What is primarily used to remove moisture from compressed air systems?

The primary function of a separator in compressed air systems is to remove moisture, which is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the system. Compressed air often contains moisture that can lead to corrosion, freezing in cold environments, and other issues that can compromise the equipment's performance.

Separators utilize centrifugal force or gravity to separate water from the compressed air. As the compressed air enters the separator, the moisture condenses and settles at the bottom of the unit, where it can be drained away. This process helps prevent moisture-related problems in downstream equipment such as filters, regulators, and tools.

While filters also play a role in removing particulates and, to some extent, moisture, their primary function is not solely moisture removal. Drain valves are used to manually or automatically remove collected water without removing moisture from the compressed air directly. Regulators, on the other hand, control the pressure of the air but do not remove moisture. Therefore, the separator is specifically designed for the effective removal of moisture from compressed air systems, making it the best choice for this purpose.