Figure 5-11 - Oil Separator - Gardner Denver AUTO SENTRY EAU99G Operating And Service Manual

Compressor, air/oil reservoir, separation chamber and all piping and tubing
may be at high temperature during and after operation.
OIL RESERVOIR - The oil reservoir-separator combines multiple functions into one vessel. The lower
half is the oil reservoir, providing oil storage capacity for the system and the top portion, a primary oil
separation means. The reservoir also provides limited air storage for control and gauge actuation.
COMPRESSOR (GD ELIMINATOR) OIL SEPARATOR located in a separate housing, consists of a
renewable cartridge-type separator element and provides the final removal of oil from the air stream
(Figure 5-11, page 53).
Oil impinging on the inside of the separator element drains directly back into the oil reservoir by gravity.
Oil collected outside the element is returned through tubing to the compressor cylinder.
Oil carryover through the service lines may be caused by a faulty oil separator, faulty minimum
pressure valve, over-filling of the oil reservoir, oil that foams, oil return line malfunction or water
condensate in the oil. If oil carryover occurs, inspect the separator only after it is determined that the oil
level is not too high, the oil is not foaming excessively, the oil return line from the separator housing to the
compressor cylinder is not clogged or pinched off, the check valve in the oil return line is functioning
properly, and there is not water or an oil/water emulsion in the oil.
Oil carryover malfunctions of the oil separator are usually due to using elements too long, heavy dirt or
varnish deposits caused by inadequate air filter service, use of improper oil or using oil too long for
existing conditions. A ruptured or collapsed separator element is usually due to heavy dirt or varnish
buildup in the filtering material. Excessive tilt angle of the unit will also hamper separation and cause oil
carryover.
Oil separator element life cannot be predicted; it will vary greatly depending on the conditions of
operation, the quality of the oil used and the maintenance of the oil and air filters. The condition of the
separator can be determined by pressure differential gauging or by inspection.
DANGER
Figure 5-11 – OIL SEPARATOR
13-10-614 Page 53
211EAU797
(Ref. Drawing)