Compressed Air Oil-Water Environmental Condensate Treatment

Compressed air condensate, a byproduct of the air compression process, contains a mixture of oil, water, and impurities. Improper handling and disposal of this condensate can pose significant environmental hazards, leading to water contamination and disrupting aquatic ecosystems. To address these concerns, the Water Resources Act was introduced, imposing legal restrictions on industrial discharges, including compressed air condensate.

The act mandates the treatment of compressed air condensate to remove oil, water, and impurities before disposal. This treatment is crucial to prevent the detrimental effects of untreated condensate on the environment. Oil-water separators play a critical role in this process by separating the oil from the condensate. The separated oil is collected in a suitable container for proper disposal, while the purified water can be drained safely.

Effective condensate treatment involves several stages:

Collection: Condensate is collected from the compressor's drain system.
Gravity Separation: The condensate is allowed to settle, allowing the oil to rise and form a layer on top of the water.
Oil Extraction: The oil layer is skimmed off and collected for disposal.
Water Filtration: The remaining water passes through filtration systems to remove impurities and contaminants.
Drainage: The purified water is drained away safely, ensuring it complies with environmental regulations.
Treating compressed air condensate is not just a legal requirement; it's also essential for maintaining the quality of compressed air systems. Impurities in the condensate can degrade the performance of air dryers, filters, and other equipment, leading to premature failures and increased maintenance costs.