What is an air trap?
Air Trap is a filter device designed to remove contaminants from compressed air. The main function of the air trap is to remove moisture and oil from compressed air, both of which are undesirable compression cycle by -products. Atmospheric contaminants such as soot, dust, colors and solvent residues are also removed from the air supply during the same operation. The most common of these applications are air traps on air compressors and air conditioning. Air traps are generally glass closed filter elements that are specially evaluated for their intended application. The glass cabinet allows the visual control of the filter status and how much water it has inside. Many air traps are equipped with tap on the bottom of the bowl so that the water is released regularly from the filter. The filter cap has two fittings that allow inserting and outgoing air hoses to be connected to the filter assembly. These filters are usually mounted between the compressor's head and the storage vesselrip or outgoing air hose.
use of air trap is necessary because the air is heated when compressed; Once cooling, the humidity in the air condenses and creates water droplets that can contaminate the air supply or corrode the air storage tank. The oil vapor also enters the air supply from the compressor crankcase ventilation process and further contaminates the air supply. Air trap also removes oil in addition to atmospheric pollutants that are drawn into the system. However, the use of air trap filters is not limited to air compressors and most air conditioning units also use them to remove condensation and compressor oil from the refrigerant.
There are several different types of air trap for use in the compressors air; When installing one, it is important to ensure that it is properly evaluated for the application. Air trap causes mildA decrease in compressor supply pressure and if incorrectly evaluated can have a negative effect on compressor efficiency. Usually, air trap should not cause pressure drop more than about five pounds per square inch (dogs). The internal type of filter element should also be assigned to specific use of specific compressors to ensure optimum filter protection and compressor efficiency.