Wood Bros. Air Compressor Llc

HAUPPAUGE, United States

Compressor Condensate
All air compressors create condensate. The quantity depends on ambient temperature, humidity and operating pressure. When atmospheric air is compressed to 100 PSIG, its volume is reduced 8 times; therefore its ability to suspend water vapor is reduced proportionally. Conversely, during the act of compression, the air temperature is raised which increases the air's moisture holding capacity and prevents condensation.
However, when the condensed air cools in the aftercooler, air receiver, piping, refrigeration dryer, etc. the dew point is reached and condensation occurs. In an ambient of 85F and 70% relative humidity, there are 130 grains of moisture per pound of dry air. In these conditions, a 1, 000 SCFM compressed air system, operating at 100 PSIG, with a refrigeration dryer installed, will discharge approximately 9.7 gallons of condensate per hour, or 84, 972 gallons per year.

The Motivair Solution
A correctly sized and installed Motivair Oil/Water Condensate Separator will separate compressor oil into a small, manageable container, reduce the residual oil content of the condensate to 10 PPM, and allow legal discharge of the condensate to the sewer.

Selecting the Correct Model
All selections should be made, based on the SCFM system capacity, type of compressor and oil. The SCFM capacities listed in the selection chart are based on maximum North American moisture conditions, with a refrigeration dryer installed. We do not recommend smaller sizes for lower temperature/humidity areas. Always assume a refrigeration dryer may be installed in the future. Use the selection chart conservatively. Do not exceed the recommended maximum capacity.
In marginal cases use the next larger model. No gravity separator will effectively separate emulsified oils, or polyglycol lubricants. Emulsification frequently takes place when the oil & consensate is violently mixed with compressed air in timer/solenoid, manual or disc-type traps. Replacing these traps with Motivair SCM20 or Mega-Drain zero-loss traps will reduce or eliminate emulsions created this way.
When polyglycol oily condensate creates a disposal problem, the simplest solution is to change to mineral or synthetic oil, which is easily separated in a Motivair OSW separator, without the expense & maintenance of boiler, membrane or flocculation separators. Consult your compressor lubricant supplier for the correct choice.