Filter insert for liquid separator and liquid separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter insert (100) for insertion into a housing (30), in particular into a pressure vessel of a liquid separator (200), comprising at least: a hollow cylindrical separating element (10) designed to separate liquids and / or aerosols from a gas stream by means of the coalescence principle; an annular disc-shaped flange (20) which is arranged on the end face at a central recess (12) of the separating element (10) and which can be arranged between a housing cover (32) of the housing (30) and a cylindrical housing body (34) of the housing (30); and a sealing element (50), which is directed on the end side to a radial inner side (48) of the flange (20) and is arranged between the flange (20) and the housing cover (32) in compliant use, sealing the original side (70) of the separating element (10) from the clean side (72) thereof. The invention also relates to a liquid separator (200) and to the use of the filter insert (100) in a liquid separator (200).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter insert for being inserted into a housing, in particular into the pressure vessel of a liquid separator, and to a liquid separator and an application of the filter insert in the liquid separator for removing oil from compressed air. Background Art

[0002] A liquid separator for separating oil aerosols from air, such as an air oil removal element, can be used for removing oil from compressed air in a compressed air system that is fed by an oil-lubricated coupling element, such as a compressor or a vacuum pump. Such a liquid separator has a pressure vessel or a pressure-resistant vessel of a filter insert and a coupling element that is configured to separate oil from air.

[0003] Oil-laden air flows into the pressure vessel through the raw air inlet so as to subsequently flow through the filter insert and finally leave the housing in a cleaned state through the clean air outlet. The filter insert has at least one filter element or separation element configured to separate oil from the raw air, such as a main separator and a reseparator.

[0004] The filter insert functions according to the coalescence principle. At least one hollow columnar separation element is configured as a hollow cylindrical coalescer that causes fine oil droplets to coalesce into larger oil droplets that settle downward due to gravity in the air oil removal element and downstream thereof. The settled oil droplets are drained away through at least one drain line or at least one drain pipe.

[0005] DE 102021100413 A1 discloses a filter insert, wherein the flange of the filter insert has at least one guiding structure into which at least one mating structure of the liquid separator configured complementary to the guiding structure can be inserted. Here, the guiding structure and the mating structure are configured according to the type of the key-lock principle. The guiding structure of the flange is a groove-shaped axial protrusion protruding away from the end side of the separation element of the flange. This shape of the guiding structure causes that only when the guiding structure and the mating structure are arranged spatially adapted to each other, in particular when the mating structure is inserted into the guiding structure, the support surface of the flange can be arranged on the support area of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved filter insert for being inserted into a housing, in particular into the pressure vessel of a liquid separator.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid separator having an improved filter insert.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to illustrate the use of an improved filter insert for removing oil from compressed air in a liquid separator.

[0009] The aforementioned object is achieved according to one aspect of the present invention by means of a filter insert for insertion into a housing, in particular into the pressure vessel of a liquid separator, the filter insert comprising at least: a hollow cylindrical separation element configured to separate liquids and / or aerosols from an air stream by means of the coalescence principle; an annular disc-shaped flange arranged at the central recess of the separation element on the end side, the flange being capable of being arranged between the housing cover of the housing and the cylindrical housing body of the housing; and a sealing element which points radially inwards towards the flange on the end side and is arranged between the flange and the housing cover in proper use to seal the raw side of the separation element relative to its clean side.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the further object is achieved by means of a liquid separator which comprises at least a housing, in particular a pressure vessel, and a filter insert arranged in the housing.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the further object is achieved by means of the use of a filter insert for removing oil from compressed air in a liquid separator, wherein the liquid separator belongs to a compressed air system which is fed by an oil-lubricated coupling element, such as by a compressor or by a vacuum pump.

[0012] Advantageous designs and advantages of the present invention result from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a filter insert for insertion into a housing, in particular into the pressure vessel of a liquid separator, the filter insert comprising at least: a hollow cylindrical separation element configured to separate liquids and / or aerosols from an air stream by means of the coalescence principle; an annular disc-shaped flange arranged at the central recess of the separation element on the end side, the flange being capable of being arranged between the housing cover of the housing and the cylindrical housing body of the housing; and a sealing element which points radially inwards towards the flange on the end side and is arranged between the flange and the housing cover in proper use to seal the raw side of the separation element relative to its clean side.

