CHAPTER 3
GENERAL SUPPORT MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Section I. MOISTURE SEPARATOR ASSEMBLY
from tank cap and remove washer (4),
3-1.
Description
backup ring (2), and packing (3).
(2) Do not remove instruction plate (7)
The moisture separator assembly consists of a
from the outside of shell (6).
hollow aluminum shell, which contains a cylindrical baffle
provided with three tilted circular vanes. High-pressure
b.
Cleaning and Inspection.
air from the compressor aftercooler enters the shell
(1) Wash all metal parts in dry-cleaning
through a port in the removable cap, and is directed
solvent (P-S-661) and dry with clean,
against the vanes. The shell cap contains ports which
lint free cloths.
accommodate an outlet fitting and the pressure relief
(2) Inspect all parts for distortion, wear,
valve assembly.
cracks, or other damage. Replace all
defective parts.
3-2.
Function
c.
Lubrication.
The compressed air flowing to the moisture
(1) Lubricate all preformed packings with a
separator has a water content in a vapor state. During
light film of pneumatic system
the compression phase, most of the water is squeezed
lubricating grease (MIL-L-4343) during
out of the air as a liquid. Before compressed air is made
assembly.
available for use, the water in liquid droplet form must be
(2) Lubricate all male threads with
separated from the compressed air. The moisture
pneumatic system lubricating grease
separator performs this function by directing the
(MIL-L-4343) during assembly.
incoming air-water mixture toward the vanes of the
internal baffle. The combination of swirling action,
d.
Assembly.
decrease in velocity, and increase in ratio of surface area
(1) Position packing (3) and backup ring
to volume causes the moisture and oil vapor in the air to
(2) on tank cap (1).
condense and settle to the bottom of the shell. Opening
(2) Place washer (4) on baffle (5). Screw
the drain permits high-pressure air to blow the
both parts into tank cap (1). Position
accumulated moisture and oil condensate to the
shell cap with baffle on shell (6) and
atmosphere.
screw shell cap into shell.
3-3.
Maintenance
e.
Test.
(1) Plug all open ports. Place unit in proof
General support maintenance personnel are
pressure chamber and pressurize unit
authorized to repair and test the moisture separator
with air to 3,750 psig for 1 minute.
assembly. Repair consists of replacement of defective
(2) Lower pressure to 2,000 psig and
components of the moisture separator as required.
check joint between cap and shell for
leakage by brushing with a soap
a. Disassembly.
solution or immersing in water. There
(1) Unscrew shell cap (1, fig. 3-1) from
should be no visible leakage.
top of shell (6). Unscrew baffle (5)
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