subject: How To Choose A Filter For Your Industrial Air Compressor [print this page] Filters are an important component for your industrial air compressor system to remove contaminants and purify the air in the system. Choosing the right type of filter depends on the requirements of your system and the maintenance you wish to complete.
Oil flooded screw compressors are highly regarded as a reliable and cost effective system. However, it is imperative to find the proper filter to remove the contaminants, oil and atmospheric dust, that oil flooded compressors introduce into the compressed air. Coalescing filters are appropriate for removing oil mist from compressed air and automatic drain valves can eliminate the liquid condensate. Both filters require replacement when they are filled with dust.
Air compressor systems require aerosol filtration upstream of the compressed air dryer, after the air dryer and downstream at each point-of-use. Dessicant dryers and refrigerated dryers should utilize both a prefilter and an afterfilter to remove liquid and particulate aerosols. The filtration units will also prevent adsorbent fouling in dessicant dryers and the fouling of the heat exchangers in the refrigerated dryer. The downstream filter is responsible for removing the adsorbent fines from the dessicant dryer and water mist from the refrigerated dryer.
Selecting the right compressed air filter depends on the needs of your system. A high particulate filter operates under high temperatures, up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and offers a high level of protection against fire in a heated dessicant dryer. Vapor, or charcoal, filters are suggested for the removal of organics from hydrocarbons and chemical vapors. A particulate filter is used in dessicant dryers to remove scale, metal oxides and dessicant particles.
Compressed air filters are necessary to maintain clean air as they remove harmful materials from the unit. Particulates that need to be filtrated include scale, metal oxides and dirt because they can decrease efficiency, damage finished products and erode system components. Chemical gases, such as chlorine, sulfur, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, need to be filtered as they can pose a threat to the health and safety of workers. Microbes, molds and fungus can grow within a moist air system and may produce an acidic waste which is corrosive and can cause pipes and valves to clog with sludge.
Finding the right filter for your industrial air compressor can help increase the efficiency of your unit. It will also lower your energy costs and protect your employees from harmful particles and chemicals.
