Oil Separator
An oil separator (Air Oil Separator or AOS) is a device that captures oil vapors and droplets from blow-by gases or compressed air-oil mixtures, allowing clean air to exit while returning separated oil to the system’s oil circuit via a closed-loop drain. In stormwater contexts, it removes floating oil and grease from wastewater before discharge.
In manufacturing and compressor systems, the oil/air mixture passes into a pressure tank for pre-separation; remaining droplets coalesce in separator elements (spin-on or filter media) and are collected to return to the oil circuit, minimizing oil consumption and preventing oil ingress into the air network. In vehicle/engine maintenance, it captures oil from crankcase ventilation, preventing intake contamination, carbon buildup, and engine knock. In CMMS (ServiceGrid), it is tracked as a critical asset with inspection logs for coalescing filter integrity and drain functionality.
What is the efficiency metric for an oil separator?
Removal efficiency (e.g., 99.9%) and effluent quality (<10 PPM oil remaining) are critical; verified performance data must prove consistent compliance with regulatory discharge limits.
How does a helical separator differ?
It uses centrifugal force along a spiral path to spin heavier oil particles to the perimeter, achieving 99–100% efficiency with low pressure drop.
Why is AOS better than a catch can?
AOS is an active, closed-loop system that auto-drains oil to the engine; catch cans are passive, require manual emptying, and risk overfill/backflow.