Compressor equipment comes in different types. Some supply clean air, while others supply polluted air. This classification divides equipment by type of oil supply. It is generally accepted that units operating without oil filling are capable of providing a minimum level of purified flow.
This is not a flaw or design flaw. A compressor of this type has found its wide application in various work processes that do not require high-quality preliminary preparation of the air mass. Models without an oil tank are equipped with a filtration system. To do this, use a compress moisture separator , which helps separate the oil components and the incoming air flow.
Device Description
By dehumidifier we mean a high quality filtration agent. It ensures optimal operating characteristics of the equipment, and also cleans the composition of the air environment that is released by the pneumatic system. Modern compressor models are often supplemented with a panel or oil filter, which thoroughly prepares the working mixture.
This is an important filtration stage for a pneumatic system that maintains oversized tools. Standard models of compressor dehumidifiers are more often used in automotive workshops, as well as on production lines where workers perform a large volume of paint and varnish operations.
As a result of thorough cleaning and reprocessing, the pneumatic system releases air that is free of moisture particles. Due to their properties, moisture separators are used for the proper operation and operation of sandblasting construction equipment.
Principle of operation
The dehumidifier begins to process the compressed air before supplying it to the pneumatic equipment. It is important to remember that spray guns cannot be used without this device, so that it does not fail prematurely, as well as to ensure high quality paint application to the surface. During the filtration process, the jet goes through a cleaning stage , so fine liquid particles, as well as small solid elements, are removed from the air.
Depending on the type and design of the device, the operating principle of the dehumidifier may vary slightly. Today, among a large and varied selection, the following options are presented:
- vortex;
- silica gel;
- cyclonic.
The most commonly used are vortex and cyclone dehumidifier devices for compressor equipment. The device helps to effectively retain water particles thanks to the artificially created turbulence of the air flow.
The liquid settles on the surface of the walls, so clean compressed air enters the pneumatic system. To ensure maximum efficiency of the dehumidifier, the internal space is supplemented with blades. When they are set in motion, they carefully collect water and oil particles. They are discharged into a special condensate drain. Liquid fractions are retained and blocked using membranes.
Where is a compressor air dryer used?
A dryer is an essential part for compressors, which are a component mechanism of a pneumatic tool complex. It is extremely important that such devices are supplied with ideally clean air free of dust and fine particles.
On large-sized devices, an indication and mode adjustment unit is installed
Using the claimed design, it is possible to remove excess moisture particles that are formed by condensation of water vapor. Droplets of liquid appear on the receiver, as well as inside the air system. This phenomenon occurs when air is compressed too intensely. In addition, compressed air may also contain oil particles. Their appearance is associated with the use of piston compressors, which use a fatty consistency for lubrication.
It is not allowed to use devices with a built-in dehumidifier near heating devices.
Without installing a drying mechanism with an air system, some problems may arise. Therefore, such mechanisms are established for the following purposes:
- preventing pressure drop in the system;
- prevention of rust;
- removal of harmful microorganisms;
- preventing failure of pneumatic substations.
In addition, dehumidifiers are used to regularly clean heating systems in boiler rooms.
In cold dryers, all condensate is removed by freezing
Specifications
The size of the fraction affects the quality of air mass purification. Devices for industrial use are used for fine water treatment. They cut off small particles, the size of which is about 5 microns. Most often, standard models of moisture separators are equipped with filters , the fraction of which is about 15 microns.
When choosing, special attention should be paid to the level of pressure maintained. In most cases, the mid-compressor filter operates at 7 bar. This parameter does not affect the quality of the final work. But users should consider the filter matching plan to the compressors. It is necessary to compare the level of power and load that arise during the circulation of compressed air under pressure within the system.
Types of dehumidifiers
There are several types of dehumidifiers that are used for domestic and industrial purposes. Before purchasing, you need to identify the tasks and compare them with the technical characteristics in order to select the optimal type of dehumidifier. Among the large and varied selection you can find:
- vortex filters;
- modular systems for compressed air purification;
- moisture-oil separator for compressor.
The peculiarity of the latter type of device is its effective removal of water, solids and oil. They are installed on oil compressors, which can intensively process parts using a lubricant. Large manufacturing enterprises with a large volume of work often use modular filtration systems.
In this design, the dehumidifier is a functional and important component, but it does not serve as an independent working filter.
The modular system is controlled by a controller, which issues various commands not only to the filter, but also to other nodes in the unit.
Criterias of choice
Depending on the application, the cleaning requirements also change. If you need to paint the surface using a pneumatic gun, but you need to pay attention to the small filter capacity. It is better to give preference to fine cleaning.
There may be minimum filtration quality requirements during the manufacturing process. But in this case, special attention is paid to production volumes. Experts recommend looking at the list of foreign particles that the filter collects. The optimal solution is a moisture-oil separator for a compressor, which processes water and oil particles from an air stream.
If your work requires a filter to collect excess moisture, then you can also purchase dehumidifiers. But they do not guarantee high-quality removal of various fractions, particles and foreign bodies.
