Separator element and pressure storage system

Abstract

Separation element (10) for separating a liquid from a media stream, in particular an air de-oiling element for an air stream, comprising: - at least one hollow cylindrical filter body (12) which acts as a coalescing element and which has at least one support element (jacket) (14) and at least one first filter medium (16) arranged radially outside the jacket (14) as a coalescing stage, wherein the filter body (12) separates a raw side (52) from a clean side (50) of the separation element (12); - a first end disk (20) and a second end disk (22), which are arranged accordingly on opposite end faces (24, 26) of the filter body (12); - a receiving device (38), which is preferably arranged centrally on the inside of the first end disk (20) and opens into the interior (30) of the filter body (12), wherein, when the separation element (10) is correctly installed in a pressure storage system (100) is,The receiving device (38) is provided for supporting the separating element (10) on a central tube (108) of the pressure storage system (100), wherein the filter body (12) is designed such that a media flow passes radially through it, and wherein the liquid that has been separated in the filter body (12) flows from the separating element (10) via at least one outlet opening (32) in the second end disk (22), wherein the first end disk (20) has a centrally arranged gripping element (34) for axially fixing the separating element (10) in a correctly installed state in the pressure storage system (100).

Description

Technical field The invention relates to a separating element for separating a liquid from a gas stream, preferably an air stream, in particular for use as an oil separating element of a pressure storage system, and a pressure storage system for the installation of such a replaceable separating element. State of the art Separator elements are commonly used to remove oil from the air of compressors, especially oil-lubricated and oil-cooled screw compressors. In screw compressors, it is common for air to come into contact with oil. The oil is used for sealing, cooling, and lubricating the screw compressor and is carried in quantities ranging from 1 to 5 kg per m³ of air. In such screw compressors, separator elements, often called oil (mist) separators, are frequently used to remove oil droplets from the compressed air. Separator elements, such as air oil separators and air oil separator boxes, are used to remove the oil from this compressed air, and the separated oil is returned to the oil circuit. Air oil separator boxes are often designed as replaceable filters with a housing, a lid, and a separator element.Air oil separators are separating elements in the form of inserts that are placed in the pressure vessel of the compressor. A device of the air-de-oiling element type is known from EP 1 694 424 A1. A spin-on type device for separating oil droplets from the air is known from DE 85 01 736 U1. This device is based on a system designed as an air dryer for compressed air systems, in particular compressed air brake systems of vehicles that can be recharged by a compressor. The device operates with a drying medium that has a limited absorption capacity and therefore needs to be regenerated frequently, depending on the amount of liquid in the air to be dried. The device for separating oil droplets from the air is designed such that the fully assembled pressure vessel can be brought into the operating position by simply screwing it on, and the collected oil can be continuously discharged. The separator element is designed as an annular coalescing element and agglomerates the fine oil droplets in a generally known manner to form larger oil droplets, which accumulate in and below the separator element due to gravity. The separator head is equipped with a central tube that opens into the outlet channel for the discharge of clean air and protrudes above a threaded pipe connector, forming an annular gap that is connected to a separate drain channel for the discharge of the separated oil. To avoid an airflow that could bypass the separating element and negatively affect the separation process, the separating element has an end disc on one end face, which is sealed via a radially acting sealing ring on a cylindrical extension of the threaded central tube. DE 20 2006 019 003 U1 discloses a liquid separator, in particular an oil separator for compressed air systems, comprising a separating element and a housing, wherein the housing includes a lid and a pot, wherein the separating element is arranged sealingly in the housing and the housing is detachably connectable to a counterpart, wherein the housing is connectable to the counterpart by means of a bayonet connection. Disclosure of the invention The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a replaceable separating element for use in a pressure storage system, in particular a pressure vessel of a compressor, wherein the separating element is intended to ensure a continuous release of the separated fluid and to enable easy installation and removal of the separating element in a maintenance-friendly manner. A further object of the invention is therefore to provide a pressure storage system for the use of such an exchangeable separating element. According to one aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned problems are solved by a separation element according to claim 1. A separating element for separating a liquid, particularly in the form of liquid droplets or aerosols, from a gas stream, particularly an air stream, comprises at least a first hollow cylindrical filter body, which acts as a coalescing element and which contains at least one support element and at least one first filter medium arranged radially outside the support element, wherein the filter body separates a raw side from a clean side of the separating element. The separating element further comprises a first end disk and a second end disk, which are arranged accordingly on opposite end faces of the filter body, and a receiving device, which is arranged centrally on one of the two end disks and is open towards the interior of the filter body. Preferred embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawings. A separation element for separating a fluid from a media stream, in particular an air stream, is proposed, comprising at least one hollow cylindrical filter body acting as a coalescing element, and comprising at least one first support element, and at least one first filter medium radially outside the first support element, wherein the filter body separates a raw side from a clean side of the separation element. Additionally, the separation element comprises a first end disk and a second end disk, which are arranged accordingly on opposite end faces of the filter body, and a receiving device, which is arranged centrally on one of the two end disks and projects into or opens into the interior of