1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Compressed Air USA MICRO CLEAN 120 CFM Oil Water Separator. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation or operation to ensure proper function and compliance with environmental regulations.
The MICRO CLEAN Oil Water Separator is designed to remove oil from compressed air condensate, allowing for the safe and legal discharge of clean water. It utilizes advanced STERLING filtration media for effective separation.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions may result in personal injury, property damage, or environmental contamination.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and gloves when handling condensate or servicing the unit.
- Ensure the compressed air system is depressurized before connecting or disconnecting the separator.
- Do not operate the unit outside of its specified temperature and pressure ratings.
- Dispose of used filter media and collected oil in accordance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
- Keep the unit away from open flames or sources of ignition.
- Only use genuine Compressed Air USA replacement parts and filter media.
3. Product Overview and Components
The MICRO CLEAN 120 CFM Oil Water Separator is a compact and efficient system for treating compressed air condensate. It consists of a robust housing, an inlet manifold, primary filtration, and advanced STERLING filtration media.
Image 3.1: Front view of the Compressed Air USA MICRO CLEAN 120 CFM Oil Water Separator. The unit is a dark gray, rectangular housing with a label indicating 'MICRO CLEAN OIL/WATER SEPARATOR' and 'MC-OWS-120'. A small outlet pipe is visible on the right side.
Included Components:
- Oil Water Separator Unit
- STERLING Filter Media Separator Bags (initial set)
- Inlet/Outlet Manifold Connections
- Sample Bottle
- Time-In-Service Indicator
Image 3.2: The MICRO CLEAN Oil Water Separator unit shown alongside its components. This includes the main separator housing, two white filter bags (STERLING media), an inlet/outlet manifold, various NPT fittings, screws, a sample bottle, and a time-in-service indicator.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation of your oil water separator.
4.1 Site Selection
- Install the separator in a location that is easily accessible for maintenance.
- Ensure the ambient temperature remains within 35°F to 110°F (2°C to 43°C).
- Provide adequate space around the unit for air circulation and service access.
- The unit should be placed on a level, stable surface.
4.2 Connecting Condensate Drains
- Identify all condensate drain points from your compressor, refrigerated dryer, coolers, or other sources.
- Pipe these drains directly to the inlet manifold of the Micro Clean separator. The unit features four 1/2" NPT inlet ports. Use appropriate plumbing fittings and sealants to ensure leak-free connections.
- Ensure all connections are secure and properly tightened.
Image 4.1: A cutaway diagram illustrating the internal flow path of the oil water separator. Condensate enters via the inlet manifold, passes through a primary filter, then through the STERLING filter media, and finally exits as clean water from the outlet. A sample port is also indicated.
4.3 Clean Water Discharge
- Connect the 3/4" NPT discharge port of the separator to a suitable drain system.
- Verify that the discharge point complies with local environmental regulations for treated water.
5. Operating Instructions
The MICRO CLEAN Oil Water Separator operates passively without requiring electrical power.
- Once all connections are made and secured, slowly introduce condensate into the separator.
- The condensate will flow through the primary filter, where it depressurizes, solid particles are trapped, and bulk hydrocarbons are absorbed.
- Next, the condensate passes through the STERLING filtration media, which absorbs remaining oil, achieving oil concentrations of 5 ppm or less.
- The treated water is then discharged safely through the outlet.
- Regularly check the time-in-service indicator to monitor filter life.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your separator.
6.1 Filter Media Replacement
The STERLING filtration media has a maximum service life of 4000 hours or approximately 6-12 months, depending on condensate volume and oil content. Replace the filter media when the time-in-service indicator suggests, or if discharge quality deteriorates.
- Depressurize the compressed air system and ensure no condensate is flowing into the separator.
- Remove the quick-release lid from the separator unit.
- Carefully lift out the used primary filter and STERLING media bags.
- Place the used media into a suitable container for disposal according to local regulations.
- Insert new STERLING filter media bags into the unit, ensuring they are properly seated.
- Replace the quick-release lid, ensuring a secure seal.
- Restart the condensate flow and check for leaks.
6.2 Condensate Sampling
Periodically use the provided sample bottle to collect a sample of the treated water from the sample port. This allows for verification of discharge quality and compliance with environmental standards.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oil in discharge water | Filter media is saturated or expired. | Replace STERLING filter media. |
| Excessive oil carryover from compressor. | Check compressor for issues; consider pre-filtration. | |
| Slow condensate flow | Inlet lines or manifold clogged. | Inspect and clear any blockages. |
| Filter media is heavily soiled. | Replace STERLING filter media. | |
| Leaks at connections | Loose fittings or improper sealing. | Tighten connections; reapply thread sealant if necessary. |
8. Specifications
- Model: MC-OWS-120
- Capacity: Rated by Compressor Air Flow of up to 120 CFM
- Max Service Life: 4000 hours (filter media)
- Temperature Rating: 35°F to 110°F (2°C to 43°C)
- Pressure Rating: 232 psi max
- Max Oil Carryover (Discharge): <5 ppmv (with STERLING media)
- Connections: (4) 1/2" NPT Inlet, 3/4" NPT Discharge
- Material: Plastic housing, STERLING Media
- Dimensions: Approximately 9 x 9 x 21 inches
- Item Weight: 6 pounds
9. Warranty and Support
The Compressed Air USA MICRO CLEAN Oil Water Separator comes with a 10-Year Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear of consumable items such as filter media, or damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, or neglect.
For technical support, warranty claims, or to order replacement parts (Service Kit: MC-OWS-120-SK), please contact Compressed Air USA customer service:
- Website: www.compressedairusa.com
- Email: support@compressedairusa.com
- Phone: Refer to website for current contact numbers.
Please have your model number (MC-OWS-120) and purchase date available when contacting support.