Oil/Water Separators for Compressed Air Systems

Every air compressor produces condensate, and that condensate is contaminated with oil, emulsified lubricants, and fine particulate. Draining it straight to the floor drain or sewer isn't just messy — it's illegal. An oil/water separator cleans compressed air condensate before discharge, letting you release clean water and capture the oil for proper disposal. Whether you run a single rotary screw unit or a full plant of compressors, we carry a separator sized for your airflow, your budget, and your compliance requirements.

Why You Need an Oil/Water Separator

Under EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 279), water discharged to public systems must contain fewer than 40 parts per million (PPM) of oil, and many municipalities enforce stricter local limits of 15 PPM or lower. Untreated compressor condensate routinely tests above 300 PPM — well over the legal threshold. A properly sized oil/water separator brings your discharge into compliance, helps you avoid EPA fines, and keeps oil out of the environment. It's also far cheaper than hauling condensate off-site for disposal.

How to Choose the Right Oil/Water Separator

The most important factor is your compressor's airflow. Match the separator's CFM rating to the combined output of every compressor draining into it, and size up if you run in a hot or humid environment, since higher temperatures accelerate condensate flow and increase the load on the filter media. Beyond capacity, consider the type of compressor lubricant you use (standard mineral oils separate readily, while synthetic and polyglycol oils form tougher emulsions that need specialized media), how easy the filter cartridges are to change, and available floor or wall space. Our collection spans compact wall-mount units for small shops through high-capacity systems rated for 1,000+ CFM plant-wide applications.

Brands We Carry

We stock oil/water separators and replacement filter cartridges from trusted compressed-air brands including Air System Products (Accu-Sep, Accu-Zorb, and Posi-Zorb series), Clean Resources, Atlas Copco, Chicago Pneumatic, Champion, Nano, Pneumatech, and Trident. Alongside complete separator systems, you'll find replacement cartridges, filter modules, and service kits to keep your existing unit running at peak efficiency.

Complete Condensate Management

An oil/water separator works best as part of a full condensate management setup. Pair yours with an electronic or pneumatic condensate drain to move water reliably from your tank, dryer, and filters into the separator. If you need help sizing a separator to your system or matching a replacement cartridge, our team is ready to help — contact us or request a quote.