Altec AIR AW-0280 280 CFM Water Separator, 1-1/4" NPT

Altec AIR AW-0280 — 280 CFM Water Separator, 1-1/4" NPT

Made in the USA. Help protect your compressed air system from bulk liquid water with the Altec AIR AW-0280 A Series water separator. This 280 SCFM model combines 1-1/4" NPT air connections, an automatic float drain, and a 232 PSIG maximum working pressure in a compact inline package.

Key Features

• Made in the USA — Altec AIR compressed air treatment.
• 280 SCFM rated capacity at 100 PSIG.
• 1-1/4" NPT inlet and outlet connections.
• Automatic float drain included for collected liquid condensate.
• 232 PSIG maximum working pressure for compatible industrial compressed air systems.
• 34°F to 176°F operating temperature range.
• Typical 0.8 PSI pressure loss at rated flow.

Overview & Applications

Use an AW separator as a bulk-water removal stage in shop air piping, industrial pneumatic systems, or air treatment packages. Removing condensed liquid upstream helps reduce the water load reaching downstream filters, dryers, and equipment.

Bulk water removal is one part of air treatment. This separator removes liquid water; it does not remove water vapor or provide a specified pressure dew point. Pair it with the appropriate air dryer and filtration for your application.

Technical Specifications

Installation & Sizing

Select for the maximum airflow at your actual operating pressure and temperature. Install according to the manufacturer's flow-direction and orientation requirements, provide service clearance, and keep the drain discharge unobstructed. Cool hot compressor discharge air before expecting effective removal of condensed liquid.

Complete Your Air Treatment System

Shop compressed air filters and water separators → Add the right filtration for oil aerosols and particles based on the air quality your process requires.

Add a refrigerated or desiccant air dryer → Select an air dryer to control water vapor and pressure dew point.

View the Altec AIR AC-0280 280 CFM filter → This separate filter offers grade choices for additional air treatment. Confirm grade, actual flow capacity, pressure, and connection requirements before ordering.

Service Parts & Optional Accessories

Replacement automatic drain: ADVA-00701500 — View & Order →. Wall mounting bracket: AMB-02800320 — View & Order →. These service parts and accessories are sold separately; contact us to confirm compatibility and order.

This listing includes the standard automatic float drain. Factory timer-drain, zero-loss, and mechanical zero-loss configurations may be available by quotation. A mechanical zero-loss configuration has a lower 145 PSIG rating; it must not be treated as a 232 PSIG configuration.

Lead Time

Contact us for current factory stock and estimated ship date. Confirm availability before ordering if your project has a required delivery date.

What's Included

• One Altec AIR AW-0280 water separator.
• Standard automatic float condensate drain.

Additional filters, air dryer, mounting bracket, connector kits, installation piping, and condensate treatment equipment are sold separately. Product photo shows representative A Series sizes; one separator is supplied.

Warranty

Manufacturer limited warranty applies. Contact Compressed Air Advisors Online for current model-specific coverage and claim assistance. Installation, operating conditions, maintenance, exclusions, and consumable parts are subject to the manufacturer's terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this water separator remove?

It separates bulk liquid water from compressed air. It is an upstream moisture-separation stage, not a refrigerated or desiccant air dryer and not a fine coalescing or activated-carbon filter.

Will it remove water vapor or lower my dew point?

No. Water vapor can remain in the air after liquid water is separated and may condense farther downstream. Add a correctly sized refrigerated or desiccant dryer when your application requires dew point control.

What are the airflow and connection size for the AW-0280?

This model is rated for 280 SCFM at 100 PSIG and has 1-1/4" NPT air connections. Check both actual airflow and operating pressure; pipe size alone does not establish correct separator capacity.

Does it come with an automatic drain?

Yes. The standard AW package includes an automatic float drain. Keep the drain functioning and route discharged condensate to a suitable collection or treatment system.

What are its pressure and temperature limits?

Maximum working pressure is 232 PSIG. Operating temperature range is 34°F to 176°F. Typical pressure loss is 0.8 PSI at rated flow. These limits do not replace application-specific sizing or installation instructions.

Do I need a micron-grade element for this separator?

The AW water separator is ordered by model and capacity, not by X5, X1, XA, or AC micron grade. Those grade selections apply to separate Altec AIR filter products. Contact us for model-specific service parts.

Where should it be installed?

Install where liquid water has formed and upstream of equipment that needs bulk-water protection, following Altec AIR instructions and flow direction. Air may need cooling first. Provide service clearance and a working condensate drain.

Is it made in the USA, and do I still need other filtration?

Yes, it is made in the USA. Add appropriately sized coalescing or particulate filtration when your tools or process require it. For oil vapor or odors, select suitable activated-carbon treatment; a bulk-water separator alone does not provide those functions.

Why Buy from Compressed Air Advisors Online?

We help match water separation, filtration, and air drying to your system's flow and air-quality requirements. Call 877.247.2381 for selection assistance.

Shipping & Returns

Free shipping within the contiguous United States. Contact us for special delivery requirements.

Eligible returns require an RMA within 14 days, must be new and unused, and are subject to a 25% restocking fee and customer-paid return freight. Electrical items and built-to-order equipment are non-returnable. Our return policy applies.