MANN+HUMMEL Air/oil separators ‘The use of compressed air is now an integral feature of every industrial firm. Compressors and vacuum Pumps are used in the ‘construction industry, mechanical engineering ‘and in highly sensitive sectors such as the food- stuffs, pharmaceuticals and electrical engineering industries. Air/oil separa- tors are important quality ‘components in the com- pressed air processing ‘chain, Working principle Airfoil separators work according 10 he ,principle ot coalescence”. Micro-glass- fibre layers separate drops of oil rom the compressed ir and return them in large ‘drops to the oil circuit of the ‘compressor. The separation process is effective right ‘dew to the suhmiezon rang ‘This ensures that oll con- sumption in the compressors ‘and cil entrainment into the ‘compressed air networks are kept to a minimum. Oil ‘vapour is not separates. Airfoil separators can be used with all types of atan dard compressor lubricating oils, inespective of whether they are mineral-based, syn- thetic or partially synthetic products, (0 separation according o the “principle of coalescence” ‘Separation of oil drops Depending on the size of the drops, various physical ‘separation effects result in the fine drops being adsorbed by the micro-glass fibres, ‘Tho number of fibres, fibre diameter and flow velocity hhave a major impact on separation efficiency. If the design is modified, interac tion between inertia, capilla- ries and diffusion effects is optimised. The fine oil dro- plets are pressed through the separation medium and as they pass through they ‘come together to form larger ‘drops. Under the efect of gravity these droplets sink ar Zier aterainves) => tw injecion SSD oitro0 compressed ale Instaiation of Standars Wrap tlement in pressure reservor