[0014] The proposed filter insert, for example, serves as an oil separator element in a compressor application. Such liquid separators usually have a bypass valve as a safety measure on the raw side of the liquid separator. The bypass valve is opened in the event of a critical pressure difference. The clean side of the proposed liquid separator can be effectively sealed against the raw side by means of a sealing element arranged at the flange of the filter insert, since the sealing element is arranged radially at the filter insert within the bypass valve.

[0015] Advantageously, the sealing element can be pre-assembled at the flange of the proposed filter insert in the filter insert.

[0016] The sealing element can, for example, be configured in a Z-shape in a longitudinal section, and the shape of the sealing element is designed for simple assembly without adversely affecting the functionality of the sealing element.

[0017] Advantageously, costly machining of the housing cover can thus be dispensed with, where trapezoidal slits are usually introduced according to the prior art for mounting an O-ring as a seal.

[0018] Maintenance can be carried out more simply and inexpensively, since the costly replacement of the O-ring in the housing cover can be dispensed with. The sealing element arranged at the flange of the filter insert is replaced when the filter insert is replaced.

[0019] The filter insert with the sealing element arranged at the flange can also be used with existing compressors provided with O-ring seals and is thus backward compatible.

[0020] The sealing element can, for example, be made of fluororubber monomer (FKM). Alternatively, other elastomers are also suitable as the sealing element.

[0021] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the flange can be configured in a stepped manner in a longitudinal section and has at least two steps arranged successively in a stepped manner extending into the interior of the separating element. The steps each have a region extending axially and a region extending radially. The axially extending region of the radially innermost step can abut against a central notch of the hollow cylindrical separating element, and the radially extending region of the radially innermost step covers the end side of the separating element. Here, the sealing element can be arranged at the step following the radially innermost step, wherein the sealing element can have a sealing lip pointing radially outwards and an annular body following it pointing in the axial direction. By means of the stepped configuration of the flange, it is possible to perform not only the centering assembly of the flange in the notch of the separating element in a simple manner, but also the centering assembly of the filter insert together with the flange in the housing body. The annular body of the sealing element imparts sufficient stiffness to the sealing element to facilitate handling of the sealing element. The sealing lip is provided for sealing against the housing cover.

[0022] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the annular body can be placed on the radially extending region of the innermost step in normal use and abut against the axially extending region of the step following the radially innermost step on the radial inner side. Here, the sealing lip can be placed on the radially extending region of the step of the flange following the radially innermost step. The sealing element can then be easily assembled on the flange. The annular body of the sealing element imparts sufficient stiffness to the sealing element to facilitate handling of the sealing element. When the filter insert is inserted into the housing body and the housing is closed with the housing cover, the sealing lip is provided for sealing against the housing cover.

[0023] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the sealing element can be non-separably clamped or bonded or injection-molded to the flange. In this way, the sealing element can be non-separably arranged at the flange. Thereby, the flange can be reliably assembled together with the sealing element to the separating element. It also simplifies the handling of the sealing element and the flange.

[0024] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the flange can be pressed or glued into the central notch of the separating element. In particular, here, the axially extending region and / or the radially extending region of the innermost step of the flange can be pressed or glued into the central notch and / or the end side of the separating element. In this way, the flange together with the sealing element can be non-separably arranged at the separating element.

[0025] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the flange can at least have a support surface at its radially outer edge, which support surface is configured to support on the upper support region of the housing body facing the housing cover. The support surface can belong to a radially extending region of a step following the radially innermost step. Here, a further sealing element can be arranged at the support surface of the flange such that the further sealing element is arranged between the flange and the housing of the liquid separator in proper use and seals the housing against the ambient pressure. Thus, reliable operation of the liquid separator can be ensured even in the case of higher fluid pressures.

[0026] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the further sealing element can have a circumferential sealing body protruding radially beyond the outer edge of the flange, at which sealing body a sealing element projection extending in the axial direction is arranged. Here, the sealing element projection can be inserted into a groove arranged circumferentially in the sealing surface of the housing body in proper use. Thus, reliable operation of the liquid separator can be ensured even in the case of higher fluid pressures.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the filter insert, the further sealing element can be non-separably clamped or adhesively bonded or injection-molded at the outer edge of the flange. In this way, with the insertion of the filter insert into the housing body, the further sealing element can be reliably installed at its intended sealing position in a simple manner.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a liquid separator is proposed, which at least comprises a housing, in particular a pressure vessel, and a filter insert arranged in the housing.

