate from the
system protects instrumentation and equipment downstream.
The most common style of air liquid
separator is in the shape of a "T", having an inlet and outlet 180°
apart and in-line with each other. The T style has a liquid
removal capacity up to 40% of its maximum flow capacity. When the expected
liquid load is heavier or upset conditions may send "slugs" of water
through your system, we can modify the
baffle design and length of the vessel body accordingly. We can
also accommodate non-horizontal flow paths, whether that means vertical
or some combination of horizontal and vertical nozzle orientation.
The standard
material of construction for compressed air systems is carbon steel or
304L SS, although we can fabricate in 316L SS and a variety of other
alloys as needed. Compressor systems having 3/4" to 4" pipelines
may be compatible with our cast iron type T separators, significantly
less expensive and more readily available tan our custom fabricated
separators.