AFSV Vertical Filter Separator

The AFS Series

The Anderson AFS Series Filter Separator is a multistage gas filtration and separation vessel designed to remove bulk liquids, fine liquid mist, and solid particulates from gas streams. Available in horizontal AFSH and vertical AFSV configurations, the system combines mechanical pre-separation, cartridge filtration, and high-efficiency final separation in one engineered vessel.

Designed for

AFS filter separators were designed for gas-conditioning applications requiring both liquid and solid removal in one vessel. They are commonly applied when contaminant levels exceed the capability of a simple mechanical separator, when standalone cartridge filtration would load too quickly, or when a final filtration stage must protect high-value rotating equipment and downstream process systems such as compressors and turbines.

Product configurations

• AFSV. A vertical multistage vessel designed for applications where plot space is limited or vertical flow and drainage are preferred. AFSV units provide the same integrated approach to mechanical separation, cartridge filtration, and final separation in a smaller footprint.

• AFSH. A horizontal multistage vessel suited for higher gas flow rates and applications with greater liquid handling requirements. The horizontal design can accommodate multiple final separation options, including mesh pad second-stage separation where appropriate. See the AFSH horizontal filter separator.

Key points of differentiation

• Three-stage protection: Combines mechanical pre-separation, cartridge filtration, and final separation in one vessel.

• Reduced cartridge loading: Bulk liquids and larger contaminants are removed before the gas reaches the filter elements, helping extend service life.

• High dirt-holding capacity: Cartridge elements capture solid particulate while coalescing fine liquid droplets into larger drops.

• Flexible final separation: Final-stage options include mesh pads, pocket-type separation vanes, or centrifugal separation elements depending on application needs.

• Engineered vessel design: Configurations can be tailored for flow rate, liquid loading, pressure, materials, access, and maintenance requirements.

Applications

AFS filter separators are applied throughout gas transmission, processing, storage, and power systems where reliable removal of entrained liquids and solids is essential. By conditioning the gas stream before critical equipment and process stages, they help reduce wear, fouling, carryover, and unplanned maintenance.

• Ahead of natural gas regulating stations, city gages and distribution facilities to remove water

• Removal of gas pipeline contaminants on the suction side of compressor stations to prevent damage to compressor, cylinder, and valve wear

• Ahead of gas storage fields to prevent injection and withdrawal of solids and liquids.

• Removal of gas contaminants in fuel gas lines and prior to engines, power and industrial plants

• Ahead of gas processing plants to remove solids and liquids to prevent fouling of process equipment and poisoning of catalyst beds

• Downstream of reciprocating compressors to remove lubricating oil that has carried over with the gas stream

• Ahead of solid desiccant and beds to prevent liquid fracturing and dusting of the dry desiccant and fouling with paraffins or asphaltenes

• Removal of water and pipeline contaminants from the inlet gas stream to dehydrating and treating plants

Principle of operation

1. Gravity separation: Inlet velocity is reduced so bulk liquids fall into the sump.

2. Impingement separation: Support tubes promote droplet coalescence while an impingement force remove liquids and solids down to approximately 10 microns.

3. Cartridge filtration and coalescence: Filter media captures solid particulates and combines fine liquid mist into larger droplets.

4. High-efficiency final separation: Anderson separation elements remove virtually all remaining coalesced liquid before clean gas exits the vessel.