Air/Oil Separators for rotary screw and vane type air compressors provide the ultimate filtration, with a micron rating of 0.3. All particles passing through the air and lube oil filters, which are larger than 0.3 microns, will be trapped by the separator. Separators are constructed of a depth loading media, and have good dirt holding capabilities. The basic purpose of this product is to separate the oil from the air through coalescing action. The oil is physically trapped by the separator while allowing air to pass through. The oil is then drained down to the sump, removed by the pickup tube and return lines, and returned to the sump to be recompressed in a continuous cycle. A separator's life will vary considerably from thousands of hours down to very short cycles depending on usage and environmental conditions. (i.e. dust, humidity, smoke, pollution, etc...)