Pneumatic separators—also known as water separators—are essential pneumatic air preparation components that help eliminate moisture and mist from compressed air systems. They also serve a dual function by filtering out unwanted, and potentially harmful, contaminants such as dust and debris.
Why use pneumatic separators?
These devices play a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of pneumatic and compressed air systems. If moisture is not effectively removed, it can lead to condensation within pipes, tools, and instrumentation—causing wear, corrosion, and system malfunctions over time.
The presence of condensed water contributes to corrosion in both storage tanks and distribution lines. It can also lead to degradation of machinery and compromise the quality of end products. Additionally, moisture can strip away pre-applied lubricants on valves and actuators, shortening their service life. Overall, water buildup in pneumatic systems results in decreased productivity and increased maintenance requirements.
Key features and advantages of pneumatic separators
Some notable features and advantages of using pneumatic separators include:
Compact and lightweight construction for easy installation and repositioning
Automatic drainage system, offering hassle-free operation with minimal upkeep
Engineered to resist clogging for consistent performance
Modular Mist Separator AFM20 - AFM40
Modular mist separators from SMC are lightweight and easy to install, minimising the time spent on installation. The bowl guards in the AFM series are clear enabling users to view from any angle.
Lightweight
Interchangeable for mounting
Note
Transparent bowl is for body size 30 and over
Filters, Lubricators and Separators
High flow capacity filters, lubricators and separators with polycarbonate bowls. All have an ambient and media temperature range of 5 - 60°C and a proof pressure of 15 bar.
Modular Mist Separator AFM20 - AFM40
Modular mist separators from SMC are lightweight and easy to install, minimising the time spent on installation. The bowl guards in the AFM series are clear enabling users to view from any angle.
Lightweight
Interchangeable for mounting
Note
Transparent bowl is for body size 30 and over
Filters, Lubricators and Separators
High flow capacity filters, lubricators and separators with polycarbonate bowls. All have an ambient and media temperature range of 5 - 60°C and a proof pressure of 15 bar.
Modular Mist Separator AFM20 - AFM40
Modular mist separators from SMC are lightweight and easy to install, minimising the time spent on installation. The bowl guards in the AFM series are clear enabling users to view from any angle.
Lightweight
Interchangeable for mounting
Note
Transparent bowl is for body size 30 and over
Filters, Lubricators and Separators
High flow capacity filters, lubricators and separators with polycarbonate bowls. All have an ambient and media temperature range of 5 - 60°C and a proof pressure of 15 bar.
The SMC AWM series is made up of a regulator and a mist separator to provide optimum results in applications such as clean air blow operations
Nominal filtration rating 0.3 μm
Maximum operating pressure 1MPa
Ambient and fluid temperature from -5 to 60°C
The SMC drain separator is effective for removing water droplets from the air sucked into vacuum pumps and ejectors. Over 90% of droplets can be removed through the use of a special water droplet removing element. The provision of a drain cock makes it po
No drop in pressure
The SMC water separator can remove water droplets in compressed air. Use this product in cases where water must be avoided, but not so dry as when an air dryer is used. Through the adoption of an element that is exclusively used for removing water droplet
Max. operating pressure 1.0 Map
Glass fibre material
The SMC drain separator for vacuum is effective for removing water droplets from the air sucked into vacuum pumps and ejectors. Over 90% of droplets can be removed through the use of a special water droplet removing element. The provision of a drain cock
No drop in pressure
The SMC micro mist separators range from 1/8 to 2 and feature a rugged aluminium housing. These coalescing filters are nominally rated at 0.01 micron for a second stage of oil removal after a particulate filter and a coarser coalescing unit.
Particulate filtration, oil mist separation
Modular connection capable AM150C - 550C
Optional element life indicator
The SMC micro mist separators range from 1/8 to 2 and feature a rugged aluminium housing. These coalescing filters are nominally rated at 0.01 micron for a second stage of oil removal after a particulate filter and a coarser coalescing unit.
Particulate filtration, oil mist separation
Modular connection capable AM150C - 550C
Optional element life indicator
The SMC water separator can remove water droplets in compressed air. Use this product in cases where water must be avoided, but not so dry as when an air dryer is used. Through the adoption of an element that is exclusively used for removing water droplet
Max. operating pressure 1.0 Map
Glass fibre material
The SMC micro-mist separator combined with a prefilter. The AMH can separate and eliminate aerosol state oil mist in compressed air and remove carbon or dust of more than 0.01micron. The AMH series is suitable for drying, cleaning pneumatic measurement in
Fluororubber material
Medium air pressure
Drain guide
IN-OUT reversal direction
Degreasing wash
White Vaseline
Modular Micro Mist Separator AFD20 - AFD40
Micro mist separators from SMC are lightweight and easy to install, minimising the time spent on installation. The bowl guards in the AFD series are clear enabling users to view from any angle.
Simple and interchangeable mounting
Lightweight design
Note
Transparent bowl is for body size 30 and over
Filters, Lubricators and Separators
High flow capacity filters, lubricators and separators with polycarbonate bowls. All have an ambient and media temperature range of 5 - 60°C and a proof pressure of 15 bar.