MNL-0096
April 17, 2013
Page 24
4.3
Component Description
4.3.1
Oil and Water Separator
The air leaving the compressors’ final stage is cooled in the aftercooler to approximately 18 - 27 °F
(10-15 °C) above ambient temperature and then enters the oil and water separator. The oil and water sep-
arator works by means of a sintered metal filter which separates liquid oil and water particles from the
compressed air. This oil and water mixture is then drained, either automatically by a Automatic Conden-
sate Drain System or manually by the Condensate Drain Valve.
Figure 4-2
Oil and Water Separator
^
WARNING
The rapid depressurizing and repressurizing of the oil and water separator during condensate draining
subjects it to metallurgical stresses. To prevent catastrophic failure with the possibility of damage,
injury or death the oil and water separator (P/N 079416) must be replaced after a predetermined number
of cycles. One load cycle equals one pressurization plus one depressurization.
Units operating between 3,000 and 5,000 psi = 130,000 load cycles (32,500 hours of operation)
Units operating between 5,000 and 6,000 psi = 55,000 load cycles (13,750 hours of operation
The Bauer recommended frequency of condensate draining is every fifteen minutes and is a balance
between maximizing the life of the separator chamber and maintaining the quality of the delivered air.