Parts for Compressed Air Filters

Compressed air filtration is a crucial aspect of healthy compressed air systems. When they operate as expected, you can relax, knowing that your compressed air is at an acceptable standard. 

Whether it be particulate matter like dirt, dust, and other molecules floating around or moisture that needs to be removed from a compressed air system, filters pull these impurities. The filters improve your air quality, whether it be impaction to catch dust or a coalescing material to draw in condensate and oil vapors.

When a specific function of your air filter goes down, rather than replace the whole unit, you can replace a specific part. Air Filters are made up of a collection of parts and components that work together, so if one part fails, you can replace that element rather than the whole unit.

What Parts Make up an Air Filter?

Compressed Air Filters are made up of a few key components:

• The Inlet
  • The area where the air piping connects to your filter and feeds the air into the filter. It is important that they match or are close in size so that there is no pressure drop.
• Filter Cap
  • Responsible for directing the airflow from the inlet to the rest of the filter. Typically, this cap includes an arrow that you can use to align with the direction of the airflow. Putting it on backward will prevent the air from getting where it needs to go.
• Air Path
  • As simple as it sounds, this is the path the compressed air follows. It creates a spinning motion like a cyclone that moves the air through the filter.
• The Outlet
  • The outlet point, which is opposite the inlet but at the end of the filtration, is where the clean air is reintroduced to the piping. The air exits the filter and moves down stream to the next stop.
• Filter Housing
  • The case for everything is the outer shell that you see and can quickly identify as a compressed air filter, which is nothing but a hollow shell. This filter housing holds everything in place and makes the components into an excellent package.
• Filter Element
  • The part of the filter that removes debris from the air stream is your filter element. Without this element included the air will just be going on a little detour. With enough filtration, these elements will become clogged and must be replaced to ensure air quality. 
• Drain
  • All the gunk and junk needs to be drained out. It is collected and discharged from the drain. The drains usually have a manual drain, but some models have a float-operated or electronic auto drain that clears the condensate automatically. 

Filters Are Necessary

Replacing a single component on your compressed air filters might not seem worthwhile, but your system and air quality disagree. Without a filtration system, millions of particles containing dirt, dust, oil, oil vapor, water droplets, and other contaminants will continue downstream.

These millions of particles will cause premature wear and tear on your equipment, leading to more maintenance and the need for brand-new equipment. Avoid this headache by using high-quality air filters in your compressed air system.