Oil separators separates oil from the hot vapour refrigerant in the discharge line, temporarily store the oil, and then return it back to the compressor crankcase or to the oil reservoir in multiple compressor systems, thus assuring an efficient lubrication of compressors moving parts.

When mixture of refrigerant and oil enters the Oil Separator inlet, the same passes through a fine steel mesh filter pocket. This disturbs the mixture and because of their individual properties they separate. Oil being heavy drops to the bottom. Refrigerant because of the vessel volume of Oil Separator will vaporize and will leave through the outlet pocket. Here too there is a fine steel mesh filter pocket which further stops the oil from leaving the Oil Separator.

When the level of oil gets high enough to raise the stainless steel float ball, the oil return stainless steel needle valve opens up and the oil is returned back to the compressor crankcase through a small return line connected to the compressor crankcase.

The pressure difference between the high and low sides of the refrigeration or air conditioning system is the driving force for the oil to travel from the Oil Separator to the crankcase. When the oil level in the sump of the Oil Separator drops to a certain level, the float will force the needle valve closed.

There is gap between Oil return orifice and shell bottom line. This volume is called dead oil volume which needs to be filled up by charging additional oil.
Before proceeding with the installation, the Oil Separator must be charged with a certain amount of oil in order to actuate the float mechanism immediately after start-up.

Charge additional oil through ‘outlet’ connection of the Oil Separator before brazing the system tubing. The oil grade will be always same as the compressor oil.

Oil Separators are selected based on refrigerant and evaporation temperature of the system. Please refer to our product catalog for selecting the right model.

The off-the-shelf models available are Float Valve Type Oil Separator which are most popular. Another type available off-the-shelf is Multi Tube type coalescent Oil Separator.

In customized models we offer many variations such as Demister Pad type, Centrifugal Type etc.

These oil separators work on various oil separation methods such as reduction of velocity (Screen filtering), impingement, centrifugal action & coalescing elements.

Dry All off-the-shelf Oil Separator models are available from 7.3 kW to 56.3 kW for R-410A @ 4°C evaporation temperature. For other refrigerants and different evaporative conditions please refer to our catalog.

Connection sizes available from 3/8” to 1-3/8”.

Yes, you may add a sight glass in oil return line which helps determine that oil is flowing back to the compressor.

Yes, you may need to add a calculated capillary tube in oil return line if suction gas temperature is going beyond the compressor envelope.

The oil return line from the Oil Separator to the crankcase should always be just above room temperature. If the Oil Separator is located in a low ambient area, discharge refrigerant gas may condense within the separator.

If the shell becomes too cool, it can cool discharge gases and cause condensed refrigerant at the bottom of the separator. This can cause the float to rise too often due to increased oil and liquid refrigerant mixture.

Insulating the Oil Separator helps keep it warm during on/off cycles and prevents refrigerant condensation inside the separator.

Most control valves including TXV and capillary tubes may experience inefficient performance due to oil filming.

Capillary tubes may show wide variations in flow rates. Reduced refrigerant flow rates may lead to high head pressure and low suction pressure. TXV remote bulbs may not sense correct refrigerant temperature, causing improper superheat control and TXV hunting.

Oil separator connection sizes must be the same or larger than the discharge line size. This ensures minimal pressure drop and keeps discharge gases near the same pressure as the discharge line.

Undersized oil separators may lose their ability to return oil and cause higher pressure drops and system inefficiencies.

Oil escaping from the compressor into the system deprives the compressor crankcase of lubrication. The escaped oil coats the condenser and evaporator surfaces and reduces their heat transfer efficiency.

Oil separator maintains a high coefficient of condenser and evaporator performance by almost completely removing oil deposits from their exchange surfaces & limit accumulates of oil at Sensitive System Components.

To protect the Oil Separator against vibration and gas pulsation generated by the compressor. Install a vibration absorber and muffler between the Compressor and the Oil Separator.