Cyclone water separators remove bulk liquid water from compressed air using centrifugal force, protecting dryers and filters from heavy condensate loads. They are a low-cost first stage in any wet air line.
How they work
- Air enters tangentially and spins
- Droplets are thrown to the housing wall
- Condensate falls to the collection chamber
- Drier air exits through the centre
Placement
Install the cyclone separator immediately after the aftercooler and before the refrigerated dryer and filters, so it removes the largest water load. Fit an automatic drain to the collection chamber so it empties without manual attention.
Maintenance
Check and service the drain regularly, and inspect the separator for internal fouling during shutdowns. A cyclone separator only removes droplets, not water vapour, so a dryer is still required for a low pressure dew point.