Contaminants such as dirt, dust, or moisture are the enemies of compressor system longevity. While air treatment products like filters and air dryers remove these contaminants, oil vapors make disposing of leftover condensate a more complicated process. An oil-water separator is a vital part of any compressor system to ensure that condensate is safe for proper disposal.
Do I Need an Oil-Water Separator?
In most cases, oil-water separators should be a part of any air compressor system. Separators work with the air treatment products already in place to extract the emulsified oil from the condensate. While the oil-water separator does not work directly with compressed air, it plays an important role in managing condensate. Proper condensate management improves workplace safety through keeping the production area clear and reducing slip hazards.
How an Oil-water Separator Protects Your Facility
The Clean Water Act of 1972 authorizes the EPA to fine non-compliant businesses who illegally dump compressor condensate. These federal fines start at $2,500 per day, but can go up to $25,000. Individual states and local municipalities may also implement additional penalties or conditions for proper disposal. Oil-water separators allow for the safe, simple onsite dumping of water condensate and extract the compressor fluid for proper collection before it is sent for disposal.
What Is the Acceptable Amount of Oil in Condensate?
The EPA sets a limit of 40 parts per million (ppm) for oil in water for safe onsite disposal. However, many state and municipal governments have stricter requirements, often setting their limits as low as 15 ppm. For comparison, a brand-new compressor without any air treatment products may have an oil vapor carryover of 1 to 2 ppm. However, once this vapor condenses, the presence of the oil can exceed 300 ppm.
Oil Separation Solutions Through Sullair
Sullair offers two types of oil-water separators: the non-cartridge SP series and the cartridge-based SULLIPRO series. Both are compatible with all types of compressor lubricants. The SP oil-water separators use alumina silicate media to capture oil molecules while allowing water to pass through until it reaches the drainage spout. These SP separators do not require electricity, pumps, or sensors, and are resistant to mold. When the water becomes cloudy, it indicates that it is time to take the SP unit to a safe disposal site or send it to a recycling center.
SULLIPRO separators use cartridges to simplify the disposal system. Rather than replacing the entire unit, maintenance staff only need to dispose of the lightweight main cartridge. Sullair offers the SULLIPRO in three sizes, all of which are compatible with flow splitters for easy expansion without sizing up the separators.
Both the SP and the SULLIPRO products are guaranteed EPA compliant, with 10ppm or less oil in leftover condensate.
Next Steps
Our team of equipment experts is ready to help with your compressor system needs. For help finding the best oil-water separation equipment for your needs, use the contact us button below. For service on your current compressor system, use the request service button.
