What the separator does
Oil injected into the airend for cooling and sealing leaves with the compressed air. The separator vessel and element remove most of it so that the air downstream is cleaner and the oil is kept in the machine. Performance depends on the vessel, the element, the scavenge return line and the operating condition.
Diagnose before replacing
Oil carryover or a high differential pressure can come from several causes:
- A worn or blocked element
- A blocked or faulty scavenge line or return orifice
- Overfilling the oil or the wrong lubricant
- Operating at low load, low temperature or high temperature outside the intended range
- A damaged vessel seal or internal fault
Identify the element
To identify it:
- Compressor make, model and serial number from the nameplate
- The existing part number and any superseded number
- Photographs of the nameplate and of the installed part
- Operating hours and the fault or service interval that triggered the enquiry
What to measure
Check the differential pressure across the separator and the amount of oil downstream using the machine's own data and the manufacturer's limits for that model. There is no universal limit that applies to every machine, so we compare against your machine's documented figures.
Before you order
Check that the element and the vessel are matched and that the scavenge arrangement is in order, so the new element is not damaged by the same fault.
Ask for the supply status of the item: whether it is genuine, OEM-approved or an alternative, and whether it is in stock or must be sourced.
Check the lead-time basis and the warranty terms that apply.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a separator element last?
It varies with the machine, the oil, the operating temperature and the cleanliness of the intake air and oil. Follow the maintenance schedule and monitor differential pressure.
Is oil in my air line always the separator?
Not always. The scavenge line, the oil level and the operating conditions can also cause carryover. We check these before recommending an element.
Can I use a cheaper separator element?
Only if it is verified to match the specification for your machine. A poor element can increase oil carryover and pressure drop and may fail early.