The air compressor filter element plays a vital role in ensuring the production of high-quality compressed air. It functions by allowing the oil-containing compressed air, generated by the main engine, to enter the cooler. This air then progresses through the oil and gas filter element for filtration. Through mechanical separation, the filter intercepts and aggregates the oil mist present in the gas. The oil droplets then concentrate at the bottom of the filter element and are returned to the oil return pipe, thus feeding the compressor lubrication system. The result is a much purer, high-quality compressed air discharged by the compressor.

To put it simply, the air compressor filter element is an essential device that removes solid dust, oil and gas particles, and liquid substances present in the compressed air. It enhances the overall efficiency and functionality of the air compressor system. There are several alternative brands available in the market, such as Atlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, Fusheng, SULLAIR, CompAir, and Liutech compressor filters. Each of these brands offers impressive performance and quality, ensuring the air compressor system operates at its best.

If you want your equipment to function efficiently and last longer, it is essential to incorporate an air intake filter into your compressor system. The use of filters not only protects the components from premature wear and tear but also extends the lifespan of your compressor. This saves you from incurring unnecessary costs on part replacements, thus proving to be a cost-effective strategy in the long run.

Moreover, a water filter for an air compressor is an invaluable addition. It helps in preventing harmful toxins from infiltrating sewer systems and bodies of water, thereby contributing to environmental preservation efforts.

Furthermore, your industry might be subject to specific government regulations that mandate the use of air filters. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have defined air quality standards for various compressor types. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) necessitates the use of oil/water separators. Therefore, failing to use an air compressor water separator with your equipment could result in substantial fines. Thus, it is not just about maintaining the health of your compressor, but it's also about adhering to legal requirements and promoting environmental sustainability.

How does the air compressor filter work?

Air line filters work by straining air to trap solid particles and separate liquids from compressed air. To clarify the process, it helps to identify the main components found in an air compressor filter:

Inlet: The air compressor intake or inlet is where air enters the filter. There is an internal cap that forces air downward into a spiral. It’s important to get the right size inlet rather than using a filter smaller than the line.

Filter cap: This component directs airflow through the filter. You can tell the direction of the air by the arrow on the outside of the filter, which also prevents you from installing it backward.

Air path: This is the actual path the air follows as it spins like a cyclone and passes through the air filter itself.

Filter discharge: This orifice allows air to leave the filter, and it should match the inlet size. If the filter discharge is too small, it will restrict the flow of air.

Filter element: The filter itself is what takes contaminants out of the air, catching particulates over time. Eventually, filters become clogged and must be cleaned or replaced.

Filter bowl: The bowl is the biggest part of the filter that you can see. It is connected to the cap and is threaded or twisted and locked into place.

Filter quiet zone: The contaminants, water and oil collected by the filter all end up in the quiet zone at the bottom of the filter. You will usually find a barrier hanging from the filter bottom, preventing debris from being reintroduced into the air.

Drain: Collected contaminants and debris have to be drained. Many filters must be drained manually, but others have float-operated or electric auto drains.

In the first stage of filtration, compressed air passes through a mesh filter. This creates a clumping effect where the larger particles are trapped by the filter, and the water condenses into bigger droplets then travels to the separation chamber.

The compressed air slows down, allowing particulates to condense on a pad with honeycomb-like qualities. This facilitates the movement of droplets to the drain. After entering the drainage system, droplets are discharged through the drain valve. This stage of filtration removes a majority of the oil, large particles and water droplets.

What is the application field of air compressor filter?

They are widely used in steel, electric power, metallurgy, shipbuilding, textile, electronics, chemical industry, petroleum, mining, light industry, machinery manufacturing, paper printing, transportation facilities, food and medicine, casting spraying, marine terminals, military technology, automobile industry, aerospace, infrastructure, etc.

There are three type of air compressor filter:

Oil Air Separator

The material of Oil Mist Separator filter element is made of superfine glass fiber of HV and Lydall companies in America. Oil-gas mist in the compressed air can be completely filtered through the filter element of the Oil Mist Separator.

Coarse separation process of oil separation core: The oil and gas mixture of the screw compressor enters from the tangentially arranged intake pipe, flows tangentially along the inside of the tank and collides in the container composed of baffles, and the large volume is separated by inertia and gravity. The oil droplets are roughly separated, and the oil flows out from the oil outlet pipe. After the crude separation, the oil-gas mixture enters the oil separation core for fine separation.Oil separation core fine separation process: After rough separation, the oil and gas enter the oil and gas separation core for fine separation, and the oil return pipe recovers the residual oil, and the clean gas is discharged from the pressure maintaining check valve.

Air filter

The material of filter element of Air Filter is made of wood pulp filter paper of HV Company in America and Ahlstrom Company in Korea. Impurities such as suspended particles, sand, water and oil-gas mist in the air can be filtered through the filter element of the Air Filter.

An air filter is a filter device with different characteristics set to remove suspended dust particles and microbial strains in the air, that is, to remove the floating dust according to the filter material.

The material of Oil Mist Separator filter element is made of superfine glass fiber of HV and Lydall companies in America. Oil-gas mist in the compressed air can be completely filtered through the filter element of the Oil Mist Separator.

Oil filter

The material of Lubrication oil filter element is made of superfine glass fiber of HV Company in America or wood pulp filter paper of Ahlstrom Company in Korea. Impurities such as suspended particles and oil residue in the lubrication oil can be removed, which are in protection of the host machine.

The engine oil filter is obviously a device used to filter engine oil. It is used in engineering equipment of lubricating systems such as engines and air compressors. It is a vulnerable part and needs to be replaced regularly.

The material of Oil Mist Separator filter element is made of superfine glass fiber of HV and Lydall companies in America. Oil-gas mist in the compressed air can be completely filtered through the filter element of the Oil Mist Separator.