Compressed air

Compressed air on Polarstern is dedicated for ship applications, like: starter of main engines, tank level indicators, membrane pump for seawater, vacuum toilet, and several pneumatic tools like lifting gears or needle descaler.
The pressure amounts to 6 bar, but little variabilities may occur.

The compressor dispenses oil into the compressed air, as this is also requested for grease purpose. If this quality of compressed air is suitable for scientific application, the use needs to be announced in cruise planning.
For scientific purpose there is only one permanently installed tapping point of compressed air. It is situated at CTD station in working corridor. It is determined to dry plugs and sockets of CTD devices in case of maintenance. An oil separator is connected upstream.

If cleaner air is requested a filter (oil separator) must be installed at dedicated tapping point. But a filter can only reduce oil and dust particles and can not remove it at all. A small rest of particles will remain.
If scientist wants to use complete clean air he/she must bring its own compressor or compressed air in pressure bottles on board.