the filter body.Furthermore, when the separator element is correctly installed in a pressure storage system, the mounting device serves to support the separator element against a central tube of the pressure storage system and to seal the central tube fluid-tight. The filter body is designed so that a media flow passes radially through it, with the fluid separated in the filter body flowing out of the separator element via an outlet opening in the second end plate. The key advantage of the separation element according to the invention lies in the simple and maintenance-friendly design of the connection geometry and the connections for a pressure storage system into which the replaceable separation system can be installed. The separation system is essentially designed as a circular filter system with a multi-layered filter body through which a medium, in particular air, can flow radially from the outside to the inside. The filter body is essentially sealed at both end faces. The filter body has a support element on the inner side, which acts as a mechanical support against the flow pressure and which is interrupted by openings so that the medium flow can pass through. In a preferred embodiment, two filter media arranged one after the other are used for coalescence and separation of a fluid, such as oil from an air stream, which are arranged radially outside the support element. In one embodiment, a first end plate is provided, which is arranged at the top and has a receiving device extending axially from the upper end face of the filter body and serving as a support on a central tube of a pressure storage system into which the separating element is inserted. Simultaneously, the central tube serves to drain the cleaned media flow from the separating element. For this purpose, the hollow central tube advantageously has openings through which the media flow can enter the interior of the central tube. Due to gravity, the separated fluid inside the filter body drips onto the lower end of the filter body, which is closed, for example, by means of the second end plate, and collects on and / or at the second end plate.A collection chamber for the collected fluid can advantageously be provided in the second end disk, preferably designed as an annular channel extending axially from the lower end face of the filter body, with its lowest inner surface located below the lower end face of the filter body. This second end disk has one or more outlet openings through which the separated fluid, for example, oil, can drain from the separating element when it reaches a certain level and can advantageously be returned to an oil reservoir. Alternatively, the fluid can also be drawn off. The one or more outlet openings are preferably arranged on the radially inner wall of the collection chamber.Furthermore, they are preferably arranged in an axial position below the radially outermost edge of the second end disk located on the raw side, to ensure that all the separated liquid flows radially inwards, preferably to a receptacle (flange) that is radially surrounded by the second end disk. The support element (shell) of the filter body can be designed as a metallic structure, while multiply wound plastic and glass fiber nonwoven materials, which facilitate coalescence and drainage, are typically used as the filter media. The two end discs of the separator element are, for example, made of sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment, the first filter medium is a nonwoven medium made of glass fibers and / or synthetic fibers. It can be folded in a star shape and supported radially on the support element (sheath). Alternatively, it can be wound around the support element in one or more layers. In an advantageous embodiment, the filter body contains a second filter medium and preferably a third filter medium. Advantageously, each additional filter medium stage is provided with a separate second and third support element (jacket). The second and / or third filter media can be folded in a star shape and supported radially by the support element. Alternatively, they can also be wound in one or more layers around the corresponding support element or around the first filter medium layer. The second and third filter media are also preferably a nonwoven medium made of glass fibers and / or synthetic fibers. If more than one filter medium is provided, the first filter medium can be a coalescing stage in which small liquid droplets are collected on the fibers and larger droplets exit the medium on the other side. The second stage can be used as a separation layer, advantageously an oleophobic one, to separate the droplets from the gas stream. Even more preferably, another stage can be used as a particle pre-separator so that solid particles do not block the coalescing and separation stages. The support elements are preferably designed in a cylindrical shape (for example, a tube) and have a multitude of flow openings for the gas flow. This can be achieved with perforated sheets, expanded metal or plastic plates, or by injection-molded cylindrical grids. According to the invention, the first end disk has a centrally arranged grip element for axially fixing the separator element in a correctly installed state within a pressure storage system. The first end disk, which is located at the top when the separator element is installed, can be extended, for example, upwards in the axial direction in the form of a support on the inside, such as in the form of the receiving device for the central tube, which extends axially from the upper end face to form a grip element on the outside of the first end disk. This grip element advantageously also has an edge that preferably projects radially from the grip element as a ring or collar to facilitate gripping the separator element during installation and removal within a pressure storage system. The preferably annular collar allows for rotational freedom when gripping the grip element.In other words, the handle element can be the outside of the receiving device, and the receiving device can be the inside of the handle element, and vice versa. Therefore, the terms "receiving device" and "handle element" can refer to the same structure. The separating element can also be axially fixed using this handle element by means of a fixing element provided on the handle element, so that, for example, when closing a lid of the pressure storage system, the lid contacts the handle element at a connection surface of the handle element, the connection surface being located on an axial end face of the handle element and on the outside of the receiving device, and presses down on the handle element, thereby also pressing the separating element against the central tube. In an alternative embodiment, the grip element can be designed such that its gripping area is predominantly or entirely limited to the area of ​​the recess, which forms an anti-rotation structure, and not as a circular