Champion CFL Series Pressure Vessel Compressed Air Filter – Grades A–G, 3" NPTM (625–1,250 SCFM)

The Champion CFL Series pressure vessel filters are the large-capacity end of the CFL family, covering 625, 1,000 and 1,250 SCFM on 3" NPTM connections. Where the modular CFL housings from 20 to 780 SCFM use a bayonet head and bowl, these are welded pressure vessels built to major pressure vessel directives in the Americas, Europe and Asia, with a large-diameter element chamber that keeps pressure drop low at plant-air flow rates.

Every one of the seven Champion filter grades is available in all three vessel sizes, so a single housing platform can be configured as a mechanical water separator, a general purpose particulate filter, a desiccant afterfilter, a high efficiency coalescer or an activated carbon oil vapor filter.

Select your flow rate and filter grade from the dropdowns above.

Why a Pressure Vessel Housing Instead of a Modular Housing

Above roughly 600 SCFM the physics change. A modular housing sized for 780 SCFM is already running a high face velocity through the element, and pushing more air through it costs real energy in differential pressure. The CFL pressure vessels put a much larger element in a much larger chamber, which drops the face velocity, holds the clean-condition pressure drop down, and stretches the interval between element changes. Because roughly one percent of compressor horsepower is consumed for every PSID of pressure drop in the system, that lower differential pressure pays for itself on a plant-air system running continuously.

The vessels also take a 3" NPTM male pipe connection rather than the female modular ports, which is the natural tie-in size for headers feeding large refrigerated and desiccant dryers.

Model Selection Chart

All models are supplied with a differential pressure gauge and use 3" NPTM connections. The 1,000 and 1,250 SCFM vessels ship with drain plugs as standard; externally mounted automatic drains are available.

The 625 SCFM Grade A mechanical separator vessel is not listed above. The August 2026 Champion price list prints it at the same figure as the smaller modular CFL625A25 housing, which does not agree with the pricing of the other six grades on the same vessel, so it has been held back pending factory confirmation. Call us and we will quote it from the factory.

Filter Grade Selection Guide

Key Features at a Glance

• 625, 1,000 and 1,250 SCFM: three vessel sizes covering large plant air headers.
• All Seven Champion Filter Grades: one housing platform, separator through activated carbon.
• 3" NPTM Connections: male pipe thread sized for main header tie-ins.
• 300 PSIG Maximum Working Pressure: full rating on all three 3-inch NPTM vessels.
• 150°F Maximum Inlet Temperature: handles hot air off an aftercooler.
• Differential Pressure Gauge Standard: dual gauge face reads in either flow direction and tells you exactly when to change the element.
• Large Element Chamber: low face velocity, low clean pressure drop, long element life.
• Stainless Steel Element Cores: corrosion resistant, silicone free, rated to 150°F.
• Pressure Vessel Directive Compliant: housings conform to most major pressure vessel directives worldwide.
• Champion Pneumatic Quality: backed by over a century of compressed air engineering.

Shared Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications

These vessels belong on plant air systems in the 150 to 300 HP range and on any header carrying 600 SCFM or more: automotive assembly and paint shops, food and beverage plants, pharmaceutical and cleanroom utilities, plastics and injection molding, foundries, textile mills, glass plants, pulp and paper, and central compressor rooms feeding an entire facility. They are also the correct filtration to pair with the large end of the Champion dryer range, including XCNCA non-cycling refrigerated dryers, XCCYA cycling refrigerated dryers, CDT heatless desiccant dryers and XCHL heatless desiccant dryers.

Build Your Filtration Train

A properly staged treatment train on a large system looks like this: a Grade A mechanical separator or Grade C particulate filter at the aftercooler discharge to knock out bulk water and pipe scale, then the dryer, then a Grade E or Grade F coalescing filter to bring oil carryover down to instrument levels, and finally a Grade G activated carbon filter where odor or oil vapor matters. On a heatless desiccant dryer, add a Grade D afterfilter to capture desiccant fines. Never install a coalescing filter upstream of bulk water removal, because flooding a coalescer shortens its life dramatically.

Element Replacement and Service

Replace the element annually, or sooner if the differential pressure gauge shows a rise of 5 PSID above the clean reading. A clogged element wastes compressed air energy and eventually risks element collapse. The 625 and 1,250 SCFM vessels share a common element, the CP series, while the 1,000 SCFM vessel uses the C1000 series. Both are stocked as genuine Champion replacement elements.

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. If you are not sure whether your header calls for the 1,000 or the 1,250 SCFM vessel, send us your actual flow and pressure and we will size it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these differ from the modular CFL housings?

The modular housings, 20 through 780 SCFM, use a quarter-turn bayonet head and bowl with female NPTF ports. These are welded pressure vessels with 3" NPTM male connections, a much larger element chamber, and a full 300 PSIG rating regardless of drain configuration.

Can I get an ASME U stamped vessel?

Yes. The CFL configurator offers a U stamped vessel option in place of the standard non-coded construction. The models listed here are the standard non-coded build. Call us for an ASME coded quotation.

Which element fits my vessel?

The 625 and 1,250 SCFM vessels take the CP element for your grade, for example CPCE for Grade C. The 1,000 SCFM vessel takes the C1000 element, for example C1000CE. Both are listed on our pressure vessel element page.

Do I size by pipe size or by flow?

Always by flow and operating pressure, never by pipe size. Champion publishes sizing correction factors for pressures other than 100 PSIG. If you are running at 125 PSIG your vessel will pass more air than the nameplate rating; at 80 PSIG it will pass less.

How often does the drain need attention?

The 625 SCFM vessel can be supplied with an internal automatic drain. The 1,000 and 1,250 SCFM vessels ship with drain plugs, so most installations add an external automatic or demand drain. We stock Champion CDV1 demand drains and timed electric drains.