[0029] The proposed liquid separator, for example, is embodied as an oil separator in a compressor application scenario. Such liquid separators usually have a bypass valve as a safety measure on the primary side of the liquid separator. The bypass valve is opened when a critical pressure difference is reached. The clean side of the proposed liquid separator can be effectively sealed against the primary side by means of a sealing element arranged at the flange of the filter insert, since the sealing element is arranged radially within the bypass valve at the filter insert.

[0030] According to an advantageous design of the liquid separator, the support surface of the flange can be clamped between the housing cover and the housing body in the closed state of the housing. The housing body can have at least one flange recess configured to receive the support surface. Here, the radius of the flange can be so much smaller than the radius of the housing that the housing cover directly rests on the housing body at the radially outer region adjacent to the flange recess. Thus, reliable operation of the liquid separator can be ensured even in the case of higher fluid pressures.

[0031] According to an advantageous design of the liquid separator, the sealing surface of the housing body can have a surrounding groove for receiving the sealing element projection of a further sealing element. In this way, the sealing element projection can be reliably positioned for an advantageous sealing effect and appropriately fulfill its additional sealing function.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, an application of the filter insert in the liquid separator for degreasing compressed air is proposed, wherein the liquid separator belongs to a compressed air system which is fed via an oil-lubricated coupling element, for example via a compressor or via a vacuum pump. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Further advantages result from the following description of the drawings. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims include a large number of combined features. A person skilled in the art also separately considers these features in a suitable manner and combines them into meaningful further combinations.

[0034] Exemplarily:

[0035] Figure 1 A longitudinal section of a filter insert according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 Shows according to Figure 1 an isometric view of the filter insert;

[0037] Figure 3 A longitudinal section of a liquid separator having a filter insert according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 Shows according to Figure 3 a cut-away isometric view of the liquid separator;

[0039] Figure 5 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned filter insert according to an embodiment of the invention having a sealing element is shown;

[0040] Figure 6 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned filter insert according to a further embodiment of the invention having a further sealing element is shown;

[0041] Figure 7 A cross-section of the sealing element of the flange of a filter insert according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator having a filter insert according to an embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 9 shows a detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator with a filter insert according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 10 shows a detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator with a filter insert according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0045] Identical or same - type components are labeled with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures only show examples and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a filter insert 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the filter insert 100. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of a liquid separator 200 with a filter insert 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 4 shows a sectioned isometric view of the liquid separator 200.

[0047] The filter insert 100 in the liquid separator 200 is used, for example, for removing oil from compressed air. Here, the liquid separator 200 can be assigned to a compressed - air system that is fed by an oil - lubricated coupling element, for example, by a compressor or by a vacuum pump.

[0048] The filter insert 100 includes a hollow - cylindrical separating element 10 that is configured to separate liquids and / or aerosols from an air flow by means of the coalescence principle, and an annular - disk - shaped flange 20 that is arranged at a central recess 12 of the separating element 10 on the end side. When the filter insert 100 is properly inserted into the liquid separator 200, the flange is arranged between the housing cover 32 and the cylindrical housing body 34.

[0049] The filter insert 100 is closed at the end opposite the end side 14 of the separating element 10 with an end disk 16. The end disk 16 is arched and forms a liquid - collecting region 18 inside it. The liquid - collecting region 18 is used to receive the liquid separated from the separating element 10, in particular the separated oil.

[0050] The filter insert 100 is constructed rotationally symmetrically about a symmetry axis 80. Except for the accessories and the air supply 74 and the exhaust 76, the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200 can also be constructed rotationally symmetrically.

[0051] An air stream having a liquid and / or aerosol to be separated enters the original region of the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200 through the air supply 74 on the original side 70 of the separating element 10 and flows through the separating element 10 to the clean region of the housing 30 on the clean side 72 of the separating element 10. Here, the liquid and / or aerosol is separated at the body of the separating element 10 and collected in the liquid collection region 18. The possible liquid level in the liquid collection region 18 is shown as a dashed line.

