Air treatment solutions: the coalescing filter
Coalescing filters are a must when high-quality compressed air is needed. Here is a guide for picking the right one.
Coalescing filters – cleaning up air for demanding applications
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Air is not clean – neither the one we breathe nor the compressed air we need for so many industrial applications.
The latter contains particulates as well as aerosols and, in the case of oil-injected compressors, oil vapors. These contaminants are often microscopically small but can have a damaging – and costly – impact on the sensitive equipment that uses compressed air.
Particulates, for example, are tiny pieces of solid materials, e.g. dust, dirt or small pieces of metal caused by pipe corrosion, that can damage the end product.
Aerosols are small droplets of liquid in compressed air that are created from the lubricant, such as oil, and can harm products and people if not properly removed. Vapors consist of any liquids in the compressed air system, like the lubricant, that have been converted to gas.
There are applications for which these contaminants do not matter a lot. For example, they are not a major problem when you use compressed air to inflate a tire.
Watch this video to know more about the next generation of filtration solutions
Coalescing filters for high-quality compressed air
However, if high-quality, pure compressed air is required, then you need a filter (or filters) to eliminate those particles, aerosols and vapors. Otherwise, they can pollute the products they come in touch with, for example in the food and pharmaceutical industries, or harm your sensitive equipment.
The amount and
type of filters depends on the application and the quality of air.
One effective way to remove aerosols and particulates is the installation of a coalescing filter. These filters produce cleaner and dryer compressed air by bringing small droplets of liquid together in order to form larger droplets. As these droplets increase in size, they fall from the filter and are caught in a moisture trap.
Caution: Not all filters remove all contaminants. For example, coalescing filters are not effective in getting rid of vapors. For removing particulates and aerosols, however, they are often the right choice – especially the innovative UD+ coalescing filter from Atlas Copco.
UD+ coalescing filter: two-in-one
This unique system combines filtration steps offered by Atlas Copco's DD+ and PD+ filters. Thanks to its design and media used, a UD+ filter achieves an air purity equal to that of two conventional filters.
Not only does it meet the air quality standards of many applications, it saves money. The unique Nautilus filter technology has a pressure drop that is 40% lower than that of a conventional filter. This, in turn, results in a higher energy efficiency of 40%.
Also, since two filtration concepts are combined into one filter, it reduces the required installation space. This makes UD+ oil coalescing filters ideal for applications in tight spaces. While improving efficiency, these coalescing filters can improve the quality of end products.
Ask an air system professional about the best solution for your needs.
If you need help deciding on the right air treatment system for your needs our team is happy to help. Feel free to get in touch today. We're available to answer any questions you have regarding coalescing filters, dryers, and other equipment.
It's important to protect both your equipment and end users from harmful contaminants found in compressed air water vapor. Let us point you in the right direction.
Air treatment solutions: the coalescing filter
