How do oil mist separators work?
Oil mist separators keep critical systems protected by ensuring that only clean, oil-free air is released from your equipment. Let’s explore how they work and why they’re essential for maintaining clean operations and protecting both your machines and the environment.
Emission
As the system vents, air containing fine oil mist escapes through the outlet.
Condensation
Inside the GIEBEL VG-R separator, the air slows and changes direction, causing oil droplets to merge and form larger particles.
Separation
These condensed droplets are collected and drained or returned to the oil reservoir.
Filtration
A 3μm paper filter removes remaining aerosols and solid particles before the air is released.
01
During operation, air containing oil mist and aerosols is displaced through the adsorber as the fluid level in the tank rises. Fine oil particles are captured by the filter and adsorbent granulate. This prevents emissions and ensures only clean, dry air is released into the environment.
02
As pressure equalizes, the separated oil condenses and drains back into the tank. The internal structure of the adsorber directs the airflow for optimal contact between air and filter material, maximizing oil retention while minimizing flow resistance.
03
When the oil level drops, ambient air is drawn back through the adsorber. This reverse airflow removes a portion of the stored moisture, allowing the adsorbent to regenerate cyclically. The process restores adsorption capacity and extends the system’s service life.
FAQ regarding adsorbers in general.
Malfunctions & troubleshooting
Adsorption is a physical process in which atoms or molecules, known as the adsorptive, attach to the surface of a material called the adsorbent. This can take place in both gas phase and liquid phase systems, depending on whether the surrounding fluid is a gas or a liquid.
Adsorption is critical for maintaining the performance and reliability of hydraulic systems, gearboxes, barrels & IBCs, storage tanks, and transformers. It helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and improve operational efficiency.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are engineered to prevent condensation inside hydraulic systems, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, and transformers. As systems breathe during operation or temperature changes, moisture can enter and condense internally, causing corrosion, oil degradation, and system failures.
Each adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our high-performance desiccant mixture that adsorbs moisture before it can enter the system. This stops condensation at the source. With integrated particle filters, GIEBEL Adsorbers® also block contaminants, ensuring clean and dry system conditions and extending the service life of your equipment.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are used in a wide range of systems where preventing condensation and contamination is critical. These primarily include hydraulic units, gearboxes, storage tanks, barrels & IBCs, transformers.
Any system that exchanges air with its environment is at risk of moisture entering and condensing inside. GIEBEL Adsorbers® prevent this by adsorbing moisture and filtering particles before they can enter the system, making them essential for maintaining reliability and extending the service life of equipment across many industries.
GIEBEL Adsorbers® are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand harsh environments and provide long-lasting protection. Each unit includes a durable housing, which can be made from aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic depending on the application. Inside, the adsorber is filled with GIEBEL Xdry®, our desiccant mixture that effectively adsorbs moisture from the air.
To ensure complete system protection, every adsorber also includes integrated particle filters that block dust and contaminants. Depending on the model, optional accessories can be attached to meet specific system requirements. Every component is selected to deliver reliable performance and keep systems clean and dry.
GIEBEL offers both rechargeable and disposable adsorbers, each with a different approach to maintenance.
Rechargeable adsorbers can be serviced when the desiccant becomes saturated, as indicated by the color change of GIEBEL Xdry® from orange to green. These units are designed to be opened and refilled with fresh desiccant, and many models are supported with spare part kits containing replacement seals, filters, and other components to ensure full restoration of performance.
Disposable adsorbers are replaced entirely once the desiccant is saturated. GIEBEL Xdry ® does not contain cobalt dichloride or other toxic substances, making our disposable units safe to handle and environmentally friendly during disposal.
Regularly monitoring the desiccant color and replacing or servicing the adsorber as needed ensures continuous protection from condensation and contamination across all applications.
We care about you & your machinery!
REQUEST A CALL BACKMore than 16,000 companys trust GIEBEL Adsorbers® to keep their plants dry and clean.
Every year, our aeration dryers keep around 13,200 liters of water out of machines and storage tanks - to prevent them from being damaged.
Annually, our oil mist separators capture around 900 liters of oil in the form of aerosols - to protect people and the environment.