[0052] The cleaned gas exits the housing 30 again through the recess 12 of the separating element 10 and the exhaust 76 in the housing cover 32. The housing body 34 has a liquid collection volume 78, in particular an oil collection volume or an oil collection chamber, for collecting the liquid, in particular oil, separated by pre-separation, in particular by gravity and / or by centrifugal force when the original air flows tangentially into the housing body 34. The possible liquid level in the liquid collection volume 78 is shown as a dashed line.

[0053] The sealing element 50 points towards the radially inner side 48 of the flange 20 at the end side 14. The sealing element 50 is arranged between the flange 20 and the housing cover 32 and thus seals the original side 70 of the separating element 10 relative to the clean side 72 when the housing 30 is closed.

[0054] At the radially outer edge 23, the flange 20 has a further sealing element 60. The further sealing element 60 is arranged between the flange 20 and the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200 when the housing 30 is closed and seals the housing 30 relative to the ambient pressure.

[0055] The housing cover 32 has at least one opening 42 for inserting a (not shown) bypass valve. In order for the air stream to penetrate the bypass valve during blowing, the flange 20 has a corresponding flange opening 44 which is arranged in a grouped distribution on the circumference of the flange 20. Since the sealing lip 54 of the sealing element 50 is arranged radially within the opening 42 for the bypass valve, the original side 70 can be effectively sealed relative to the clean side 72 with the sealing element 50.

[0056] In Figure 5 a detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned filter insert 100 according to an embodiment of the invention with a sealing element 50 can be seen.

[0057] The sealing element 50 points towards the radially inner side 48 of the flange 20 at the end side. When the filter insert 100 is properly arranged in the liquid separator 200, the sealing element 50 is arranged between the flange 20 and the housing cover 32 and thus seals the original side 70 of the separating element 10 relative to its clean side 72 when the housing 30 is closed.

[0058] As can be seen in the detailed view in Figure 5 the flange 20 is stair-shaped in a longitudinal section and has at least two successively arranged stair-shaped steps 24, 25 extending into the interior of the separating element 10, the steps each having an axially extending region 26, 28 and a radially extending region 27, 29.

[0059] The axially extending region 26 of the radially innermost step 24 abuts against the central recess 12 of the hollow cylindrical separating element 10. The radially extending region 27 of the radially innermost step 24 covers the end side 14 of the separating element 10.

[0060] A sealing element 50 is arranged at the step 25 following the radially innermost step 24. The sealing element 50 has a radially outwardly directed sealing lip 54 and a subsequent annular body 52 directed in the axial direction.

[0061] The annular body 52 is placed in a compliant use on the radially extending region 27 of the innermost step 24 and abuts with its outer side 53 radially inwardly against the axially extending region 28 of the step 25 following the radially innermost step 24. The sealing lip 54 is placed on the radially extending region 29 of the step 25 following the radially innermost step 24 of the flange 20.

[0062] The flange 20 is non-detachably connected to the separating element 10 and can, for example, be pressed or glued into the central recess 12 of the separating element 10. In particular, here, the axially extending region 26 and / or the radially extending region 27 of the innermost step 24 of the flange 20 can be pressed or glued into the central recess 12 and / or the end side 14 of the separating element 10.

[0063] Figure 6 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned filter insert 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention with a further sealing element 60 is shown.

[0064] In Figure 6 the flange 20 of the filter insert 100 shown is constructed as the flange 20 of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 However, in addition to the sealing element 50, a further sealing element 60 is arranged at the flange 20, which serves to seal the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200 relative to the surroundings.

[0065] The further sealing element 60 has an encircling sealing body 62 protruding radially beyond the outer edge 23 of the flange 20, at which a sealing element projection 64 extending in the axial direction is arranged.

[0066] InFigure 6 In the longitudinal section shown in Figure 6 , a flange opening 44 can be seen in the support surface 22 of the outwardly directed edge 23. This flange opening serves to enable the air flow, when blown out, to penetrate the bypass valve from the original area of the housing 30 on the original side 70 of the separating element 10.

[0067] Figure 7 A cross section transverse to the seal element 50 of the flange 20 is shown. The seal element 50 is configured annularly and has a centrally located opening 56.

[0068] The seal element 50 can be, for example, non - separable clamped or adhesively bonded or injection - molded to the flange 20.

[0069] Figure 8 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator 200 with a filter insert 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0070] In the detailed view, the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200, for example a pressure vessel, can be partially seen. It has a housing body 34 and a housing cover 32. A filter insert 100 is assembled in the housing 30, which can also only be partially seen.

