April 2012Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
When using lubricated air compressors condensates are generated by filtration and refrigeration drying, should these be released unchecked into storm water drains they pose a serious environmental threat. External service providers can be used for disposal, but then the oil-water condensate has to be collected and stored on site until removal by an approved waste disposal company.
Traditional methods are expensive
Traditional air treatment involves the use of multi-stage coalescing filters and activated carbon filters or carbon packs. These increase power costs to overcome the additional pressure drops. Maintenance costs also add up as life cycles for the elements are short in comparison to other systems. The life cycles for traditional filter elements depend on factors such as:
* Ambient temperature.
* Initial oil and dirt concentrations.
* Relative humidity of the compressed air.
* Incoming compressed air temperatures.
The results are high investment costs, potential for compressed air pressure drops, plus the oily waste still has to be treated to comply with environmental legislation.
The EcoTec process – obtain oil-free compressed air from lubricated air compressors, eliminate oily water waste and reduce operational costs
The EcoTec provides a one stop process for treatment of compressed air and eliminating oil-water condensate. The oil and other hydrocarbon compounds contained in the compressed air are cracked in several stages using a physical-chemical process and oxidised with the addition of air and oxygen. The end products are pure water and limited quantities of carbon dioxide. The resulting condensate contains almost no hydrocarbons and can be directly returned to the natural water cycle in accordance with water resources law.
Because of its compact design – only about 30% of the space necessary for a comparable active charcoal filter is needed – and the extremely long filter system lifetime of 10 000 operating hours, the EcoTec system is extremely economical. Oil-free compressed air and pure water condensates are generated by the EcoTec catalytic converter, other benefits include:
* Condensate can be disposed of without further process steps.
* Absolute operating reliability, as the efficiency rating of the filter is independent of initial oil concentration, plant operating temperature and moisture content of the compressed air.
* Problems of waste condensate disposal and the associated costs disappear completely.
* The environment downstream from the EcoTec is protected as there is zero possibility of oil contamination.
* Space savings due to compact size of the equipment – up to 70% smaller than conventional systems.
Ensuring clean and safe water Endress+Hauser South Africa
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