New separators for oil/water
January 1st 2005

Efficient and energy saving draining and processing of condensate should be part of every compressed air station. As condensate volumes of more than 10m3 are quite normal, effective condensate management depends largely on modern technology.

Following the success of its new condensate drain, Donaldson has introduced the Ultrasep Superplus N range of oil/water separators.

User-friendliness was taken into consideration and the outlet filter from which the air escapes from the discharge chamber can now be changed from the outside without having to open or remove the lid; removing the brushed stainless steel cover plate is sufficient.

The settings of the overflow were also key considerations. The efficient separation of oil swimming on the surface can now take place without getting the fingers dirty. The level of the drain tray is adjusted by a revolving stepped pulley.

Service friendliness too has been improved. The tray in which the coalescing filter is found, has a plastic handle and can therefore be easily removed. Multistage adsorption with pre-filter material and a high efficiency activated carbon stage then takes place. The shape of the chambers in which the two filters are found have been optimised to enable and exchange within seconds and with little effort.

The company says that the possibilities for various connections have been optimised: for the condensate supply and the water drainage, various different connection sizes are offered, aligned to the performance of the cross-sections. This ensures that the oil/water separator can be exactly adapted to the customer’s requirements.

With the test set that can be found underneath the lid of the Ultrasep Superplus N, the purity of the waste water can be tested in a short time to determine whether it conforms to the stipulated norms.

In the event of a malfunction, a floater indicates to the operator that action should be taken.

Units have been type-tested, so the customer does not have to go through extensive single acceptance tests. Various sizes are available, ranging from 10 to 240L/h and the units are said to be suitable for the processing of oil/water mixtures that are found in the majority of compressed air plants.

Donaldson also provides the Ultra aqua Autoclean UFA-AC range for the processing of stable condensate emulsions.

Maintenance of condensate processing equipment can be included as part of a fixed cost service option. For those customers who wish to perform the task themselves, Donaldson can provide service kits.

More articles from Donaldson Filtration (GB) Ltd: