Do You Really Need A Filter For Your Air Compressor?

So, you have an air compressor that does a fine job of producing compressed air. And that should be it, right? Maintaining the air compressor system will help prolong its life span as well as that of your other tools and equipment. Then, do you really need a filter for your air compressor? 

Yes, you really need it. It is immensely important to ensure the proper functioning of your whole system. Keep reading. I’m sure you’ll be convinced to get a filter by the end of the discussion. 

What Does An Air Compressor Do? 

Before bringing up the role of an air filter, let’s talk about the task of an air compressor. 

When you switch on your air compressor, it does its job by conducting multiple processes. It begins by pulling the ambient air into the system. Note that this air contains all sorts of floating dust, water vapors, particulates, microorganisms, and oils. 

Then, the air gets compressed down into a small energy storage. That storage carries out the downstream application by using the air that the compressor has just compressed and delivered. 

An air compressor can create heat that increases the air temperature and enables the compressed air to carry more oil and water vapors. They will gradually cool down when the air runs downstream. 

Now, if you have noticed, at no stage has the air been cleaned of its particulates or oil residue. If you let it be like that, the compressed air can be unsafe for any downstream applications. It may also be harmful to the tools using the air. 

That is why it is best that you do something to clean the compressed air before it reaches the point of use. How do you do that? Simple. Bring an air filter! 

Is An Air Filter Necessary On An Air Compressor? 

Yes, it is. For one, your air compressor only compresses the air. It cannot filter the dirt particles, which is a very important thing for any application that needs compressed air. 

Each cubic foot of air entering a compressor system can carry an uncountable number of impure particles. Over time, they will build up and cause untimely wear and damage to your equipment and facilities, not to mention causing health concerns for your workforce. 

You can take care of that all by bringing an air filter. Have a look at what kinds of contaminants a filter deals with to protect your systems and provide clean, safe, breathable air. 

Microorganisms 

The absence of a filter allows the compressed air’s impurities to come into contact with water and oil residues. This can cause the development and growth of microorganisms in pipelines. With time, it will result in further contamination by bacteria.

Lubricant And Oil 

This is particularly applicable if you have an oil-lubricated air compressor system. It requires regular oil refills and changes. That causes air to enter the process of compression and affect your pneumatic tools. It may have effects on your final output. 

Again, you can easily prevent that by installing a filter, a specialized one for this type of air compressor. Along with that, automated shut-off valves will also be great. Together, they will fight away the oil from accessing the key injection channels.

Water Vapor 

If your workspace environment has high humidity, it will create water vapor with other gases generated during compression. Let it go on for a while, and it will significantly shorten your compressor’s life expectancy and rapidly increase your repair costs. 

Dust 

Different dust particles pass through an air compressor. For instance, if your facility has construction materials, the compressed air will be exposed to their debris and other dust particles.

But they will be the least of your concerns if you protect your system with the right air filter here. Again, that is a basic necessity for it. 

Can I Run A Compressor Without A Filter? 

Yes, technically, you can run a compressor without a filter. A compressor does not necessarily need a filter to function. 

However, it is never recommended because the lack of a filter can cause the following consequences. 

• The toxic substances in the compressed air can make your pneumatic tools perform inefficiently. It will eventually raise your production costs. 

• No filtration means more frequent cleaning and maintenance for your air compressor. Simultaneously, it will block the system and damage the machines it powers. 

• If your final products come out defective, it may be because of the unclean, impure compressed air. 

• Your employees might suffer from respiratory diseases because of unfiltered air. 

Is An Air Filter A One-Time Investment?

No, but it’s a long-term investment. It has a service life. Depending on that and its uses, you will have to replace it after a certain period. 

That is because the filter will get clogged by the dust particles it filters from the air. So, at some point, it will become too dirty to carry on. You will see symptoms when that happens. For example, your energy bills may increase, your air compressor’s performance may become poor, or there may be noticeable damage to the filter. 

In any case, you should have it replaced. Then again, if you take care of your filter with consistent, regular inspections and cleaning, it will definitely last longer. 

Plus, remember that the cost of investing in a filter twice or thrice a year is totally worth it. It will sustain your air compressor, tools, facilities, and product quality. That will save you from spending a fortune in the long run. 

Where Do Air Compressor Systems Need Air Filters? 

Air compressor systems need air filters in manufacturing and industrial processes. That is because compressed air is integral to running the processes. So, depending on the product type, the air must be as clean as possible. 

Otherwise, the contaminated air can result in spoiled goods, damaged tools, and inefficient performance. Besides increasing production downtime and costs, it may even cause you to stop your operations for a while. 

Now, what filters do you need? Apparently, you can’t just pick one and install it. Remember that the wrong filter will do more bad than good. So, it is important to choose the right one among the wide range of filter types, features, and sizes. 

While they are all designed to trap contaminants and clean the compressed air, their working principles vary. Moreover, their capability to purify air and catch minuscule particulates also differs. So, when choosing a filter, you are to consider your workplace conditions, project requirements, and air compressor uses. Match those with the filter types to find the best-suited one. 

Note that the compressors in your workshops, HVAC systems, pneumatic tools, and air spray setups also need air filters. To cut it short, use an air filter for an air compressor regardless of where you are using it. Clean and safe air should always be a priority. 

Final Words 

So, what do you think? Do you really need a filter for your compressor? I hope you are answering with a resounding yes. 

While it is technically possible to operate an air compressor without a filter, do not take that risk. Instead, get a suitable air filter for your applications. You’ll reap the continued benefits of clean air through a full-functioning facility, quality products, and a healthy workforce.