[0071] The housing cover 32 has an opening 42 for inserting a (not shown) bypass valve. To enable the air flow to penetrate the bypass valve when blown out, the flange 20 has a flange opening 44. Since the sealing lip 54 of the seal element 50 is arranged radially within the opening 42 for the bypass valve, the original side 70 can be effectively sealed with respect to the clean side 72 using the seal element 50.

[0072] Furthermore, the flange 20 has a support surface 22 at its radially outer edge 23. When assembling the filter insert 100, this support surface supports on the upper support area of the housing body 34 facing the housing cover 32. Here, the support surface 22 belongs to the radially extending area 29 of the step 25 following the radially innermost step 24 and represents an extension of the radially extending area 29.

[0073] The support surface 22 of the flange 20 is clamped between the housing cover 32 and the housing body 34 in the closed state of the housing 30. The housing body 34 has a flange recess 46 configured to receive the support surface 22. The radius of the flange 20 is furthermore smaller than the radius of the housing 30, such that the housing cover 32 directly rests with a sealing surface 36 on the housing body 34 in the radially outer area adjacent to the flange recess 46.

[0074] In Figure 9 a detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator 200 with a filter insert according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] WithFigure 8 The embodiment shown in Figure 8 differs in that the housing cover 32 has a surrounding groove 40 which, according to the prior art, can be provided for an O-ring seal between the filter insert 100 and the housing cover 32, but this O-ring seal is no longer required in the proposed filter insert 100 with the sealing element 50 arranged at the flange 20. The sealing lip 54 of the sealing element 50 can advantageously also seal against such a housing cover 32, since the sealing lip 54 advantageously bridges the groove 40.

[0076] Figure 10 A detailed view of a longitudinally sectioned liquid separator 200 with a filter insert 100 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0077] In this embodiment, a further sealing element 60 is arranged at the support surface 22 of the flange 20. The further sealing element 60 is arranged between the flange 20 and the housing 30 of the liquid separator 200 when the housing 30 is closed and seals the housing 30 against the ambient pressure.

[0078] The further sealing element 60 has a surrounding sealing body 62 which projects radially beyond the outer edge 23 of the flange 20, and at which a sealing element projection 64 extending in the axial direction is arranged.

[0079] Here, the sealing surface 36 of the housing body 34 has a surrounding groove 38 for receiving the sealing element projection 64 of the further sealing element 60. The sealing element projection 64 is inserted into the groove 38 when the filter insert 100 is assembled. The further sealing element 60 is then pressed between the housing body 34 and the housing cover 32 when the housing is closed. Here, the sealing element projection 64 is pressed into the groove 38. In this way, the interior of the housing 30 is reliably sealed against the surroundings.

[0080] The further sealing element 60 can be non-detachably, for example, clamped or glued or injection-molded at the outer edge 23 of the flange 20.

[0081] List of reference numerals:

[0082] 10 Separation element

[0083] 12 Notch

[0084] 14 End side

[0085] 16 End plate

[0086] 18 Liquid collection area

[0087] 20 Flange

[0088] 22 Support surface

[0089] 23 Edge

[0090] 24 Radially Inner Step

[0091] 25 Radially Outer Step

[0092] 26 Axially Extending Region of the Radially Innermost Step

[0093] 27 Radially Extending Region of the Radially Innermost Step

[0094] 28 Axially Extending Region of the Radially Following Step

[0095] 29 Radially Extending Region of the Radially Following Step

[0096] 30 Housing

[0097] 32 Housing Cover

[0098] 34 Housing Body

[0099] 36 Sealing Surface

[0100] 38 Groove

[0101] 40 Groove

[0102] 42 Opening for Bypass Valve

[0103] 44 Flange Opening

[0104] 46 Flange Notch

[0105] 48 Radial Inside

[0106] 50 Sealing Element

[0107] 52 Annular Body

[0108] 53 Outer Side

[0109] 54 Sealing Lip

[0110] 56 Opening

[0111] 60 Additional Sealing Element

[0112] 62 Sealing Body

[0113] 64 Sealing Element Projection

[0114] 70 Original Side

[0115] 72 Clean Side

[0116] 74 Original Air Inlet

[0117] 76 Clean Air Outlet

[0118] 78 Liquid collection volume

[0119] 80 Axis of symmetry

[0120] 100 Filter insert

[0121] 200 Liquid separator.

