Compressed Air Filters and Their Importance in Your System

Compressor Intake Filter

This compressed air filter often acts as the first stage of filtration in any pneumatic equipment. As such, the efficiency of your systems heavily relies on the intake filter.

It treats the air before going into your machinery to ensure the said equipment stays clean and maintains its operating power. It also helps in keeping your air compressor running more quietly and efficiently - optimally.

Coalescing Filter

A coalescing filter is utilized for purifying water and aerosols in your systems. It can also treat particulates from air compressors which can lead to pressure drops if not changed regularly.

The coalescing air filter works by catching small droplets in a strainer media which allows it to merge with larger droplets. These contaminants are then easily taken out of the filter and are restricted from re-entering the air by a special barrier. It can successfully remove most contaminants and reduce liquid levels down to 0.01 ppm and particulate levels to 0.1 microns in size.

Tip: While the coalescing air filter is effective in water and aerosol filtration, it often comes at a high price. For a lower-cost and affordable alternative, try a mist eliminator. It may not have the same accuracy and level of filtration as coalescing filters but they offer comparatively smaller drops in pressure systems. This allows you to operate systems at lower pressure levels, thus saving on energy costs.

Vapor Removal Filter

Coalescing filter usually leaves behind vapours, gaseous lubricants, and other airborne chemicals after the refining process.

To remove such contaminants from damaging your air compressor systems, it is a must to invest in vapour removal filters. Vapour removal filters are usually considered the third stage of filtration after the coalescing filter.

It utilizes carbon granules and carbon cloths to capture contaminants and effectively eliminate them. Also known as a charcoal compressed air filter. Mostly using activated charcoal—which has a large open structure—for easy filtration of particulates.

Dry Particulate Filter

As the name suggests, a dry particulate filter treats your systems of dirt and other desiccant contaminants. This filter will also filter any corrosion particles that come from the air compressor.

A dry particulate filter utilizes different methods to clean the air. However, it usually operates in a very similar manner as a coalescing filter - trapping the sifting remaining particles using a filter media.

Tip: Once the dry particular filter is filled with dust and other particulates, the pressure drop in the air compressor increases and the amount of the contaminants that bypass the filter also increases. That is why it is vital to replace the dry particulate filter regularly to ensure a proper and effective purification process.

Activated Carbon Filter

Activated carbon filters are useful in removing oil odours and vapours found in your system. They are mostly utilized in the food industry where clean air is essential for the safety of delicate products.

The activated carbon filter does not have the ability to treat liquid and solid contaminants. In fact, air compressors should be free of both solid and liquid contaminants before passing through an activated carbon filter.