collar projecting from the grip element. In particular, the grip element can be prominently cylindrical, with the gripping areas on its outer surface formed by recesses that point radially inward into the receiving device, thus forming the gripping area. This design provides a relatively secure grip with a predominantly cylindrical receiving device, allowing the separating element to be reliably grasped within the gripping area of ​​the grip element. For manufacturing reasons, a soft transition zone, i.e.,The transition radius between the flat top surface of the end disc and the recess area is formed with a comparatively large radius to reduce stresses in the sheet metal of the end disc during the formation of the recess area by deep drawing or similar processes. Therefore, the stretching of the sheet metal during forming can be kept at a relatively low level, thus reducing stresses in the material. In a preferred embodiment, for safe handling of the separating element, two recess areas for forming the recess areas of the handle element can be arranged on the circumference of the receiving device, particularly symmetrically opposite to each other and of the same size. The handle element may preferably have an integrated anti-rotation structure designed or present for interaction with a counter-structure in a pressure storage system. Since the media flow typically flows tangentially against the separator element installed in a pressure storage system, the separator element tends to rotate during operation, possibly aided by vibrations that necessarily occur in a compressor. Such rotations over a long period place considerable stress on the seal that serves to seal the separator element to the pressure vessel of the pressure storage system, resulting in a very limited service life for the seal.Such impairment of the separating element can be avoided by using an anti-rotation structure, for example in the form of a flattening of a circular contour of the handle element, which prevents such rotation during the operation of the pressure storage system. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-rotation structure is provided on the receiving device and the central tube, wherein the radially inner shape of the receiving device and the radially outer shape of the upper part of the central tube interlock to create a form fit that prevents rotation of the separating element. This can be achieved by providing at least one recessed area of ​​the upper annular part of the central tube, for example, a flat recessed area along a secant through the circular cross-section of the upper part of the central tube, but other shapes, such as polygonal shapes or segments of a circle, are also possible. A corresponding contour is preferably provided on the receiving device and preferably also on the grip element, which is arranged on the outside of the preferably circular receiving device at the first end disk.The corresponding contour can be formed as at least one recessed area of ​​the preferably cylindrical inner volume of the receiving device, for example, a flat recess along the secant through the circular cross-section of the receiving device, but other shapes, such as polygonal shapes or segments of a circle shaped like a bite into an apple, are also possible. In a preferred combination, two recessed areas are used. It is even more preferred if the recessed areas on the upper part of the central tube are two flat recesses along secants of the circular cross-section of the central tube, which are arranged symmetrically opposite each other and have the same size.The recesses of the receiving device, on the other hand, have apple-bite shapes with a circular contour, in particular symmetrically opposite to each other and of the same size, preferably of such a size that they and the recesses of the upper part of the central tube interlock. This combination has the advantage that rotation of the separating element can be prevented and at the same time the positioning of the receiving device on the central tube in the correct position during maintenance is made easier when the separating element is replaced. According to an alternative embodiment, the anti-rotation structure can be formed not as a recessed area of ​​the handle element, but rather such that the handle element also forms the outer surface of the receiving device. The receiving device can have a predominantly cylindrical shape, with the anti-rotation structure being formed by recessed areas that point radially inward into the receiving device, thus forming the anti-rotation structure. The anti-rotation structure is therefore provided on the receiving device of the end disk, and the counter-structure is located on the central tube, wherein the radially inner shape of the receiving device and the radially outer shape of the upper part of the central tube advantageously interlock to create a positive fit that prevents the rotation of the separating element.The counter-structure of the anti-rotation mechanism on the central tube can be achieved by providing at least one recess in the circular upper part of the central tube, for example, a shallow recess along a secant through the circular cross-section of the upper part of the central tube. However, other shapes, such as polygonal shapes or segments of a circle, are possible. In a preferred embodiment, two recesses can be used. Particularly preferred are the recesses on the upper part of the central tube two shallow recesses along secants of the circular cross-section of the central tube, arranged symmetrically opposite each other and of the same size. For manufacturing reasons, a smooth transition zone between a flat top surface of the end plate and the recess area of ​​the end plate can be formed by deep drawing the end plate or similar forming processes for the sheet metal.Therefore, the stretching of the sheet material during the forming process can be kept at a relatively low level, thus reducing stresses in the material. The handle can advantageously be designed as an installation aid for correct installation / removal in a pressure storage system. If the handle has a contour for gripping by hand or tool, for example, with a circular collar and / or a protrusion, the separator element can then be grasped and lifted. This protrusion can also be mushroom-shaped and project beyond the first end face of the separator element. It is therefore possible to handle the separator element, for example, to remove it from its packaging and insert it into the pressure vessel of the pressure storage system, and, more importantly for replacing the separator element, to remove it from the pressure vessel.The gripping contour is preferably located at the top of the grip element and axially limits the outer area of ​​the recesses of the grip element on the first end disk, thus providing an extended gripping area in the recessed sections. This advantageously offers more space for gripping the separating