What are Particulate Filters for Air Compressors?
Mechanics recommend that you change the air filter on your vehicle so that its heating and cooling system continues to work effectively. HVAC service providers echo a similar sentiment when it comes to your home or office’s heating and cooling equipment. But there are various industrial appliances that require similar upkeep in order to continue to operate at a high level. One of these appliances is none other than the air compressor.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at one of the most popular types of air filters for air compressors – the particulate filter – and how it can help your compressor work effectively and efficiently. But first, let’s take a closer look at just what air filters do to keep appliances running better.
What are Air Filters?
Air filters, regardless of their application, are primarily designed to capture particulates before they can enter the system. In HVAC equipment, filters will capture the likes of dust, debris, pollen and more before they have a chance to enter your home or office’s ductwork and disperse throughout your home vents. Air filters work similarly in automotive applications. In air compressor systems, air filters are installed in condensed air lines to prevent both solid particulate and liquid contaminants from entering the system and potentially causing costly damage. In order for your compressed air system to work to its full potential, it should process clean, dry air.
That’s a big part of the reason why air filters are so important in air compression systems – because time equals money. If the system incurs damage and the facility cannot carry out its duties as it should, then the system is going to need to come offline until it can be properly repaired. This can result in downtime, a lapse in productivity and a lapse in profit. In air compressors, liquid and solid contaminants have the potential to damage cylinders and valves, and restrict air flow throughout the system.
About Particulate Air Filters
Particulate air filters are among the most common types of filters that are used in air compressors. These filters work to trap and retain particulates while the compressor is running. When it’s time to replace these filters, they can be easily removed, discarded and swapped out with a new, fresh filter. How often you’ll need to replace a particulate air filter depends on a lot of different factors, such as how often you’re using the compressor and what type of indoor air quality your facility has. On average, users can expect to have to swap out the filter every few months or when they notice pressure is decreasing when they use the air compressor. As filters trap more particulates and become more soiled, it’s only natural that they’ll restrict airflow and pressure to a certain extent.
It’s important to note that particulate air filters can be used as a pre or after filter for dryers. Other types of filters, such as coalescing filters and vapor removal filters, are better suited for keeping liquid contaminants out of the system. To best determine what type of filter would work for your air compressor, make sure to reference your compressor’s owner manual to determine what micron rating, flow capacity and other factors it suggests. After all, not every type of filter is intended for every model of air compressor. You can also contact one of our experts at JHFOSTER and we can help you select the best filter for your air compression system.
Make Air Filters a Part of Your Compressor’s System Maintenance
One of the best means to ensure that your air compressor continues to work effectively and efficiently is to create a maintenance schedule – and stick to it. And certainly a big part of this maintenance schedule should involve checking and replacing the air filters at certain intervals. As we noted in the opening, an inefficient air filter is likely to let harmful particulates into the system, potentially leading to costly damage and premature wear and tear. It can also cause a significant drop in pressure and cause your system to work harder for longer, which can reduce effectiveness and increase energy costs. Make sure you’re regularly checking and changing your system’s filters to ensure reliable, consistent performance. Clean, dry air is key to a well working compressor.
Contact JHFOSTER Today
For more information on particulate filters for air compressors and why these components are such an important ingredient in overall air compressor performance, contact the experts at JHFOSTER today. Our friendly, knowledgeable experts are standing by and ready to help you get the air filter that best suits your compressor. Contact us today for more information about the importance of the air compressor air filter today.