Abstract: A control valve configuration for a compressor system comprises a compressor receiving gas and liquid lubricant for compression and delivery to a separator where the compressed gas is separated from the liquid and passed to an end use with the liquid being recycled to through the compressor. The control valve configuration is arranged to control flow through the gas inlet to the compressor in response to demands of the compressor system and mechanisms are provided to supply pressurized gas to the inlet zone of the compressor upon the valve configuration moving towards a position preventing flow of gas to the compressor to thereby reduce vacuum conditions in the inlet zone thereby reducing transient noises associated with compressor operation and minimizing power consumption during no load operation.

Abstract: A separator for a flooded liquid/gas compressor comprising a pressure vessel having an inlet for compressed liquid/gas mixture, a lower outlet for liquid and an upper outlet for clean gas, a filter element interposed between the liquid/gas mixture inlet and the clean gas outlet through which the gas flows to said outlet, and a shield member at least partially surrounding the filter element whereby liquid from the separator pressure vessel is prevented from contacting the filter element during periods of operation when the liquid volume in the pressure vessel may rapidly expand.