Air oil separators (AOS) play a vital role in the performance and longevity of vehicles by effectively separating oil vapours from the air intake. This separation is crucial because allowing oil vapours to enter the air intake can lead to significant oil loss and negatively impact the vehicle's overall performance.
What sets air oil separators apart from traditional catch cans is their multifaceted functionality. While a catch can primarily serves to collect oil, an AOS goes above and beyond by offering additional benefits, which necessitates regular emptying and drainage to maintain optimal performance.
If you are interested in discovering the numerous advantages an air oil separator can provide for your vehicle, we invite you to explore our blog for more in-depth information.
How Does It Work?
Understanding the operation of an air oil separator involves delving into the coalescence principle. Within the separator, compressed air that carries oil aerosols is channelled through a meticulously designed arrangement of baffles or filter media.
This intricate system serves to decelerate the airflow, prompting the smaller oil droplets to collide with one another. As these droplets merge, they form larger aggregates. The role of gravity is crucial at this stage; it facilitates the separation of these newly formed larger oil droplets from the air stream.
Once separated, the oil droplets descend and accumulate at the bottom of the separator. The final step in this well-orchestrated process involves the return of the collected oil to the reservoir through a scavenger line, thereby completing the cycle. This efficient mechanism ensures optimal performance and cleanliness in various applications.
What are the basic functions of an air oil separator?
The basic functions of an air oil separator (AOS) are often misunderstood, particularly in comparison to catch cans. While both devices aim to prevent oil vapours from entering the air intake system of a vehicle, their mechanisms and efficiency differ significantly. The primary role of an air oil separator is to capture oil vapours generated during the combustion process before they can enter the air intake track. This is crucial because allowing these vapours to pass through can lead to the formation of carbon deposits, which may adversely affect engine performance and the octane rating of the fuel. Such issues can result in tuning complications and diminished overall performance of the vehicle.
The distinction between catch cans and air oil separators lies in their filtration methods. Catch cans operate on a straightforward principle: they collect the oil vapours but require frequent manual drainage to remove the accumulated oil. This can be cumbersome and may not provide optimal filtration.
In contrast, air oil separators employ more advanced filtration techniques. They are designed to separate and filter the oil vapours more effectively, often utilising a series of baffles and media to enhance the separation process. This means that an AOS can operate more efficiently over extended periods without necessitating constant maintenance, providing a more reliable solution for maintaining engine performance.
In summary, while both catch cans and air oil separators serve the purpose of preventing oil vapours from entering the air intake, the AOS offers superior filtration capabilities, leading to better engine performance and reduced maintenance requirements.
How air oil separators work
Understanding the operation of air oil separators is essential for optimising engine performance.
An air oil separator typically features a slender hose connected to its system. As air flows through this hose, it encounters a highly refined filter designed to capture impurities. The air is then directed toward the separator, where the magic of separation occurs.
At this stage, the oil present in the air cannot pass through the separator. Instead, it is effectively separated from the air stream. The collected oil is stored within the separator and subsequently redirected back into the engine's oil supply, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently and effectively.
It is important to note that the functionality of an air oil separator can vary significantly depending on the specific product design. Some models incorporate additional baffles and chambers within their structure, enhancing the filtration process by further removing oil from the air. This advanced design not only improves efficiency but also contributes to the longevity and performance of the engine.
Why are they needed?
Air oil separators (AOS) play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and efficiency of vehicles, particularly those susceptible to oil build-up. Their advantages can be summarised as follows:
Improved Performance
An AOS filters the oil circulating within the engine, thereby providing essential protection. This filtration process ensures that the engine operates more smoothly, as contaminants are removed, and the oil is recycled efficiently. The result is a noticeable enhancement in overall engine performance.
Preventing Unnecessary
Oil Loss Vehicles that experience oil loss are not maximising their efficiency, which can lead to increased running costs. An air oil separator effectively repurposes the oil that would otherwise be lost, ensuring that the vehicle maintains optimal efficiency. This not only conserves resources but also helps to reduce operational expenses over time.
Minimising Oil Build-up
A primary function of the air oil separator is to prevent the recirculation of oil into the engine's cylinders. Excess oil in the cylinders can obstruct airflow, leading to decreased performance. Moreover, significant oil build-up can result in blockages that may potentially cause combustion issues. By mitigating these risks, an AOS significantly contributes to the vehicle's overall functionality and reliability.
Utility for Direct Injection
Engines With the increasing prevalence of direct injection engines in modern vehicles, the need for effective oil management has become more pronounced. These engines, while offering better performance and fuel economy, can generate excess oil vapours and residue due to their internal combustion processes. An air oil separator serves as a valuable tool in addressing these challenges, ensuring that such side effects are effectively managed.
