Learn about all the various air compressor filters to determine which ones you need on your equipment. Intake filters are built-in features in today’s air compressors, but you can still switch out the standard filters included with the unit for higher quality replacements. In-line filters are installed between the compressor and the air lines, as the name suggests, to capture contaminants that developed in the tank or that made it past the intake filter.
The cap in the compressed air filter directs the incoming compressed air down into the filter bowl, and against the filter bowl, which forces the air into a tight, cyclonic spiral inside the bowl. Depending on the element capability in the air compressor filter, as the compressed air passes through the filter element, any debris still in the air line is removed down to the filter element size, thereby reducing particulates getting to the air tool. Rather than disassembling the piping, if you want to be crafty, by using another connector and coupler installed in the filter head you can then simply plug the filter into the existing coupler on the compressor with the connector in the filter, and plug the air line into the coupler on the other side of the filter head. If you have long air line runs, know that water will condense out in the lines, and end up spraying out your air tool, even if you have a filter at the compressor.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what an air compressor filter is, how it works, some commonly asked questions and how to choose the best filter for your air compressor. Air line filters work by straining air to trap solid particles and separate liquids from compressed air. Inline air compressor filters are essential in facilitating smooth function of your air compressor and its associated components, and without them, you’ll struggle with costly downtime, frequent equipment failure and premature wear of entire systems.
My buddies tell me that nobody uses them on air nailers, but I have never had a tool break due to moisture. Just make certain your moisture filter doesn’t restrict air flow to your nailer. Moisture condenses in an air compressor tank and air hose during use.
Air intake filters are installed in an air compressor to remove any dust or debris the compress may suck in. An unclean air or oil filter causes the compressor to run less efficiently. All Rotary Screw air compressor have three filters; an oil filter, an air inlet filter, and an air/oil separator.
does air compressor need filter Related Question:
What does an air filter on a compressor do?
Air compressor filters, also called air line filters, are used in condensed air lines as a way to stop liquids and solid contaminants from entering air compressors. They stop these contaminants from entering the equipment and causing damage.
Which filter used in air compressor?
There are two types of filters used to remove aerosols and vapor. The coalescing filters are utilized to remove liquids as well as some particulates, while vapor filters use adsorption to remove vapors from compressed air.
When should an air filter be drained?
Compressed air filters require preventative maintenance to ensure optimum efficiency and effective filtering. Like the filtering elements in your car, a compressed air filter will likely need to be replaced approximately every 4‐6 months, depending on use and the condition of the incoming air.
Why does my air compressor make so much water?
Compressors usually contain water separators that remove free water from the air stream, but the air coming out of a compressor is generally warmer than the ambient conditions. As the saturated warm discharge air cools in your pipes, it will release some of its water to condensate—and you will get water in your pipes.
Do you need a regulator on an air compressor?
The pressure regulator is a component that you monitor and adjust to ensure that the corresponding air tool receives proper PSI. Though you might never need to make an air compressor pressure switch adjustment, you probably will need to adjust the pressure regulator if you use an assortment of pneumatic tools.
How far should the filter be from the compressor?
I usually recommend having about 25 to 30 feet or more between the compressor and the filter and have the pipe tilted so that the condensed water runs back to the compressor’s tank where it can be drained periodically. This helps keep moisture from getting past your filter and into your paint work.
Do air compressors have oil filters?
Oil filters are normally only found on bigger compressors, like oil-injected screw compressors. Obviously, they filter the oil to remove any dirt. In other words: they protect your compressor from damages by dirt, sand, pieces of rust, etc.
Where are air filters used?
Air filters are used in applications where air quality is important, notably in building ventilation systems and in engines. Some buildings, as well as aircraft and other human-made environments (e.g., satellites, and space shuttles) use foam, pleated paper, or spun fiberglass filter elements.
Can remove impurities from compressed air?
Proper treatment typically requires a train consisting of filters, dryers and separators. a coalescing filter (1–5 µm) to eliminate aerosols. point-of-use filters (0.2 µm) to take out contaminants potentially picked up in system lines. Filtration removes a surprising volume of oily water from compressed air.
Why would you need to purify compressed air?
Much like the oil filter, the air filtration portion of compressed air purification systems keeps larger particles like dust and debris out of the compressor to keep them from clogging the air hoses and slowly chipping away at the inner workings of the equipment.
What is a coalescing filter for air compressor?
The coalescing filters are utilized to remove liquids as well as some particulates, while vapor filters use adsorption to remove vapors from compressed air. Coalescing: Coalescing filters are used to remove aerosols and particulates, but are not effective in the removal of vapors.
When should I change my compressor filter?
Replacing both the air filters and oil filters every 2000 hours of use, at a minimum, is typical. In dirtier environments, the filters may need to be changed more frequently. Separators are typically manufactured to be used for 8000 hours.
Does the air filter go before the regulator?
Typically, after the shutoff valve, the filter is the first component in the air line; then the regulator; and finally, the lubricator. Filters are available in different varieties to let them remove oil, particulates, water, and odors from the compressed air.
Is it OK to leave an air compressor full?
The short answer is yes, it is perfectly safe to leave an air compressor full. However, this assumes that it has been properly maintained, with regular draining to remove accumulated moisture from inside the tank.
How do I keep water out of my air compressor tank?
Desiccant Air Dryer Another common way to prevent moisture in air compressor units is with desiccant air dryers, which consist of tiny beads that absorb water from the incoming air. With a design and function that is similar to a water trap filter, the desiccant air dryer absorbs moisture from a compressed air system.
