Water separators for compressed air

Frequently asked questions about water separators

Compressed air water separators – Sturdy and always available

Water separators – also called cyclone separators, centrifugal separators or demisters - are the first stage in the treatment of compressed air and technical gases. Employed directly downstream of the compressed air compressor, they separate the majority of the compressed air condensate. They also reliably remove coarse impurities and thus protect the entire compressed air system.

Due to their high quality, compressed air-water separators from FST are used in every type of compressed air application: in central purification with large volume flows as well as in small installations with low compressed air requirements. FST customers appreciate that our cyclone separators are not only particularly durable in operation. Thanks to our high, in-house production capacity, they know they can rely on fast delivery times.

Our solutions

FST offers water separators in four pressure levels: up to 16 bar, 50 bar, 100 bar or 350 bar. All FST cyclone separators separate about 90 % of the liquids in the first step. In this way, they reduce the differential pressure, relieve downstream filters, and ensure longer life cycles for all downstream treatment components.

Compressed air water separators FCA30–FCA190

Our compressed air water separators Series FCA30 to FCA190 are high-quality basic devices for any type of compressed air application. By means of a threaded filter, they ensure effective coarse separation of liquids and particles at the start of the compressed air system. Their compact die cast housing made of high-quality aluminium makes these cyclone separators particularly durable.

Nom. Volume flow

50–2.500 m³/h

Max. operating pressure

16–50 bar

Connection

G ⅜”–G 3”

Purity classes (ISO 8573-1)

Particles: class X
Humidity: class 7
Oil content: class X

To product data sheet

Compressed air water separators FWS170–FWS2000

These are all-round, trouble-free cyclone separators: All products of the compressed air/water separator series FWS170 to FWS2000 are type-tested and are supplied with individual pressure vessel documentation as standard. On request, we can also have these centrifugal separators approved in accordance with numerous other local and international vessel regulations.

Suitable for large volume flows, we supply this welded filter housing with flange connection. The robust filter housing is made of high-quality carbon steel – alternative materials are available upon request.

Nom. Volume flow

1.500–30.000 m³/h

Max. operating pressure

16–50 bar

Connection

DN 80–300

Purity classes (ISO 8573-1)

Particles: class X
Humidity: class 7
Oil content: class X

To product data sheet

High pressure water separators FMA & FMS

Our FMA and FMS series water separators are suitable for compressed air applications in the high-pressure range. These high-quality special products are turned from solid aluminum or steel (FMA or FMS, respectively), which guarantees that they are free of cavities and other inclusions – and therefore particularly stable. Due to the operating pressure, large amounts of water are separated via these cyclone separators in order to make the air usable for subsequent high-pressure applications.

Our customers prefer to use these compressed air water separators in the production of plastic and glass packaging: PET bottles, glass bottles, medicine nozzles. FMA and FMS centrifugal separators are also used in shipbuilding, aviation and various military applications.

Nom. Volume flow

50–350 m³/h

Max. operating pressure

100–350 bar

Connection

G ⅜”–G 1”

Purity classes (ISO 8573-1)

Particles: class X
Humidity: class 7
Oil content: Klasse X

To product data sheet

You would like to buy a cyclone separator, but your company requires higher volume flows, other voltages or operating pressures? Our experts will answer your questions about our compressed air/water separators and provide you with comprehensive advice. If you have special pressure requirements, our special engineering area will find a solution.

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All FST air filters

Cyclone separator – design & function

Our compressed air purification specialists provide information on the design and operating principle of cyclone separators:

Design

Usually, a water separator consists of a compressed air filter housing and a cyclone insert (instead of a filter element).

The filter housing is either made of aluminum or steel or – in the high-pressure range – turned from moulded steel. Depending on the model, the piping is either screwed to the cyclone separator via threads, flanged or welded to it.

The cyclone insert consists of a robust stainless steel cyclone ring with end cap in the head area and a stainless steel rebound plate in the base area.

Working principle

As soon as compressed air enters the housing of the water separator, the cyclone insert gives it a spin.

This creates centrifugal forces that force liquid and solid components in the compressed air against the inner wall of the casing ("cyclone centrifugal separator").

Subsequently, gravity ensures that liquid and larger particles collect at the bottom of the housing.

These are separated via a condensate drain.