element and makes it easier to remove it from the installation area. Preferably, the grip element is located on the outside of the receiving device of the first end disk. In an advantageous embodiment, the second end disk can have a collection chamber for the separated fluid. Due to gravity, the separated fluid drips inside the filter body to the lower end of the filter body, which is closed, for example, by means of the second end disk, and collects on and / or at the second end disk. A collection chamber for the collected fluid can advantageously be provided on the second end disk. The collection chamber can, for example, be in the form of an annular depression with a U-shaped cross-section in the second end disk, preferably as described above. In another advantageous embodiment, the second end disk can have an insertion contour for centering during interaction with a support element of the pressure storage system. Such an insertion contour can, for example, be cylindrical or truncated conical, so that the separator element can be easily slid over a cylindrical or conical, preferably congruent, support element of a pressure storage system and thus be secured in the pressure vessel in a self-centering manner. Integrated guidance of the separator element during insertion into the pressure vessel is thus ensured. Additionally, the seal is protected during installation of the separator element.Preferably, the insertion contour is formed by the radially inner wall of the collecting chamber, which is preferably cylindrical and can be guided on a corresponding conical part of a support element. Furthermore, it is preferred that, during guidance along the insertion contour, the element is also guided at the first end disk when the central tube is inserted into the receiving device. In a preferred embodiment, the second end disk can also include a spring element for supporting the weight of the separator element in an installed state. This ensures secure support of the separator element within the pressure vessel of a pressure storage system. Additionally, this simplifies the installation and removal of the separator element. The separator element can be supported against the pressure chamber by pressing down on the first end disk with a lid while the pressure vessel is being closed. This presses the separator element against a support element mounted on the bottom of the pressure vessel, thereby tensioning the spring element. Furthermore, the second end disc can advantageously have an integrated seal for sealing it against a support element of the pressure storage system. The seal can be used, in particular, for radially sealing the separator element within the pressure storage system and for hermetically sealing the clean side of the separator element from the raw side. If the seal, for example in the form of a molded ring or an O-ring, is integrated into the second end disc, secure installation of the separator element with the seal is ensured, and the seal is protected against damage to the greatest extent possible. In an advantageous embodiment, the seal can be held by a spring element, for example by an annular collar provided on the spring element that projects radially inwards and axially supports the seal. The spring element, which engages the second end disk, for example as a collar, can have a recess in which the seal is inserted. The seal, as a shaped seal, can be the corresponding negative form of the recess or can simply be an O-ring. In an advantageous embodiment, the spring element, when installed, can establish electrical contact with the metallic support element of a pressure storage system. An electrical potential difference between the support element of the separator element and the pressure vessel of the pressure storage system can develop due to the flow of media in and around the filter body and the associated friction processes within the pressure storage system. Therefore, grounding the separator element is beneficial to prevent high potential differences that could potentially pose an operational hazard. Electrical insulation of the separator element and any potentially dangerous potential difference are thus eliminated. The first end disc preferably has a lid contour that reduces the accumulation of condensate from the media flow. It is therefore advantageous if the end disc has a preferably flat, uncurved lid contour so that condensate can drain off easily. Alternatively, a contour extending radially outwards at an angle may be advantageous, or drainage channels may be integrated into the end disc. In any case, this prevents the accumulation of condensate from the media flow at the first end disc. Generally, the upper surfaces at the upper axial end of the separator element should either be horizontal or have a slight incline that slopes radially downwards from the center point to the radially outer edge. In a further advantageous embodiment, the outer edge of the first and / or second end disk can have an end collar with a hollow cylindrical shape that projects axially towards the other end disk. Such an end collar can additionally be filled with adhesive on the inside, so that the end disks are adhesively attached to the filter body to form a solid unit. Such a solid connection also represents a safety feature of this separation element to ensure that none of the end disks detach during operation, which could impair the function of the separation process. Reliable fluid separation can be of great importance for the operational safety of the devices and components exposed to the media flow. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a pressure storage system with a replaceable separator element, as described above, a pressure vessel with a lid which is arranged on the upper end during normal operation and which is removable for replacing the separator element, wherein the pressure storage system further comprises a support element for supporting the separator element and a central tube which is arranged centrally in the support element. The separator element can be mounted centrally on the support element by receiving the central tube in a receiving device of the separator element, and can be axially attached to the lid after the pressure vessel has been closed. In addition, the separator element separates a raw side from a clean side of the pressure storage system. A drain channel for the separated fluid is preferably integrated into the support element.During operation, the airflow enters the separating element from the raw side; oil is separated as the air flows through the filter body to the radially inner clean side of the separating element; the purified air enters the central tube through at least one inlet opening in the central tube; and then the purified air is discharged in the central tube to the outlet of the clean side. Such a pressure storage system is typically arranged at the outlet of air compressors, for example screw compressors, and stores the compressed medium for further operation or provides a buffer function for the operation of connected devices, such as sandblasting blowers. The pressure storage system according to the invention has all the necessary connections for receiving and operating a replaceable separator element, as described above. The separator element receives the central tube in the pressure vessel of the pressure storage system by means of the receiving device. The separator element is pushed onto the support element by means of the insertion contour, and the clean side is sealed from the raw side by means of the seal which is integrated into the second end plate.When the pressure vessel is closed with the lid, the pressure of the lid preferably clamps the separator element in place on the handle located on the first end plate, ensuring a reliable seal between the clean and dirty sides for operation. The separated fluid collects in the collection chamber of the second end plate of the separator element, and when a certain minimum level is exceeded, it flows through the outlet opening in the second end plate into the drain channel of the support element and can therefore drain from the pressure storage system and / or be drawn off. The purified fluid stream leaves the pressure storage system through the central tube. Brief description of the characters Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain several features in combination. Experts in this field will therefore advantageously consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations. The figures show the following by way of example: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section of a pressure storage system with an inserted separator element according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of the pressure storage system with an inserted separator element according to Fig. 1, showing the upper part of the pressure storage system; Fig. 3 an isometric sectional view of the pressure storage system with an inserted separator element according to Fig. 1, showing the upper part of the pressure storage system; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the pressure storage system with an inserted separator element according to Fig. 1, showing the lower part of the pressure storage system; Fig. 5 a horizontal section through an embodiment of the connection area of ​​the upper part of the central tube and the receiving device including the handle element, looking upwards; Fig. 6 a horizontal section through an alternative embodiment of Fig.5 of the connection area of ​​the upper part of the central tube and the receiving device including handle element, looking upwards; Fig. 7 an isometric view of the first end disk of a separating element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 a longitudinal section of the first end disk according to Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a longitudinal section of a pressure storage system with an inserted separating element with the first end disk as shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention Identical or similar components are designated with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as restrictions. Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section of a pressure storage system 100 with an inserted separator element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The pressure storage system 100 with replaceable separator element 10 comprises a pressure vessel 112 with a lid 106, which is arranged at the upper end 116 and which is removable for replacing the separator element 10. The lid 106 has a dome-shaped form with a flange that can be screwed on. The pressure storage system 100 further comprises a support element 104 for supporting the separator element 10, as well as a central tube 108, which is arranged centrally in the support element 104. The separator element 10 is mounted centrally on the support element 104 by receiving the central tube 108 in a receiving device 38 of the separator element 10.After the pressure vessel 112 is closed by means of the lid 106, the separating element 10 is axially fixed by the lid 106 pressing against the handle element 34, which is arranged on the upper end disk 20, and the insertion contour 42 of the separating element 10 being pushed onto the support element 104. The separating element 10 therefore separates a raw side 52 from a clean side 50 of the pressure storage system 100. A drain channel 114 for the separated fluid is integrated into the support element 104.During operation, the airflow enters the separating element 10 from the raw side 52; the oil is separated, while the air flows through the filter body 12 in the flow direction 54 to the radially inner clean side 50 of the separating element 10; the cleaned air enters the central tube 108 through at least one inlet opening 110 in the central tube 108; and subsequently, the cleaned air is discharged in the central tube 108 to the clean side outlet (not shown) of the pressure storage system 100. The separation element 10 for separating a fluid from a media stream, in particular an air stream, comprises a hollow cylindrical filter body 12 acting as a coalescing element, which includes at least one support element (jacket) 14, in particular a support tube with a plurality of flow openings 110, and a radially outside arranged first filter medium 16, which is preferably wound around the jacket 14, and preferably a second filter medium 18, which is preferably wound around a second support element (jacket) 15, wherein the filter body 12 separates a raw side 52 from a clean side 50 of the separation element 10.Additionally, the separating element 10 comprises a first upper end disk 20 and a second lower end disk 22, which are arranged accordingly on opposite upper and lower end faces 24, 26 of the filter body 12, and a receiving device 38, which is arranged centrally on the upper end disk 20 for receiving a central tube 108, wherein the central tube 108 is preferably defined by an inner hollow receiving chamber in which the upper end section 116 of the central tube 108 can be received. Furthermore, the receiving device 38 supports the separating element 10 on the central tube 108 of the pressure storage system 100 when the separating element 10 is correctly installed in the pressure storage system 100. The media flow flows radially through the filter body 12.The liquid separated in the filter body 12 drains from the separating element 10 and / or is drawn off via one or more, in particular three to six, outlet openings 32 in the lower end disk 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end section 116 of the central tube 108 is designed as a solid structure that axially closes the central tube 108. Therefore, the entire volume of the purified air on the clean side 50 flows through the inlet openings 110 into the central tube 108. Fig. 2 shows a further longitudinal section of