Oil-Water Separators: Environmental Compliance & Care
When air is compressed and cooled, moisture drops out of the air in the form of condensate. Because most compressors use oil for lubrication and cooling, this condensate becomes a contaminated emulsion.
In Australia, discharging untreated oily water into the sewage system or the ground is not only harmful to the environment—it’s a violation of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act that can result in heavy fines. Industrial Air Systems provides the ultimate solution for environmental compliance: The Oil-Water Separator.
The Science: How Separation Works
An oil-water separator is a multi-stage filtration system designed to reduce oil concentration in condensate to levels that meet (and often exceed) local water authority requirements.
- Pressure Relief: Condensate enters the unit under pressure. The separator allows the pressure to vent safely without splashing.
- Gravitational Separation: The mixture settles in a primary chamber where free-floating oil rises to the surface.
- Adsorption Filtration: The water then passes through a filter (usually oleophilic fibers) that traps the remaining oil while letting the water pass through.
- Activated Carbon Polishing: Finally, the water flows through an activated carbon bed to remove any trace odours and dissolved hydrocarbons.
Other Products
We specialise in Atlas Copco Oil-Water Separators—the industry leaders in reliable, condensate treatment.
- Universal Compatibility: Whether you run a single small screw compressor or a massive multi-unit plant, we can provide a solution to match your flow.
- No Standing Water: Unlike older gravity-based separators, the Atlas Copco OSC design prevents the growth of bacteria and foul odours, keeping your compressor room hygienic.
- Clean Service: The filter bags are designed for "mess-free" removal. No scooping out oily sludge by hand. Extreme Reliability: A "set-and-forget" solution that works as hard as your compressor.
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