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Choosing a Compressed Air Filter

In selecting the best filter for a specific application a number of factors must be weighed against each other in terms of performance and cost. The initial cost of a filter may be low, but if the element needs to be replaced frequently, replacement costs may soon outweigh the initial savings. A filter with a high efficiency rating may also have a high pressure drop, increasing operating costs. Excessive pressure drop can also result from improper sizing or excessive flow through the filter. Never select a filter on the basis of pipe size. Instead, compressed air filters should be sized on the basis of airflow and system pressure.

Make sure the materials of construction for the filter are compatible with the compressor lubricant. Some filter components, such as gaskets, seals and transparent bowls, are not compatible with certain synthetic compressor lubricants. Deterioration of these parts in contact with such lubricants may cause the filter to burst and personal injury may result.
Be sure that the manufacturer’s pressure rating and flow capacity of the compressed air filter are equal to or exceed the pressure and flow at the point of use.
Float drains can easily be clogged by debris in the system. Larger coalescing filters are often installed with external adjustable timer-controlled solenoid drain valves, or demand-type drains.

Installation

Once the correct filter has been selected, it should be installed in the proper location with regard to the air dryer.

Coalescing Filters
If a refrigerated dryer is used, the filter should normally be placed downstream of the dryer unless the dryer manufacturer also recommends protection ahead of the dryer. The dryer will remove water vapor and some liquid oil, thus extending the life of filter elements. If a desiccant dryer is used, the filter must be placed upstream of the dryer to protect the desiccant against oil contamination.

Particulate Filters
Particulate filters should be installed after a desiccant dryer to keep desiccant dust from passing downstream. They are also used in non-lubricated compressor installations to trap carbon or other fragments that wear off in the compressor itself.

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