Two-stage helical oil separator

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved oil separator in which the oil/refrigerant mixture is caused to flow through two different filter elements. Each of the filter elements is contained in a separate chamber within the separator. A valve assembly is also provided that selectively permits only oil to flow from the first chamber to an oil collection area in the second chamber. The valve assembly regulates the flow of collected oil to the collection area such that the oil/refrigerant mixture cannot escape from the first chamber except by flowing through the filter element of the second chamber. In one embodiment, the valve assembly can include an elongated oil drain extending from a first end adjacent to an oil drain aperture in a dividing wall separating the first and second chambers to a second, open end. A valve seat is formed on the second end of the oil drain. A ball valve element is provided for selective sealing engagement with the valve seat, and the ball valve element is biased toward engagement with the valve seat by a resilient member. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a multi-stage device for separting oil from a gas. The device includes a first chamber having an access opening and containing a first filter element. A second chamber is provided adjacent to the first chamber, and contains a second, replaceable filter element. A passage is formed in the first chamber that leads from the second chamber through the access opening in the first chamber, whereby the second, removable filter element can be removed from the second chamber through the access opening via the passage. The second, replaceable filter element may be removed from the separator by means of an elongate handle member having a first end secured to the replaceable filter element, and a second end disposed adjacent to the access opening in the first chamber.