the pressure storage system 100 with an inserted separating element 10 according to Fig. 1, looking at the upper part of the pressure storage system 100. The upper end disc 20 is preferably made of sheet metal and has a centrally arranged projection that extends axially away from the filter body 12 and provides the receiving device 38 for receiving the central tube 108 by forming an inner hollow receiving chamber in which the upper end section 116 of the central tube 108 can be received. A grip element 34 is arranged on the outside of the receiving chamber for axially fixing the separator element 10 in a correctly installed state in a pressure storage system 100. This is preferably achieved by axial pressure of the cover 106 on the grip element 34 when the pressure vessel 112 is closed by means of the cover 106. The grip element 34 is designed as an outer termination of the receiving device 38.The handle element 34 also has an integrated anti-rotation structure 36, which is designed to interact with a counter-structure 102 located on the upper end piece 116 of the central tube 108 of a pressure storage system 100. Additionally, the handle element 34 serves as an installation aid for correct installation / removal in a pressure storage system 100. The separator element 10 can be grasped by the handle element 34 and removed from or reinserted into the pressure vessel 112. The upper end disc 20 has a cover contour that reduces the accumulation of condensate from the media flow. It is advantageous if the upper end disc 20 has a preferably flat, uncurved cover surface so that condensate can easily drain away. Alternatively, a contour extending radially outwards at an angle could be advantageous, or drainage channels could be integrated into the upper end disc 20. In any case, the accumulation of condensate from the media flow on the upper end disc 20 can be prevented. Fig. 3 shows an isometric sectional view of the pressure storage system 100 with a separating element 10 inserted therein, as shown in Fig. 1, looking at the upper section of the pressure storage system 100. The flattening of the anti-rotation structure 36 in the handle element 34 is more clearly visible in this drawing. The anti-rotation structure 36 interacts with a corresponding, congruent counter-structure 102, which is arranged on the upper section 116 of the central tube 108. Figure 3 best illustrates that the handle element 34 can advantageously be designed as an installation aid for correct installation / removal in a pressure storage system 100. In this embodiment, the handle element 34 is preferably provided with a contour for grasping by hand or tool, specifically designed as part of a circular circumferential collar 37 in this embodiment, from which the separator element 10 can be grasped and lifted. It is therefore possible to handle the separator element 10, for example, to remove it from its packaging and insert it into the pressure vessel 112 of the pressure storage system 100, and, more importantly, to remove the separator element 10 from the pressure vessel 112.The gripping contour is preferably arranged at the top of the grip element 34 and axially limits the outer area of ​​the recesses of the anti-rotation structure 36 of the grip element 34 on the upper end disk 20, thereby providing a gripping area in the recesses that advantageously leaves space to grip the separating element 10 and facilitate its removal from the installation area. It is understood that the term "recesses" does not necessarily imply that material has been cut out.In the embodiment shown with an upper end plate 20 made of sheet metal, the recess areas 35 are produced by plastically deforming the sheet metal into a purely cylindrical shape in the radial direction at two opposite positions, forming a predominantly cylindrical shape with two opposing recesses 35, each of which can in turn have the shape of a part of a cylinder. Therefore, this single forming process produces the anti-rotation structure 36, including the grip area on the handle element 34. Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section of the pressure storage system 100 with an inserted separating element 10 according to Fig. 1, looking at the lower part of the pressure storage system 100. The lower end disk 22 contains a collection chamber 56 for the separated fluid. The separated fluid drips into the area of ​​the lower end disk 22 of the separation element 10 and collects there in the collection chamber 56, which is designed as an annular recess in the form of a channel. The collection chamber 56 is radially bounded on one side by a radially inner wall of an insertion contour 42, which projects into the separation element 10 and has outlet openings 32. If the separated fluid exceeds a certain height, it can flow through the outlet openings 32 into the drain channel 114 of the support element 104 and can then flow out of the pressure storage system 100 and / or be drawn off. The one or more outlet openings 32 are preferably arranged in the inner wall of the insertion contour 42 of the collection chamber 56.Furthermore, they are preferably arranged in an axial position below the radially outermost outer edge 48 of the lower end disk 22, which is located on the raw side 52, to ensure that all the separated liquid flows radially inwards to the flange 118, which is located on the support element 104 and is radially surrounded by the lower end disk 22. As an alternative to the outlet openings 32, the liquid outlet level can also be determined by the axially uppermost radial outer edge of the lower end disk 22. The lower end disk 22 has an insertion contour 42, formed by the inner wall, the seal 44, and an annular collar 124, which serves for centering during interaction with a support element 104 of the pressure storage system 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the insertion contour 42 is preferably defined by a generally cylindrical shape such that the separator element 10 can be easily slid over the flange 118 of the support element 104, which, as can be seen in Fig. 4, preferably has a cylindrical sealing surface 120 and a conical ramp surface 122 at its axially upper end for guiding the insertion contour 42. The seal 44 is arranged in a sealing groove in the inner wall of the insertion contour 42, with the wall of the insertion contour 42 bounding the groove in the radially outer and axially upper direction. At the axially lower end of the lower end disc 22, a separate annular seal holder limits the sealing groove.The annular seal holder can be part of a sheet metal spring element 40, which is described in more detail below. The separator element 10 can therefore be mounted in the pressure vessel 112 in a self-centering manner. Integrated guidance of the separator element 10 during insertion into the pressure vessel 112 is thus ensured. Additionally, the seal 44 is protected by the annular seal holder during installation of the separator