Compressed air is an essential power source that is widely used througout industry.  This safe, powerful and reliable utility can be the most important part of your production process.  However, compressed air will contain water, dirt, wear particles, bacteria and even degraded lubricating oil which all mix together to form an unwanted abrasive sludge known as condensate. (Please note that the same amount of water and dirt is generated whether a lubricated or non-lubricated compressor is used).

Condensate is often acidic, rapidly wears tools and pneumatic machinery, blocking valves and orificies causing high maintenance and costly air leaks or can bring your production process to an extremely expensive standstill.  Only compressed air that is totally clean and dry will ensure maximum savings. 

In most installations the receiver is where most condensed liquid is found.  Therefore, the receiver needs to be fitted with a Condensate Drain (preferrably automatic) to remove the condensate and carry-over solids such as dust, scale, carbon etc.  Condensate can also be removed throughout the distribution pipework with the use of Drip Leg Drains, both automatic and manual.

A quality compressed air system requires Filtration to create the different air quality levels required by different applications.  Air filters can be located throughout the system and the number and type of filters will vary according the quality of air required.

For all industrial users of compressed air, the responsible disposal of oil contaminated condensate is now closely controlled by legislation, with heavy penalties for non-compliance. This rigidly enforced legislation exists to protect the environment against contamination.

The presence of oil/water condensate in compressed air systems must not be underestimated.  For example, one litre of oil can cover 3,500sq metres of water surface and a typical 1,000cfm compressed air system can produce 350,000 litres of oil-contaminated condensate every year.

Oil/Water Separators are self contained units designed to be installed as part of the compressed air system and effectively reduce the oil concentration to permitted levels.  This allows the larger volume, up to 99.9% of the total condensate to be safely discharged, leaving only a small amount of oil to be disposed of legitimately and economically.