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. Metal Textiles 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, Metal Textiles 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.

Metal Textiles separators, manufactured from knitted wire have high surface area and its series of interlocking loops provides sufficient flexibility and structural support. In addition, wire mesh can provide 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 will be installed be properly reviewed, as it is an integral part of the overall design. If it is not, the separator itself will be compromised and the system will not function properly. Metal Textiles offers complete one source support for both element and housing design and production.

Metal Textiles products allow the liquids to be separated while allowing 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. While each application is unique, many times the optimum solution requires the use of two separators. Mesh separators, while highly efficient, will not remove 100% of the liquids from the air stream. Secondary separators are normally required downstream to remove smaller elements that migrate through the primary unit.

Metal Textiles 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 Metal Textiles 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
• Costs of the separator
• Whether the separator will be installed inside existing equipment or if a standalone vessel is required
• Liquid handling capability of the separator
• The material availability that is compatible with the process

Benefits

• Long Service Life
• Cost effective – can withstand temperatures between –45°C to 650°C 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