Condensate Separators

Since water moisture is a part of atmospheric air, condensate in compressed air systems can’t be avoided. During the compression process, the air is heated. It cools down as it passes through hoses, valves, and piping. As it nears the ambient temperature (approach), the vapor condenses to liquid and can be removed by mechanical separation.

As the air cools further, more condensate is present. Water moisture is not the only undesirable substance. There are also other pollutants in compressed air: lubricating oil carried over from oil-lubricated air compressors, atmospheric corrosive gases inhaled by the air compressor, aerosols and vapors, solid particles, and rust from pipe system and pressure vessels, and solid particles drawn in by the air compressor.

It is very important to remove most of the impurities from compressed air. Cyclone condensate separators use centrifugal motion to force condensate out of compressed air. The spinning causes the condensate to join together on the walls of the centrifugal separator. Condensate is removed from the system by the condensate drain.