Product Overview

The Ingersoll Rand 22219174 is an oil separator element installed inside the separator tank of compatible rotary screw air compressors. Its primary function is to remove suspended lubricant droplets from compressed air before the air leaves the compressor package and enters the downstream distribution system.

In an oil-injected screw compressor, the airend uses lubricant for sealing, cooling, and lubrication during compression. The resulting air-oil mixture enters the separator tank, where the larger quantities of oil are removed before the remaining oil mist passes through the separator element. The 22219174 captures these fine droplets and allows the collected oil to return to the compressor lubrication circuit.

This component is particularly relevant to larger industrial compressor installations, including Ingersoll Rand RM185i, M200–M250, MM250, and V200/V250 equipment configurations. These compressors are commonly used in facilities where compressed air is required for continuous production, pneumatic machinery, and plant utility systems.

When the separator element becomes contaminated or its filtration performance deteriorates, oil carryover can increase. This may result in lubricant entering downstream pipework, air treatment equipment, and pneumatic devices. Excessive restriction across the separator can also affect compressor discharge conditions and increase operating energy consumption.

For maintenance engineers, the condition of the 22219174 should be evaluated through separator differential pressure, oil consumption, and signs of lubricant carryover. The element works together with the separator tank and oil recovery arrangement, so these components should be inspected as part of the same maintenance procedure.

The part is also identified by the description ELEMENT, SEPARATOR TANK 20″. This designation is useful when checking replacement requirements against compressor parts documentation.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Oil Mist Separation: Captures suspended lubricant droplets from compressed air through coalescing filtration.
• Lubricant Recovery: Allows collected oil to drain back into the compressor’s lubrication circuit.
• Separator Tank Installation: Fits the designated oil separation assembly rather than a conventional inline oil filter housing.
• Compressed Air Quality: Helps reduce lubricant carryover before compressed air reaches downstream equipment.
• Industrial Compressor Application: Associated with larger Ingersoll Rand rotary screw compressor configurations.
• Coalescing Filter Media: Uses fibrous filtration media to collect fine oil droplets and combine them into larger droplets.
• Differential Pressure Consideration: Filter condition affects airflow resistance across the separator assembly.
• Continuous Separation Process: Operates while the compressor is running and processing the air-oil mixture.
• Dedicated Replacement Identification: The 22219174 part number distinguishes this separator element from other Ingersoll Rand filtration components.
• Maintenance Integration: Can be included in scheduled compressor servicing alongside oil filters, air filters, and associated separator tank components.

Product Working Principle

The Ingersoll Rand 22219174 separates oil from compressed air through a coalescing filtration process inside the separator tank.

During compression, lubricant becomes mixed with air as part of the airend’s normal operating process. This mixture enters the separator vessel, where the initial separation stage removes a substantial amount of the liquid oil. The remaining compressed air contains fine suspended oil droplets that require further separation.

The 22219174 handles this remaining oil mist.

The separation process follows this arrangement:

Airend → Separator Tank → 22219174 Filter Media → Oil Droplet Coalescence → Oil Recovery → Compressed Air Outlet

As the air-oil mixture passes through the fibrous media, small oil droplets are captured and combine into larger droplets. These droplets collect within the element and move toward the oil recovery area.

The recovered lubricant is returned through the oil recovery arrangement to the compressor’s lubrication circuit. Meanwhile, the separated compressed air continues through the discharge system.

Two operating conditions directly affect separator performance:

Oil Carryover: If the filter media deteriorates, becomes damaged, or is incorrectly installed, more oil may remain in the compressed air. This can lead to increased lubricant consumption and contamination of downstream equipment.

Pressure Differential: As contaminants accumulate in the filter media, airflow resistance can increase. A higher differential pressure across the element may affect compressor operating efficiency and should be considered during preventive maintenance.

The separator is therefore responsible for both oil removal and supporting the return of recovered lubricant. Its performance depends not only on the condition of the filter media but also on the proper operation of the separator tank and oil recovery circuit.

