High-quality air/oil separator elements typically utilize multi-layered glass fiber or composite media, operating through three primary physical mechanisms. First is inertial impaction, where larger oil droplets strike the fibers due to high-velocity airflow. Second is diffusion interception, where microscopic oil mist particles are captured via random Brownian motion. Finally, gravity settling and coalescence occur as trapped micro-droplets merge into larger drops and drain back into the sump, achieving separation efficiencies exceeding 99%.