Water-oil separator - definition and purpose
In order for a pneumatic tool to work efficiently and remain in good condition for a long time, the air supplied to it must be clean. The air filter located at the entrance to the device protects from dust and other mechanical contaminants. But it is also important to prevent oil and moisture from getting inside the device.
Important! Moisture is contained in the air that enters the compressor from the atmosphere, and its content can be very significant. In addition to it, oil enters the air flow, which is used to lubricate the parts of an air piston or other type of oil compressor.
When moisture and oil get inside the pneumatic tool and mix, they can cause significant damage to the device and also reduce its operating efficiency. To clean the air flow from these impurities, you need a special device. For this purpose, a moisture-oil separator has been created and used.
DIY making
A homemade dehumidifier consists of an old or used propane tank, fitting and pipes. The blank for the body is installed in a vertical position. A fitting for air inlet must be welded to the top part. Experts recommend moving it closer to the edges of the cylinder. Next, you need to make an inlet pipe for which you can use a pipe.
To remove moisture, make a hole equipped with a valve. It should be located at the bottom of the structure. At this stage, during the manufacture of the moisture separator, it is necessary to think through, perform calculations and make the filler. Wood shavings are used as a sorbent material, which can be filled into the inner niche of the cylinder. It is important to remember not to pack the container tightly. Air must circulate freely inside the system.
Adsorption type moisture separators
To make such a moisture separator with your own hands for use in compressors, you need to use oil and water filters from a car. There is no need to change the original arrangement of the housing, fittings and drainage device for collecting condensate.
The filter inlet needs to be changed. To do this, install a tube made of durable steel. To ensure stable operation of the device, it is best to use the built-in filter. The second hole is tightly closed with a screw plug. To make it stick better, it needs to be placed on a sealant.
There is an annular space between the inner wall of the housing and the outer diameter of the filter. It must be filled with adsorbent. A person who makes a dehumidifier on his own must remember that moisture absorption must occur gradually. Rubber O-rings are used for this purpose.
They can be used to divide the internal space of the case into three zones. If the dehumidifier will be used infrequently, the internal space and annular gap can be filled with silicate gel. After this, you can assemble the device and process the connecting elements. If you follow these rules, you can make a dehumidifier for a compressor with your own hands at minimal cost.
To calculate the required amount of silicate gel, you must use the following formula: take 1 kg of adsorbent for 830 l/min of compressed air. Silicate gel is a regenerable substance. To restore its original properties, you need to place the substance in the oven for 2-3 hours. Experts recommend using silicate gel, which has a color indicator. When the pores are filled with moisture, the color will change and you can dry it.
Installation Requirements
When operating a dehumidifier, several basic rules and requirements must be taken into account:
- The device can be installed strictly in a vertical position and securely fixed inside the case.
- During connection, you need to check the direction of air movement.
- If you buy a ready-made design, the direction is indicated on the body in the form of arrows.
If these rules are followed, the dehumidifier will function correctly and provide high quality.
Cyclonic oil separators
Operating principle. When entering the oil separator, refrigerant vapors with oil droplets enter the spiral part of the device. The flow moves in a spiral and, due to centrifugal force, oil droplets are deposited on the inner surface of the walls of the oil separator. The oil flows down the walls into the lower part of the apparatus, separated from the main part by a special oil separator, which prevents re-absorption of oil. At the bottom of the oil separator is a float mechanism with a needle valve that returns oil back to the compressor.
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The oil separator and sump design prevents oil from escaping when the refrigeration compressor starts.
To separate oil from refrigerant, various types of oil separators , the efficiency of which depends on the conditions of their use. For example, the degree of oil separation in devices increases with decreasing temperature of the steam entering the oil separator. Oil separators with a filter attachment provide a greater degree of separation with a smaller proportion of oil in the refrigerant vapor entering the device. Bubble oil separators operate with a nominal separation degree if the height of the bubble layer in the apparatus is at least 0.12 m, and the separated oil is continuously removed from the apparatus.
Painting work in a garage or outdoors is simplified if you use a spray gun powered by a compressor. The method has one significant drawback: the air pumped by the compressor has quite high humidity, which will negatively affect the quality of painting. A special moisture separator for the compressor is responsible for removing moisture from the air flow. Is it worth buying it or can you make it yourself? Let's figure it out!
Advantages of cyclone type filters
Water separators greatly simplify the operation of an air gun and compressor. They ensure stable operation of the equipment. The following advantages of cyclone type filters can be highlighted:
- simple design;
- reasonable cost;
- maximum efficiency;
- retention of large condensate particles;
- simple maintenance;
- regeneration and complete restoration of original properties;
- providing preliminary rough cleaning.
Dehumidifiers for compressors and air guns are an effective tool, without which it is impossible to imagine the operation of this equipment. They qualitatively prepare compressed air for further use. Filters separate primary moisture, oil particles, as well as contaminants of various fractions and other solid particles. Any pneumatic network must be equipped with a moisture separator that will clean the air for further use.
