Condensate is an unavoidable result of air compression. It is a chemically aggressive fluid that mainly consists of water, but also contains oil and dirt particles.
Oil carryover is unavoidable if you have compressors that use oil in the compression chamber. The lubricant will mix with the condensation and create an oily water that must be properly handled to avoid violating environmental regulations.
Just one litre of used oil can contaminate up to one million litres of fresh water. This is the reason that environmental regulations strictly prohibit the discharge of oily wastes and chemicals, including the condensate drained from a compressed air system.
Compressed air condensate must therefore be treated in accordance with water resource legislation to achieve prescribed safety levels before it can be disposed of in the waste water system. Compressor condensate must therefore be either collected and treated by special processes or treated prior to disposal to the environment. An oil/water separator can be used here to remove the oil from the condensate. Since the condensate is approximately 95% water and 5% oil, water/oil separators have been developed to reduce or eliminate the amount of oil in the condensate.
Industrial Air Technologies
Specialising in air compressors and complete air treatment
IRELAND: +353 (0) 1 440 3956 - UK: +44 (0) 1908 227892
Air Compressors - In-Line Filters - Air Driers - Breathing Air - Condensate Management - Air Chillers - Coolers - Automotive Air
Reference Material
Filter Element Grades / Illustration
Selecting the correct filter grade for your application is critical for equipment protection as well as reducing pressure loss.
For advice on the best filter elements to select for your application please contact us now:
+353 (0) 1 440 3956 (Ireland)
+44 (0) 1908 227892 (UK)
Or email us your request to: info@iav.ie