Device for separating liquid particles from a gas stream

A compact apparatus for separating liquid particles from a gas stream produced by an external pressure difference, said apparatus comprising a multi-stage separating module comprising a raw gas inlet, first and second separating stages, a collecting chamber for collecting liquid separated from the gas stream by said first and second separating stages, and a clean gas outlet;

• said first separating stage being arranged under said raw gas inlet and comprising a cyclone disposed in the gas stream for separating liquid particles by rotational acceleration;
• said second separating stage being disposed laterally adjacent said first separating stage and comprising a cylindrical filter insert disposed in a cylindrical housing such that substantially its entire radially outer surface can be contacted by the gas stream, said filter insert comprising concentric first and second annular separating layers each being supported on a respective annularly internal gas permeable support body;
• and
• said apparatus further comprising a pressure responsive gas flow regulating valve disposed directly above the filter insert between the filter insert and the clean gas outlet of the separating module, said pressure responsive gas flow regulating valve ensuring a substantially constant pressure in the separation module and a substantially constant rate of gas flow through the separation module despite variations in the external pressure difference.