Air Oil Separator Filter in Air Compressors: How It Works and Why It Matters

What Is an Air Compressor Air Oil Separator Filter?

An air compressor air oil separator filter is a key component in oil-injected screw air compressors. It removes oil from compressed air before the air is delivered to downstream equipment. A low-quality air oil separator filter can cause oil carryover, leading to poor air quality, higher maintenance costs, and reduced compressor efficiency.

What Does an Air Oil Separator Filter Do?

An air oil separator filter (also called an oil-air separator or separator element) is installed inside the oil separator tank. During compression, oil mixes with air for lubrication, cooling, and sealing. The air oil separator filter separates oil mist from compressed air and returns the oil to the lubrication system, ensuring clean compressed air output.

How Does It Work?

The air oil separator filter works in three simple steps:

• Mechanical separation removes large oil droplets in the separator tank

• Fine fiber filtration captures remaining oil mist using multi-layer glass fiber media

• Oil return system sends the separated oil back to the compressor

This process keeps residual oil content in compressed air at ≤3 ppm.

Why Is the Air Oil Separator Filter Important?

A high-quality air oil separator filter:

• Ensures clean compressed air

• Protects downstream equipment

• Reduces oil consumption and maintenance costs

• Maintains low pressure drop and energy efficiency

Common Problems with Faulty Air Oil Separator Filters

Worn or incompatible air oil separator filters may cause oil carryover, high pressure drop, compressor overheating, and shortened service life.

Replacement and Selection

Most air oil separator filters last 3,000–4,000 hours. When choosing a replacement, focus on filtration efficiency, low pressure drop, and compatibility with the compressor model and OEM part number.

Conclusion

The air oil separator filter is essential for clean air and stable operation in oil-injected screw compressors. Choosing a reliable air oil separator filter helps extend compressor life and reduce operating costs.

For technical support and replacement air oil separator filters, feel free to contact us.