Champion CFL Series Inline Air Filter – Grade D Dry Particulate Desiccant Afterfilter (20–780 SCFM)

The Champion CFL Series Grade D is a dry particulate afterfilter built specifically for the outlet of a desiccant dryer, available in ten flow rates from 20 to 780 SCFM. It captures desiccant fines down to 1 micron before they get into the plant header. Unlike the coalescing grades, the Grade D element flows outside to inside, which is the correct direction for catching dry dust rather than draining liquid, and it is the reason a Grade D lasts in this service where a general purpose filter plugs.

Select your flow rate and connection size from the dropdown above.

Why a Desiccant Dryer Needs an Afterfilter

Every desiccant bed abrades. Activated alumina and molecular sieve beads grind against each other on every pressurization and depressurization cycle of a heatless or heated regenerative dryer, and the resulting dust leaves with the air. That dust is hard, abrasive, and small enough to pass straight through a coarse filter. Downstream it scores valve seats, packs into orifices and nozzles, contaminates product in food and pharmaceutical lines, and shows up as grit in finished paint. An afterfilter at the dryer outlet is not optional equipment on a desiccant system; it is part of the dryer.

Performance

• Particle Removal — 1 micron, sized for desiccant fines and dry pipe scale.
• Flow Direction — Outside to inside, so dust loads on the outer surface where the media has the most area.
• Dry Service — No drain needed; the air leaving a desiccant dryer is already at a very low dew point.

Model Selection Chart

Models 20 through 60 ship with a differential pressure slide indicator; models 100 through 780 ship with a differential pressure gauge. Because this is dry service, no drain is fitted as standard. Alternate connection sizes, BSP threads, and a slide in place of the gauge are available. Call us and we will configure the part number.

Key Features at a Glance

• 1 Micron Dry Particulate Removal — Stops desiccant dust at the dryer outlet.
• Outside-to-Inside Flow Path — Purpose-built for dust loading, not liquid drainage.
• 20 to 780 SCFM Rated Flow — Matched to the full Champion desiccant dryer range.
• 300 PSIG Maximum Working Pressure — Ample margin on any standard plant air system.
• 150°F Maximum Inlet Temperature — Handles the warm outlet air of a heated or blower purge dryer.
• Differential Pressure Indicator — Slide or gauge, so you change the element on data rather than on a calendar.
• Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Housing — Corrosion resistant, factory pressure tested.
• Modular Body — Bolts to other CFL housings with a connector kit for a compact stack.

Shared Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications

Install a Grade D at the outlet of any regenerative desiccant dryer: CDT heatless, XCHL heatless, XCHP heated purge, XCHBA blower purge, or XCMLA modular. It is standard practice on instrument air systems, blow molding, laser cutting assist gas, powder coating, pharmaceutical and food packaging, and any process where dry, dust-free air is a specification rather than a preference.

Build Your Filtration Train

A properly built desiccant installation reads: (1) Grade A separator to remove bulk liquid; (2) Grade E coalescing prefilter to protect the desiccant bed from oil; (3) desiccant dryer; (4) Grade D afterfilter to catch desiccant fines on the way out.

Element Replacement and Service

Replace the element annually, or whenever the differential pressure indicator shows a 5 PSID rise, whichever comes first. A new dryer or a dryer that has just had its desiccant recharged will shed more dust than usual for the first few weeks, so check the indicator more often during that period. Genuine Champion CF-series Grade D elements are listed in the chart above.

Why Buy from Air Compressor Store

Air Compressor Store is an authorized Champion Pneumatic distributor. Every CFL Series filter ships with the full factory warranty, lifetime application support, and access to our compressed-air engineers for sizing and system design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Grade C instead of a Grade D after my desiccant dryer?

It will filter, but not as well in this service. The Grade D element is built for outside-to-inside dry dust loading; a Grade C is built for the opposite flow direction and will load its inner surface and blind off sooner.

Does the Grade D need a drain?

No. Air leaving a desiccant dryer is at a very low dew point, so nothing condenses in the housing. That is why the standard Grade D configuration has no drain.

Where exactly does it go?

Immediately downstream of the dryer outlet, before the air reaches the plant header, so the fines never get into the distribution piping in the first place.

How do I size it?

Match it to the dryer, or to the actual SCFM at that point. Sizing up lowers pressure drop and extends element life, which matters because pressure drop on a desiccant system is already a real energy cost.