simple oil separator

Built an oil separator to stick in the line ahead of my steam condenser, so that I don't get oil sludge building up in my coil over time. Works well, though with the rather wet steam the Jensen has, I found I trapped just as much water in the jar as I got out of the coil. Still, the whole point is to keep the humidity down, and this 2-stage system does that very well.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Steam
• Engine
• Condenser
• Distillation

[ClandestineCowboy]

How much vacuum can you pull with that little engine? reminds me of something my grandfather would have made. . . Neat!

[MisterOcclusion]

I'm afraid I would not know... This is just a hobby, after all ;)

[twobytwice]

Not explained very well, not sure what is going on?

[MisterOcclusion]

Sorry. I just needed something to remove the oil from the steam before it hits the condenser coils, else the condenser will eventually get clogged with oil, reducing its efficiency. Steam/water/oil enter the jar and only clean steam goes on into the condenser. In practice a fair bit of steam also condenses inside the jar

[jommy99]

Nice, do you have an oiler on the engine?

[MisterOcclusion]

Not yet. I just tend to over-oil everything and it spits a lot out when I start up. Problem with this contraption is a whole lot of water collects in it as well, which kinda takes away from the point of having the condenser and a great big jug on the floor under it. Maybe I'll start oiling less...

[mroldfartful]

looks like its doing the job .. in a basic way . I may have an application for this which may make use of your basic idea. Email me please on walbudri@yahoo.co.uk

[dragonflyhottie]

and this is simple? lol

[lazyray304]

simple???

[covertgreen]

what???

[circusboy90210]

I had one of those as a kid ... wish I still had it... kept me fascinated for hours.

[coffeepants]

How does it work?