A constant supply of clean compressed air can only be guaranteed through proper filtration. Compressed-air filters or filters for compressed-air filtration ensure the highest possible degree of air purity – in accordance with the operator’s requirements or the mandatory equipment specifications for the industry in question.
Application and purpose of compressed-air filters
A wide range of applications exists for these filters. From craft workshops, which typically uses coarse filters to protect their machines, to sophisticated overall concepts for compressed-air treatment in the food and pharmaceutical sectors –
almost every company has a need for high-purity, virtually oil-free compressed air.
Many manufacturers specify minimum purity and residual-oil quantity values for the compressed air with which their machines may be operated. In order to clearly define – and distinguish between – the respective application areas, various compressed-air classes are defined in DIN ISO 8573-1:2010. The maximum residual values for particulate matter, water, and oil are specified in this standard.
Types of compressed air filters
To achieve these compressed-air purity values, various compressed-air-conditioning filters are available. These products are usually referred to as pre-filters, fine filters, ultra-fine filters, super-fine filters as well as activated carbon filters.
Compressed-air filters should always be designed by an industry specialist who is able to take into account the available technology and the industry-specific requirements. Also, correct placement and installation of the filter within the system should be discussed with – or ensured by – trained professionals.
Where are compressed-air filters used?
Compressed-air filters are typically used downstream of the compressor (upstream of the compressed-air consumer). Air filters, oil filters, and separators are installed in the compressor in order to obtain optimum compressed air downstream of the compressor and to optimize the service life and efficiency of the entire system, including the downstream machines.
They are used to remove particles as small as 0.01 µm from the air that is produced, or to remove oil vapors and limit the residual oil content to 0.003 mg/m³ of air. Minute amounts of water and oil droplets condense downstream of the dryer and in the pipes between the compressor and the consumer. In addition, dirt may accumulate inside the pipes.
For this reason, an additional pre-filter is installed upstream of the consumer together with additional fine, ultra-fine or super-fine filters and/or activated carbon elements, depending on the consumer’s requirements. These compressed-air filters remove unwanted constituents from the air. The housings of these compressed-air filters are lifetime components that never require replacement. However, the elements inside them must be replaced annually or as shown by the differential pressure indicator. Compressed-air filters protect industrial equipment and machinery from contaminants such as dust, water, and oil droplets or vapors.
How does a compressed-air filter work?
Contaminated air enters the compressed-air filter through the air-intake nozzle and hits the correspondingly designed filter element. This removes particles as small as 0.01 µm, or in the case of activated carbon filters, ensures a residual oil content as low as 0.003 mg/m³ air. The clean air then “escapes” into the system via the clean-air nozzle.
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