element 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end disk 22 has an integrated seal 44 in the form of an O-ring for sealing during interaction with the sealing surface 120 of the flange 118 of the support element 104 of the pressure storage system 100, wherein the seal 44 is held in an annular groove in the lower end disk 22 by means of the spring element 40, as described below. The lower end disk 22 has a spring element 40 for supporting the weight of the separating element 10 in an installed state. The spring element 40 rests on the lower edge of the lower end disk 22 as a collar-shaped contour and supports the existing spring tabs 41 on the support element 104. The spring element 40, when installed, establishes an electrical contact with the metallic support element 104 of the pressure storage system 100. An electrical potential difference can develop between the sheath 14 of the separator element 10 and the pressure vessel 112 of the pressure storage system 100 due to the flow of media in and around the filter body 12 and the associated friction processes inside 30 of the pressure storage system 100. Therefore, grounding the separator element 10 is helpful in preventing high potential differences that could potentially pose an operational hazard. Electrical insulation of the separator element 10 and a potentially dangerous potential difference are thus eliminated. Figures 5 and 6 show a horizontal section through exemplary embodiments of the connection area of ​​the upper section 116 of the central tube 108 and the receiving device 38, including the handle element 34, as seen along line AA in Figure 2. The viewing direction is vertically upwards. In this view, the interaction of the anti-rotation structure 36 with the counter-structure 102 is clearly visible. It is evident that rotation of the handle element 34 in this position is not possible, since the position of the anti-rotation structure 36 with the recess area 35 is fixed by the corresponding counter-structure 102. The upper section 116 of the central tube 108 (Figure 1) is a solid part with a cylindrical shape. Flattened recess areas are present on the left and opposite right sides as anti-rotation counter-structures 102.The anti-rotation structures 36 on the handle element 34 and in the receiving device 38 are each embossed recesses, for example shaped as segments of a circle with a center point outside the geometry of the handle element 34, but other shapes are possible. As shown in Fig. 5, the handle element 34 can be designed with a circular circumferential collar 37, which allows freedom of rotation for gripping the handle element 34. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the grip element 34 can be designed without such a circumferential collar and instead gripped only at the recess areas 35. Such a configuration can be used in the exemplary embodiment described below. Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of a first end disk 20 of a separating element 10 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The end disk 20 shown in Fig. 7 differs from the end disk 20 of the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 to 5 mainly with regard to the design of the grip element 34 and the transition zone 124 between the flat upper surface 132 and the upper end of the grip element 34. The end disk 20 in Fig. 7 is also preferably provided with a contour for gripping by hand or tool, but in this embodiment the grip area on the outside is limited to the recessed area 35, which is provided on the inside with the anti-rotation structure 36.The recess area 35 comprises a smooth transition zone 124 extending from the flat top surface 132 to the radially innermost point of the recess area 35, the transition zone 124 having a relatively large radius. The radius of the transition zone 124 is advantageous for the manufacture of the first end disk 20, particularly with regard to the forming of the anti-rotation feature 36. Therefore, the stretching of the sheet material during forming can be kept at a relatively low level, thus reducing stresses in the material. The separating element 10 can be grasped and lifted by the handle element 34. It is therefore possible to handle the separating element 10, for example, to remove it from its packaging and insert it into the pressure vessel 112 of a pressure storage system 100, and, more importantly, to remove the separating element 10 from the pressure vessel 112. The gripping contour is again located at the top of the handle element and axially limits the outer area of ​​the recess 35 of the anti-rotation structure 36 of the handle element 34 on the first end disk 20, thus providing a gripping area in the recess 35 that advantageously offers space for grasping the separating element 10 and makes it easier to remove it from the installation area. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, with an upper end plate 20 made of sheet metal, the two recess areas 35 are formed by plastic deformation of the sheet metal in the radial direction in two opposite positions, transforming a purely cylindrical shape into a predominantly cylindrical shape with two opposing recesses 35. These recesses are formed by a smooth transition zone 124 from the flat top surface 132 to the upper end of the innermost radius of the recess area 35. Therefore, this single forming process creates the anti-rotation structure 36, including the grip area of ​​the handle element 34, in a relatively simple and economical process, ensuring low material stresses and a long service life for the end plate. The grip area on the outer circumference of the handle element 34 thus corresponds to the anti-rotation structure 36 on the radially inner surface of the handle element 34. The first end disk 20 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 also has a cover contour that reduces the accumulation of condensate from the media flow. Advantageously, the end disk 20 has a preferably flat, uncurved cover surface formed by two flat top surfaces 130, 132 with a step from the first top surface 130 to the second top surface 132, so that condensate can drain off easily. Alternatively, the two top surfaces 130, 132 can have a contour that extends radially outwards at an angle, or drainage channels can be integrated into the end disk 20. In any case, this prevents the accumulation of condensate from the media flow on the upper end disk 20. A design of the upper end disk 20 in the form of a lid with two flat top surfaces 130, 132, separated by a step, is advantageous with regard to the insertion of the first and second filter media 16, 18 into the cylindrical filter body 12. Figure 8 shows a longitudinal section of the first end disk according to Figure 7. The recess areas 35 with the innermost radius of the anti-rotation structure 36 in the handle element 34 are more clearly visible in this illustration. The handle element 34 is shown as the outer surface of the receiving device 38 of the central tube 108 of a pressure storage system 100. The anti-rotation structure 36 interacts with a corresponding, congruent counter-structure 102, which is arranged on an upper part 116 of the central tube 108. In Figure 8, the contour of the end disk 20, designed for secure gripping of the handle element 34 for handling, such as inserting the separator element 10 into the pressure vessel 112 of the pressure storage system 100 or removing it from the pressure vessel 112, is clearly shown. The radially inwardly curved bend 60 of the end disc 20 is also clearly visible on the outer edge 46 of the end disc 20 as a sealing contact with respect to the filter body 12.The gap between the inwardly bent offset 60 and the filter medium 18 of the filter body 12 can additionally be filled with an adhesive to achieve a fluid-tight contact. Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section of a pressure storage system 100 with an inserted separator element 10 and the first end disk 20 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of the pressure storage system 100 shown in Fig. 9 differs from the embodiment of the pressure storage system 100 shown in Fig. 1 in the different design of the first end disk 20 of the separator element 10, which features a different design of the grip area of ​​the handle element 34 as the outer side of the anti-rotation structure 36 and the transition zone 124 between the flat top surface 132 and the upper end of the handle element 34.It is therefore advantageous to be able to handle the separating element 10, for example to remove it from a package and insert it into the pressure vessel 112 of a pressure storage system 100, and, more importantly, to remove the separating element 10 from the pressure vessel 112. The anti-rotation structure 36 in the embodiment implemented in the particular embodiment of the end disk 20 of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 advantageously prevents the separating element 10 from rotating in the pressure vessel 112 due to fluid movement and / or vibrations during the operation of the pressure storage system 100.

Claims

Separation element (10) for separating a liquid from a media stream, in particular an air de-oiling element for an air stream, comprising: - at least one hollow cylindrical filter body (12) which acts as a coalescing element and which has at least one support element (jacket) (14) and at least one first filter medium (16) arranged radially outside the jacket (14) as a coalescing stage, wherein the filter body (12) separates a raw side (52) from a clean side (50) of the separation element (12); - a first end disk (20) and a second end disk (22), which are arranged accordingly on opposite end faces (24, 26) of the filter body (12); - a receiving device (38), which is preferably arranged centrally on the inside of the first end disk (20) and opens into the interior (30) of the filter body (12), wherein, when the separation element (10) is correctly installed in a pressure storage system (100) is,The receiving device (38) is provided for supporting the separating element (10) on a central tube (108) of the pressure storage system (100), wherein the filter body (12) is designed such that a media flow passes radially through it, and wherein the liquid that has been separated in the filter body (12) flows from the separating element (10) via at least one outlet opening (32) in the second end disk (22), wherein the first end disk (20) has a centrally arranged gripping element (34) for axially fixing the separating element (10) in a correctly installed state in the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle element (34) has an integrated anti-rotation structure (36) which is provided for interaction with a counter-structure (102) arranged in the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle element (34) is designed as an installation aid for correct installation / removal in the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handle element (34) is arranged on the outside of the receiving device (38) of the first end disk (20). Separating element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handle element (34) is equipped with at least one recess area (35) which has a smooth transition zone (124) extending from a top surface (132) to a radially innermost point of the recess area (35). Separation element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end disk (22) has a collection chamber (56) for the separated fluid. Separating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end disk (22) has an insertion contour (42) for centering during interaction with a support element (104) of the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second end disk (20, 22) has a spring element (40) for supporting the weight of the separating element (10) in an installed state. Separating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second end disk (22) has an integrated seal (44) for sealing during interaction with a support element (104) of the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the seal (44) is held by the spring element (40). Separating element (10) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the spring element (40) in the installed state establishes an electrical contact with a metallic support element (104) of the pressure storage system (100). Separating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end disk (20) has a lid contour which reduces the accumulation of condensate of the media flow. Separating element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer edge (46, 48) of the first and / or second end disk (20, 22) has a radially inwardly bent bend (60) as a sealing contact with respect to the filter body (12). Pressure storage system (100) with a replaceable separator element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a pressure vessel (112) with a lid (106) which is arranged at an upper end during correct use and which is removable for replacing the separator element (10); - a support element (104) for holding the separator element (10); - a central tube (108) which is arranged centrally in the support element (104), wherein the separator element (10) can be centrally mounted on the support element (104) by receiving the central tube (108) in a receiving device (38) of the separator element (10) and can be fixed axially to the lid (106) after the pressure vessel (112) is closed, wherein the separator element (10) separates a raw side (52) from a clean side (50) of the pressure storage system (100), wherein a drain channel (114) for the separated fluid is integrated into the support element (104),wherein the airflow through the separating element (10) from the raw side (52) enters the central tube (108) through an inlet opening (110) in the central tube (108) and is directed through the central tube (108) to the clean side (50).

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