FScurtis SEG-10, Operator'S Manual

Page: 22 / 44

CAP881
22
AIR/OIL FLOW
Air enters the compressor through the air filter and air inlet valve where it is mixed with oil. After
compression, the air/oil mixture is discharged into the oil receiver tank. The oil is removed as the air passes
through the Air/Oil Separator element. Oil collected at the bottom of the separator element is returned to the
inlet of the compressor through the scavenger line that is equipped with a sight glass for monitoring the flow
of oil to determine when separator replacement is necessary. The coalesced air then passes through the
minimum pressure valve set to maintain a minimum of 65 PSI in the oil separator to ensure a sufficient flow
of oil to the compressor. The compressed air is discharged to its point of use or enters the aftercooler on
SEG-10 & 15 models where it is then cooled and discharged to its point of use.
A sufficient amount of oil is stored in the Oil Receiver Tank and is forced by the pressure of compression
from the separator to the thermal by-pass valve, which regulates its flow into the oil cooler depending on the
temperature of the oil. The thermal valve will open when the oil reaches a predetermined temperature
allowing the hot oil to enter the cooler. Oil, which has not reached this temperature setting will by-pass the
cooler.
The oil is then filtered and sent to the compressor to initiate the compression cycle. The oil also serves as
lubrication for the compressor bearings.