In summary, the integration of an air oil separator in a vehicle not only enhances performance but also promotes efficiency and longevity by addressing common issues associated with oil build-up and loss.
How to install an AOS
Installing an AOS can be an engaging process, and while it is relatively straightforward, it does require a vehicle equipped with a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to facilitate the installation.
Each AOS unit will come with specific installation guidelines, which may vary slightly. However, the general approach to the installation process is outlined below for your convenience.
Begin by ensuring you have the necessary tools, including a suitable pair of cutters for the hoses and a high-quality sealant to apply around the AOS for optimal sealing. The next step is to locate the PCV hoses in your vehicle. Once located, proceed to mount the bracket for the AOS in a suitable position close to the PCV lines to ensure easy access and functionality.
After the bracket is securely mounted, disconnect the existing hoses and remove any catch cans that may be present. With the old components out of the way, connect your new AOS to the PCV lines. Following this, attach the drain hoses to the oil system.
Once all connections are made, carefully mount the hoses onto the bracket. Finally, ensure that the PCV hoses are reconnected properly. This detailed approach will help ensure a successful installation of your AOS, enhancing your vehicle’s performance.
Popular Air Oil Separators
1.
Air Oil Separator Kit 250034-124 250034-130 for Sullair Air Compressor TS32 LS25S VS16 VS20
Replace Part Number:
250034-124, 250034-130, 250034124, 250034130, OS 5078, OS 5079, OS5078,
OS5079, 250034-123, 408167-007, 250034123, 408167007, 440414, 250034-129,
250034129, 440415
Application:
Fit for Sullair Air Compressor:
LS 25 S 200 HP
LS 25 S 250 HP
LS 25 S 24KT
LS 25 S 300 HP
LS 25 S 350 HP
LS 25 S
VS 16 50 HP
VS 20
TS 32 200/250/300 HP up to June 2002
TS 32 300/350 HP
Air Oil Separator Kit 250034-124 and 250034-130, specifically designed for Sullair Air Compressors, including models TS32, LS25S, VS16, and VS20. This essential kit ensures optimal performance and efficiency, helping to maintain the longevity of your compressor. Experience enhanced air quality and reduced oil carryover, making it a vital addition to your maintenance toolkit. Elevate your compressor's performance with this high-quality separator kit.
2.
Air Oil Separator 02250215-617 for Sullair Air Compressor
Replace Part Number:
02250215-617, 02250215617, 2250215-617, 2250215617
Application:
Fit For Sullair Air Compressor
Air Oil Separator 02250215-617, an essential component designed specifically for Sullair Air Compressors. This high-quality separator ensures optimal performance by effectively removing oil from the compressed air, enhancing efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of your equipment. Trust in this reliable solution to maintain the integrity of your compressor system.
3.
Air Oil Separator 250034-085 for Sullair Air Compressor LS20E LS20S
Replace Part Number:
250034-085, 250034085, 249494, 409267, OS 5136, OS5136, P59A851, P060547
Application:
Fit For Sullair Air Compressor: LS 20 E 125/150 HP, LS 20 S 125/150 HP, LS
20 S Sullube 125/150 HP, LS 20 S Leak free
Air Oil Separator 250034-085, expertly designed for Sullair Air Compressors LS20E and LS20S. This essential component ensures optimal performance by effectively separating oil from air, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of your compressor. Elevate your equipment's functionality with this reliable separator, engineered to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
4.
Air Oil Separator 39760590 for Ingersoll Rand Compressor SSRM2002S SSR28
SSRM2502S SSRM200-2S SSR41
Replace Part Number: 39760590
Application:
Fit For Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor: SSR M 200 2S, SSR 28 Vertical, SSR
34 Vertical, SSR 41 Vertical, SSR M 250 2S, SSR M 200-2S LV, SSR M 200-2S, SSR
M 250-2S LV, SSR M 250-2S
Air Oil Separator 39760590, a vital component designed specifically for Ingersoll Rand Compressors, including models SSRM2002S, SSR28, SSRM2502S, SSRM200-2S, and SSR41. This essential part ensures optimal performance and efficiency, helping to maintain the integrity of your compressor system. Enhance your equipment's longevity and functionality with this reliable air oil separator, tailored to meet the demands of your industrial operations.
FAB Heavy Parts Can Help With Your Needs
Welcome to Fab Heavy Parts' online catalog, where you can explore a delightful array of Air Oil Separators. We have a diverse selection to cater to your needs. Our knowledgeable parts team is at your disposal, ready to assist you every step of the way.
