Why does my Compressor need an Oil/Water Separator?

What is an Oil/Water Separator?

While you are running your Compressor, it takes in air from the environment. Water vapour is always present in this air. During the running of your Compressor, this water vapour will condense if the air temperature goes down or if there is an increase in pressure. In any oil lubricated compressor system, the condensation (condensate) carried over would be contaminated with trace amounts of oil and other particles which can travel through the Compressed Air system. The best way to remove any contamination from this condensate is by using an Oil/Water Separator, which separates the oil carried over from the water. Thus leaving water that can be disposed of, whilst the oil is captured to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manor. 

It is illegal to pour contaminated waste products into foul sewers unless the oil content is reduced to a very low level. The Water Resources Act (1991) refers to an offence of knowingly polluting controlled waters, by the disposal of poisonous, noxious, or polluting matter. Compressed Air Condensate falls into this category and the polluter is liable to fines up to £20,000 or 3 months in prison. 

What can I do to resolve this?

The most simple, economical, and environmentally solution is to install an Oil/Water Separator as part of your Compressed Air System. 

It can reduce oil in the collected condensation to a level allowed by your local sewerage provider and can enable up to 99.9% of the total condensation to be disposed of safely to the sewers.  in fact, many Oil/Water Separators are plumbed directly to foul sewers. Any concentrated oil that is collected is stored in drums for disposal by a specialist waste contractor. During the regular servicing of your compressed air equipment, as part of our service, we remove the contaminated waste and dispose of it in accordance to the regulations. Then, we fit new elements to your Oil/Water Separator to ensure continued compliance with the regulations on Hazardous Waste and Compressed Air Condensate.  

If you wish to find out any further information, you can see the Environment Agencies Website or please call 01903 257213 or please follow the link to send us an email at sales@air4ultd.co.uk