Types Of Air Compressor Filters And Their Uses

air compressor filter types

Getting just any filter for your air compressor system will not work. I mean, it might work, but it won’t give you the best output. So, before selecting an air compressor filter, it is essential to learn its types and uses. 

Here’s a guide explaining all of that for you! 

What Is An Air Compressor Filter? 

Okay, first things first. An air compressor filter (you may also know it as an air line filter) is a tool that filters moisture, oil, dust particles, pollen, and other various impurities from compressed air. By doing so, the filter makes the compressed air ready usable. 

This air compressor filter is integral to the process of air treatment. While ensuring the air is safe and pure to use, it also increases the life expectancy of your machines. Find out more about the importance of using it below. 

What Are The Main Advantages Of Using An Air Compressor Filter? 

So, apart from keeping the compressed air clean, what else does an air compressor filter offer you? Turns out, it offers you a lot! For instance: 

  • As it removes dirt and other contaminants on a daily basis, it keeps your machinery and equipment safe from damage.

  • The air cleaned by the filter makes sure your tools deliver optimal performance with high efficiency. It reduces overall energy consumption while decreasing maintenance costs, too. 

  • In different industries, it is a must to keep the air completely clean to maintain the safety of quality of products. There, you have no alternative to using a high-quality air compressor filter. 

  • Routine filtration of compressed air enables the compressor system and other tools to perform at the same quality level for a long time. 


What Are The Different Types Of Compressor Filters? 

There are three types of compressor filters: coalescing air filter, particulate air filter, and activated carbon air filter. Below, you’ll see how each of them works and what uses they offer.

Particulate Air Filter And Its Uses 

Most common among the three, a particulate air filter works by using a membrane to allow only air to pass through while blocking dust particles. This filter element consists of different materials, like paper, synthetic fibers, or cotton. The element’s size and efficiency at filtration determine how big a particle the filter can draw out from the compressed air. 

This type of filter is typically installed in an air compressor system as the first layer of filtration. And it is mostly used to remove internal or indoor particulate matter (i.e., dust and pet dander), extending the air compressor’s lifespan. Besides, it is effective at preventing air line clogs. 

Activated Carbon Air Filter And Its Uses

The activated carbon filter removes vapors and odors from compressed air. It uses carbon to absorb the vapors and odors and inactivate them. The activated carbon comprises a wide surface area, which makes it a sturdy filter. 

However, as it gets more saturated, it needs the pressure to drop to deliver the same filtration performance. That is why, to keep the pressure as required, you have to replace the filter every once in a while. 

Such filters are commonly used where compressed air is present around beverages, pharmaceuticals, or food products. In the industrial processes of these industries, the cleanliness of the air matters a lot. 

Coalescing Filter And Its Uses 

A coalescing filter is best at removing aerosols and water. It has a filter media that catches small droplets and combines them into large droplets. After the merging process, the media removes them.

You will also find a re-entrainment blocker or barrier that keeps the droplets from contacting the air. While the filter mostly works on oil and water, it can also take out other particulates with its filter media. It does the removing job excellently, minimizing the levels of particulates to 0.1 micron and liquids to 0.01 ppm. 

However, note that, just like the filter above, it can cause high drops in the required pressure if not replaced in time. 


What Are the Pros And Cons Of Each Air Compressor Filter? 

Yes, even though the filters are essential for your machinery, they are not free of downsides. While they have similar working methods and the same purpose of filtering compressed air, they may fall short in some areas. 

So, learn about their pros and cons to get a solid understanding of them. It will help you find the right filter for your needs in our filter range.

Pros And Cons Of A Particulate Air Compressor Filter 

Pros 

  • It is best at trapping larger particulates, like dust, pet dander, and pollen. No contaminants borne out of the air will be able to dodge it. 

  • It is a durable filter and also cost-effective compared to others. 

  • If you want to strengthen its filtration, you can easily combine it with an activated carbon filter. 

Cons 

  • A particulate filter is not that reliable in terms of filtering small, minuscule airborne particles. 

  • Without regular maintenance, it will collect buildups of contaminants, calling for an early replacement. 

Pros And Cons Of A Coalescing Air Compressor Filter 

Pros 

  • If the compressed air has any oil particles (oil aerosols) and water, a coalescing air filter will efficiently take out all of them. 

  • By doing its job, it will ensure your air tools are free of rust and corrosion. 

  • A high-quality filter will require low upkeep. 

Cons 

  • Despite removing water droplets, a coalescing air filter cannot draw out water vapor. 

  • Lack of maintenance or a low-quality filter will result in frequent pressure drops and affect your air compressor’s functionality. 

Pros And Cons Of An Activated Carbon Air Compressor Filter 

Pros 

  • It will block even the smallest contaminants, i.e., fumes, odors, chemicals, and smoke. It will keep the indoor air safe, breathable, and clean.

  • Its efficient operating method prevents the pollutants from getting released back into the compressed air. The strong bond between them and the filter’s carbon keeps them trapped.

Cons 

  • The saturation with contaminants over time requires routine filter replacements. 

  • The filter cannot remove microorganisms that could be harmful.

Are There Any Other Types? 

The three air filters I’ve mentioned above are the commonly used ones. However, there are other types, too.

Sterile Filter

Applications in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries that require compressed air to be free of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses use this type of filter. They get trapped in the filter element featuring 0.2 micron-sized (or maybe even smaller!) pores. The element comprises polypropylene or PTFE materials with a high tolerance for high temperatures and resistance to chemical attacks. 

Modular Filter 

Now, a modular filter is not a specific type of filter. It combines two or more filters to address the particular demands of your compressed air system. A modular system can combine activated, sterile, coalescing, and particulate filters while also incorporating regulators, dryers, and other components. 


Final Words 

Now that you know about the types of air compressor filters and their uses, which one are you going to buy? Remember, it shouldn’t be a difficult decision. 

Just see which filter offers what, match that with your budget and system’s needs, and bingo! You have the right filter for your air compressor system. Go ahead, then! All the best! 

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