Frequently Asked Questions
ASC believes the sharing of information and education
will make your maintenance programs more efficient and cost effective
resulting in more profitable up-time for your systems. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If
you have a question regarding our products or the systems they are
used in, please let us know by calling us, faxing us or sending us
an email.
How is the air/oil separator rated on efficiency?
When should the separator be changed?
What is the expected life of an air/oil separator?
What is the maximum temperature the separator can operate at?
How is the size of the separator determined?
Can I substitute an element starting with the 06 prefix for one starting with 08 since I don’t have the 08 in stock?
What is the purpose of any separator designed, manufactured and distributed by ASC?
What causes a separator to collapse?
I urgently need a certain separator and I do not have it in stock. Can I substitute another element that I have in stock for it if it is close to the same size?
Typical Inside-Out Flow Installation
Typical Outside-In Flow Installation
Q. How is the air/oil separator rated on efficiency?
A. A new ASC separator will carryover 2-5 parts per million of oil by weight. This carryover gradually increases through the life of the separator. This performance is based on oil-laden air as high as 6000 parts per million upstream. This translates to 99.97% efficient at .3 micron.
Q. When should the separator be changed?
A. Most compressor manufacturers specify when 10-15 psi pressure drop across the element has been reached then the separator must be changed out.
Q. What is the expected life of an air/oil separator?
A. Around 2000 hours when used with mineral oils. Around 4000 hours when used with synthetic oils. However, anticipated life hours is a variable that cannot accurately be predicted. It depends entirely upon the efficiency of the air intake and lube oil filters as well as the amount of solid oil reaching the separator. If the compressor is located in a dusty construction job rather than in a factory compressor room where clean air is available then the service life could be reduced drastically. Poor maintenance practices can also be detrimental to the life of the separator.
Q. What is the maximum temperature the separator can operate at?
A. Our separators are designed to withstand 230ºF/110ºC which is the temperature most compressor manufacturers design their high temperature shutoff controls to activate at. With special adhesives our separators can withstand up to 350ºF/165ºC.
Q. How is the size of the separator determined?
A. Sizing is based on the flow rate of the gas in cubic feet per minute, operating temperature and system pressure.
Q. Can I substitute an element starting with the 06 prefix for one starting with 08 since I don’t have the 08 in stock?
A. No. The media and other components used in an 08 element are different for compatibility with various refrigerants.
Q. What is the purpose of any separator designed, manufactured and distributed by ASC?
A. The purpose of any ASC separator is to catch and hold solid contamination and to separate oil from the flow steam to allow it to be returned to the low pressure air intake via the scavenge line.
Q. What causes a separator to collapse?
A. High pressure drop across the element exceeding design pressure drop. One reason could be the minimum pressure valve malfunctioning. As the pressure builds in the receiver tank to 100 psig the valve finally opens. This sudden opening causes the air to rush out of the receiver tank. This creates a massive pressure drop across the element and therefore it collapses. Another probable cause is the element has been contaminated and not changed out according to manufacturer specifications. Another cause is improper oil change procedures. If the user changes from a mineral oil to a synthetic and does not follow correct oil change requirements , the new oil will break down and build up varnishes in the compressor system. These varnishes will become trapped in the separator and cause high pressure drop.
Q. I urgently need a certain separator and I do not have it in stock. Can I substitute another element that I have in stock for it if it is close to the same size?
A. Maybe. But this question must be answered by qualified engineering personnel at ASC. Please call us at 704-732-8034.
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