Role in Ingersoll Rand Compressor System Architecture

The 22219174 is installed in the oil separation stage of the compressor package. It operates downstream of the airend and upstream of the compressed-air delivery components.

Its function connects two important compressor processes: compressed-air production and lubricant recovery. The separator element removes suspended oil from the air stream while allowing recovered lubricant to return to the oil circuit.

A simplified system arrangement is:

Air Intake → Air Filter → Airend → Separator Tank / 22219174 → Minimum Pressure Valve → Aftercooler → Compressed Air Outlet

The corresponding oil circulation arrangement includes the oil filter, oil cooler, and oil recovery line.

The separator element does not replace the oil filter. The 22219174 treats the compressed-air stream, while the oil filter cleans the lubricant circulating through the compressor.

Industrial Applications

The 22219174 is associated with larger rotary screw compressor installations where continuous compressed-air production requires effective oil separation.

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the Part Number: Confirm that the replacement element is Ingersoll Rand 22219174 and matches the installed separator tank configuration.
2. Check Compressor Compatibility: Review the compressor model, serial number, and parts documentation before removing the existing element.
3. Shut Down the Compressor: Stop the compressor according to the approved maintenance procedure and isolate the electrical power supply.
4. Depressurize the Separator Tank: Release internal pressure completely before opening the separator vessel. Never remove the tank cover while pressure remains inside.
5. Allow the System to Cool: Wait until the compressor and circulating lubricant reach a safe handling temperature.
6. Remove the Existing Element: Carefully remove the old separator without damaging the tank interior, mounting surfaces, or oil recovery connections.
7. Inspect the Separator Tank: Check for accumulated oil deposits, sludge, contamination, or damage to the internal surfaces.
8. Check the Oil Recovery Line: Inspect the recovery pipe and associated connections for blockage, incorrect positioning, or other conditions that could prevent collected oil from returning to the lubrication circuit.
9. Inspect Sealing Components: Examine the tank cover gasket and associated sealing surfaces. Replace damaged seals where required.
10. Install the Replacement Element: Position the new 22219174 correctly inside the separator tank and follow the specified assembly and tightening procedure.
11. Perform an Operational Check: Restart the compressor and monitor separator differential pressure, discharge conditions, and signs of excessive oil carryover.
12. Record Maintenance Information: Document the replacement part number, service date, compressor operating hours, and inspection results for future maintenance planning.

If oil carryover remains high after replacement, inspect the oil recovery line, separator tank seals, and compressor operating conditions. Incorrect installation or an obstructed recovery circuit can affect separation performance even when the filter element itself is new.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Removes suspended oil droplets from compressed air.
• Supports lubricant recovery inside the compressor system.
• Helps control oil carryover into downstream air equipment.
• Coalescing filtration for fine oil mist separation.
• Supports the operating requirements of compatible large compressor packages.
• Helps maintain the intended separator pressure differential.
• Dedicated replacement component for the 20-inch separator tank assembly.

Technical FAQs

1. Which compressor models use the Ingersoll Rand 22219174?

The 22219174 is associated with several larger compressor configurations, including RM185i, M200–M250, MM250, and V200/V250 packages. It is also listed for certain SSR compressor configurations. The exact model and serial number should be checked before replacement because separator tank arrangements can vary.

2. What does the 20-inch designation mean in the product description?

The description ELEMENT, SEPARATOR TANK 20″ identifies the separator element’s nominal product configuration. It should not be interpreted as a complete dimensional specification. The actual separator dimensions and mounting arrangement must be checked when selecting a replacement.

3. Can a blocked oil recovery line cause oil carryover even when the separator element is new?

Yes. The separator element collects oil droplets, but the recovery circuit must remove the collected lubricant and return it to the compressor. If the recovery line is blocked or incorrectly connected, oil can accumulate in the separator assembly and contribute to excessive carryover.

4. What operating conditions should be checked after replacing the 22219174?

After installation, inspect the separator differential pressure, compressor discharge pressure, oil level, and signs of lubricant carryover. Also verify that the separator cover is properly sealed and the oil recovery line is unobstructed.