How Air Compressor Filters Work: A Simple Guide
Yes, today, I’ll broadly discuss how air compressor filters work: a simple guide. It will be like a 101 introductory mini-course on this piece of equipment. That is because I think everyone using compressed air for their workplace, personal HVAC systems, or pneumatic tools should understand how it works.
Having a primary level of knowledge about it is essential. It will give you insights into what role it plays and why you should (read must) use it for your air compressor system. It will also help you with maintenance and replacement.
Let’s dive in!
What Does A Compressed Air Filter Do?
A compressed air filter protects air compressor systems by capturing dirt particulates and preventing them from passing through compression assemblies. Unfiltered compressed air carries a hefty amount of dust, water, oil, and even heavy metals like mercury and lead.
So, when the air enters the system, a compressed air filter removes those particles from it. Thus, it allows the system’s crucial components, i.e., valves, cylinders, etc., to perform efficiently.
Moreover, it also prevents premature wear and tear of the compressor and extends its longevity. These characteristics make air filters integral to ensuring flawless performance from the air compressor. That way, you get to enjoy safe and high-quality air, lower energy costs, and reduced production downtime.
How Air Compressor Filters Work: A Simple Guide
There are different types of air compressor filters with different mechanisms. But their main task is the same: filtering air to separate liquids and capture solid dust particles from compressed air. To explain its working process, I will discuss the core components of a filter below.
Inlet
The inlet or intake of an air compressor is the entrance point of the filter. You will spot a cap inside. It pressurizes the air downward into a coil or spiral motion. Note that the inlet should be the right size according to the filter for proper functioning.
Filter Cap
It channels airflow through the air filter. Look for the air direction by checking the arrow mark on the filter’s outside. It will also help you with the installation, so you do not do it backward.
Air Path
It refers to the direction followed by the air when it spins and enters the filter.
Filter Discharge
The opening lets the air leave the air filter. Again, this discharge or opening should align with the size of the inlet. Otherwise, the airflow will face restrictions and disrupt the filtration process.
Filter Element
Now, this is where the main job gets done. The filter traps dirt and microorganisms to clean the compressed air. Remember that it will get clogged over time and needs replacing. And when that happens, you can explore our top-rated compressed air filters to find a suitable replacement.
Filter Bowl
Of all the parts and components of an air compressor filter, this one is the largest. It is directly linked to the internal cap, screwed and sealed into its place.
Quiet Zone
In the context of an air filter, the quiet zone indicates a specific place at the filter bowl’s bottom part. That is where dirt, oil residue, water droplets, and other contaminants are gathered and kept from reentering the stream of the cleaned compressed air.
You may also spot a barrier, much like a horizontally shaped plate. It is put there so the dust particles cannot sweep back into the clean airflow.
Drain
So, after the collection of the contaminants, it is time to drain them. Some filters come with electric or float-operated auto drains. In that case, you don’t have to do anything. But if yours does not have such a drain, you will have to do it manually.
What Are The Stages Of Filtration?
There are two stages of filtration. During the first stage, compressed air enters a mesh filter. It produces a clumping effect that enables the filter to catch the bigger dust particles. In this stage, the water gets condensed into larger droplets before passing through the separation cell.
Now begins the second stage. Here, the compressed air starts slowing down to allow the substances to condense. The condensation process takes place on a pad. To give you a better idea of the pad, think of it like a honeycomb. It prompts the droplets to move toward the drain.
When they enter the drain, the droplets get discharged and go to the valve of the drain. Now the second filtration takes place and removes most of the particles that slipped past the first stage.
What Are The Different Air Filter Terminologies?
There are a number of air filter terminologies. I will break them down in simple terms, so you can understand them easily. And do try to take note of them because they will help you a good deal when comparing or reviewing different filter elements.
Particle Size Efficiency (PSE)
It is the unit of measuring the exact sizes of microns in diameter. It determines the ability of an air compressor filter to capture particles.
Micron (Micrometer)
It is the measurement unit of dust particles, a micron being one-millionth of a meter. A dust particle must measure 5 microns at the very least for us to see it. So, a filter’s efficiency in capturing microns is a key aspect regarding the selection of a filter.
Arrestance
It indicates the portion of dust in percentage by weight, which can be captured by a filter. Here, the dust size is usually larger, often weighing more than 10 microns.
USA MERV
MERV is the abbreviation of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It refers to a filter’s efficiency of removing and preventing particulates from passing through the airflow. A high MERV hints at a strong and capable filter that traps smaller particles effectively.
But that is at the expense of producing higher resistance to the airflow and affecting system efficiency. Then again, a low MERV means low effectiveness in the filtration process. However, that also means less resistance to the airflow.
When choosing your air filter, pick one with an optimal MERV that serves your systems and applications best.
European Efficiency Class
It is a lot like MERV, developed for testing air filters. It is a factory test that checks whether the tool obtains the specified level of efficiency in filtering dirt.
What Is The Optimal Level Of Air Quality?
The international standard ISO 8573-1:2010 defines air quality by using class ratings for oil residue and water content, and solid dust particles. These classes have scores on a scale from 1 to 9. A low number indicates low contamination and high air quality, and vice versa.
The optimal level of air quality depends on your applications. They determine the required level of air quality. Look for the factory specifications and recommendations to get a clear idea about the requirements before choosing a filter.
Final Words
It is very important to learn about something to understand its importance. In the case of air filters, they also serve the same purpose. Besides, reading about how air compressor filters work: a simple guide should help you select the best filtration system for your applications.
I hope you find an excellent match when you browse our air filter collection. All the best!