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For peak output
performance from a compressor, blower, engine, or vacuum pump,
air must be able to flow unrestricted. Selection of the proper
media must be considered as it impacts the air velocity, and
hence, the operating condition of the equipment. Metex designed
and manufactured mesh separators provide long lasting performance,
and high efficiencies in separating liquids from the air and
gas stream by means of the three capture mechanisms of separation – impaction,
interception and diffusion.
Due to our unique ability to manufacture
products from a wide range of ferrous and non- ferrous metals,
plastics and composites,
Metex separators can be found in equipment designed for use
in highly corrosive, and high temperature environments that
require cost-effective process efficiency, low pressure drop,
long service life, and peak performance.
Knitted mesh separators
are designed to handle all specific CFM of a compressor and
can be made using a broad range of materials, sizes, densities
and shapes – allowing immediate changes in key performance
criteria to match your process.
Engineered Solutions for Separation Problems
Metex separators, which are manufactured from knitted wire, have a high surface
area and the series of interlocking loops allow excellent flexibility and
structural support. In addition, wire mesh provides the lowest-cost solution—especially when installed inside compressors that are sized for other process
considerations.
To ensure maximum performance and to prevent flooding, we recommend
that the housing or cavity into which the separator is installed be properly
reviewed, as it is an integral part of the overall design. Otherwise, the separator
itself will be compromised and the system will not function properly. Metex
offers complete one-source support for both element and housing design and
production.
Metex products allow the liquids to be separated while permitting the air or gas
to pass through the separator and into the equipment. The liquids are then
drained and removed by the return lines, and then re-compressed in a continuous
cycle.
Product Benefits
- Long service life
- Cost effective—can withstand temperatures between –45C to 650C depending upon material selection
- High separation efficiencies
- Easy to install in existing or new housing spaces
- Can vary element density and surface area to solve the most difficult separations problems
- Reduction in noise due to high mechanical damping characteristics and non- linear spring rates of knitted
materials
Metex designs are based on, among other design principles, the Souders-Brown correlation factor. This factor measures the point at which the separator
will flood based on a specific load-point velocity through the separator. The
Metex separator is then designed at 80% of the maximum flooding velocity to
ensure maximum efficiency over the life-time of the engine.
When specifying a separator for your application, other factors that need to
be considered are:
- Particle size distribution
- Compressor volume in CFM, CFH or liters per minute
- The pressure drop that can be tolerated
- Cost of the separator
- Whether the separator will be installed inside existing equipment or if a
stand-alone vessel is required
- Liquid handling capability of the separator
- Material availability, compatibility with the process
In-house Testing Capabilities and Equipment
Metex uses the very latest test equipment and procedures to optimize the design
of each separator. Variables such as flow rate, temperature, and pressure drop can
be measured and controlled in our custom-designed laboratory.
From initial design, prototype and testing to full production, our ISO9001
and QS9000 Quality System ensures that we only provide products that offer
high quality, performance, durability, and value.
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