Air water traps, also known as moisture traps or air line filters, function by removing water and contaminants from compressed air. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Air Entry and Initial Separation:
The compressed air enters the trap, typically tangentially, into a bowl-shaped reservoir. This tangential entry forces the air to circulate within the bowl.
2. Centrifugal Action:
The swirling motion created by the tangential entry uses centrifugal force. Heavier components, like water droplets and larger particulate matter, are thrown outwards towards the walls of the bowl.
3. Condensation and Collection:
As the air swirls and cools within the trap, water vapor condenses into liquid water. This water, along with the other heavier contaminants, collects at the bottom of the bowl.
4. Drainage:
The collected water is periodically drained from the trap. This can be done manually via a drain valve or automatically with an automatic drain system. Automatic drains often use a float mechanism or a timer to release the collected water.
5. Filtration (Optional but Common):
After the initial separation, the air often passes through a filter element. This filter removes finer particles (like dust, oil aerosols, and other impurities) that may have remained after the centrifugal separation process. These filter elements are often replaceable.
6. Clean Air Exit:
The filtered and dried air then exits the trap, ready for use in downstream applications.
In Summary:
Air water traps utilize centrifugal force, condensation, and filtration to remove water and contaminants from compressed air lines, protecting downstream equipment and ensuring optimal performance.
