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Oil drips in compressed air line

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jakaodrz

Industrial
Jun 1, 2005
25
These days I noticed that there are small amounts of oil drips in our main compressed air line.
As a newbie in my factory, I asked when it started to show up I got a answer that this is happening for almost 2-3 years from now.
Our facility needs clean air, with no oil adds in it. It consist of 2 compressors CompAir (the main is Compair Demag 086-Rallye and the backup is Compair Demag 026-start). they've been regulary checked and maintenanced running with almost 6000 working hours (1500 for 026-backup compressor). The last filter change (Donaldson filters) and compressor check is made in January. Next comes around New Year's (december-january).
We have 3 fast UFMT-1 from Donaldson. Two of them are for service (spare parts already ordered). The first is located at the start of compressor line (compressor outlet) and the other two are located at the entrance of the facility after a air cooler from one of our machines.
Also we have additional filter station for clean air but untill now it is not started.
I noticed that hose mounted on the output of first UFMT-1 also have oil marks on it (like a grease)as a result of long period of existing problem.

Does anyone have any suggestion what to do and how to solve this long existing problem ? I think that after repairing UFMT's we should call Compair service and ask them to make check of compressor.
If there is possibility to add some de-oiler just after the air outlet of the compressor and somewhere else just say.

With regards,
 
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I must admit that I didn't check if the compressors you have mentioned are oil-free or not, however there is a solution for the problem you have described.

You should use an inline oil/water separator, like the one from Atlas Copco I put you a link for.

http://www.atlascopco.com/getonboar...oard/nasa/us_onboard.nsf/pages/CTproductpages[/url]

Of course, it shall be dimensioned regarding the flow you require.

Hope it would be any helpful.
Regards.
 
Jakaodrz,
Oil carrover is typically 2-3 ppm in new oil lubricated rotary screw compressors, which means that over the course of a calendar year, you will be putting gallons of oil down your air line. As compressors age the oil carryover can be greater, and as the filters become clogged the oil carryover can be greater. To effectively capture oil, you will need to install at least two filters- one to capture the larger oil and water carryover, and another to capture the sub micron particles. If your process is critical, you may additionally need an oil vapor eliminator. Call your local Hankison or Atlas Copco distributor for appropriate sizing.
CompressorProfessor
 
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