Claims

1. A filter insert (100) for installation in a housing (30), in particular in a pressure vessel of a liquid separator (200), the filter insert comprising at least: A hollow cylindrical separation element (10) is designed to separate liquids and / or aerosols from a gas stream by means of the coalescence principle, an annular disk-shaped flange (20) arranged on the end side at a central recess (12) of the separating element (10), which flange can be arranged between a housing cover (32) of the housing (30) and a cylindrical housing body (34) of the housing (30), and A sealing element (50) is disposed on the end side facing the radial inner side (48) of the flange (20) and, in proper use, is arranged between the flange (20) and the housing cover (32) to seal the raw side (70) of the separation element (10) relative to the clean side (72) thereof.

2. The filter insert of claim 1, wherein: The flange (20) is designed in a stair-like manner in a longitudinal section and has at least two steps (24, 25) arranged one behind the other in a stair-like manner extending into the interior of the separation element (10), each step having an axially extending region (26, 28) and a radially extending region (27, 29). wherein an axially extending region (26) of the radially innermost step (24) abuts against a central recess (12) of the hollow cylindrical separating element (10), and a radially extending region (27) of the radially innermost step (24) covers the end face (14) of the separation element (10), and The sealing element (50) is arranged on a step (25) following the radially innermost step (24), wherein the sealing element (50) has a sealing lip (54) pointing radially outward and a subsequent annular body (52) pointing in the axial direction.

3. The filter insert of claim 1, wherein: The annular body (52) is placed, in intended use, on the radially extending region (27) of the innermost step (24) and bears radially inwardly against the axially extending region (28) of the step (25) following the radially innermost step (24), and The sealing lip (54) is placed on a radially extending region (29) of the step (25) of the flange (20) following the radially innermost step (24).

4. A filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sealing element (50) is clamped or bonded or injection-molded onto the flange (20) in a separation-proof manner.

5. A filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flange (20) is pressed or glued into a central recess (12) of the separation element (10). In particular, an axially extending region (26) of the innermost step (24) of the flange (20) and / or a radially extending region (27) of the innermost step (24) are pressed or glued into a central recess (12) and / or an end face (14) of the separation element (10).

6. A filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flange (20) has a support surface (22) at least at its radially outer edge (23), which is designed to support on an upper support area of ​​the housing body (34) facing the housing cover (32), wherein the support surface (22) is assigned to a radially extending area (29) of the step (25) following the radially innermost step (24), A further sealing element (60) is arranged on the supporting surface (22) of the flange (20) in such a way that, in proper use, it is arranged between the flange (20) and the housing (30) of the liquid separator (200) and seals the housing (30) against the ambient pressure.

7. A filter insert according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The further sealing element (60) has a circumferential sealing body (62) which protrudes radially beyond an outer edge (23) of the flange (20) and on which a sealing element projection (64) extending in the axial direction is arranged. In the case of intended use, the sealing element projection (64) engages in a groove (38) which is arranged circumferentially in a sealing surface (36) of the housing body (34).

8. The filter insert of claim 7, wherein: The further sealing element (60) is clamped or bonded or injection-molded in a detachably secured manner to the outer edge (23) of the flange (20).

9. A liquid separator (200), comprising at least: A housing (30), in particular a pressure vessel, and a filter insert (100) arranged in the housing (30) according to any of the preceding claims.

10. The liquid separator according to claim 9, wherein: The supporting surface (22) of the flange (20) is clamped between the housing cover (32) and the housing body (34) in the closed state of the housing (30). The housing body (34) has at least one flange recess (46) configured to receive the support surface (22), and The radius of the flange (20) is so small as to be smaller than the radius of the housing (30) that the housing cover (32) rests directly on the housing body (34) in a radially outer region adjacent to the flange recess (46).

11. The liquid separator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The sealing surface (36) of the housing body (34) has a circumferential groove (38) for receiving a sealing element projection (64) of the further sealing element (60).

12. Use of the filter insert (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in a liquid separator (200) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 for deoiling compressed air, wherein: The liquid separator (200) is associated with a compressed air system which is fed via an oil-lubricated connecting element, for example via a compressor or via a vacuum pump.

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