We all know that the filter plays a very critical role in air conditioning systems in our home, which can screen out pollutants, particulates and dust to ensure the quality of the indoor air. Especially in the Middle East, our region is characterized by hot summers with high humidity (as high as 90% in some areas) and frequent sandstorms during periods of seasonal change. A good filter can have a positive impact on the health of our entire family and protect AC units from harmful things in the air. The same principle applies to inline air filters which are part of compressed air systems and separate air particles from contaminant particles.
Effects of an inefficient compressed air filter
Compressed air is full of particles, aerosols and oil vapors (in oil injected pistons and screws) that contaminate the compressed air and can cause potential harm to its end users (equipment that uses compressed air and your end product). The particles, aerosols and oil vapors can also affect the smooth and efficient running of your air compressor system. Installing a high performing inline air filters can help you eliminate the unwanted particulates as well as aerosols and vapors and make your compressor installation energy efficient.
What would happen if you have an inefficient air filter?
It’s hard to believe such a small part could make a big difference in compressed air quality, but it does. Often the compressor users focus is on the cost of maintenance and replacement parts when in reality these costs are insignificant when compared to those associated with product spoilage should a filter element fail. What seems like a cost saving initially can turn out to be very expensive.
What would be the cost to your business of poor air quality?
- Damaged adsorption dryer beds requiring unplanned desiccant changes
- Corrosion within the compressed air storage and distribution system
- Blocked / frozen valves, air motors and pneumatic tools
- Damaged machinery causing increased production downtime
- Inefficient production processes leading to increased manufacturing costs
- Contamination exhausting from valves and cylinders leading to unhealthy working environments
- Spoiled, damaged and re-worked products resulted from the contaminants
Moreover, all filtering inevitably results in a pressure drop, which is an energy loss in the compressed air system. Every 1 bar of differential pressure an air compressor must overcome is equal to approximately 7% increase in electrical consumption. Dirty inline air filters obstruct the systems performance and force the system to exert more energy just to perform basic functions.
Hence, to maintain efficient operation of your compressed air system and achieve the stringent air quality levels required by your applications, the air filters need to be maintained and elements need to be replaced regularly.
When to change your compressed air inline filter
How often this needs to be done depends on variables like the required quality of the compressed air and the hours of operation of the air compressor. In order to understand how clean your air needs to be, you have to identify and assess the application and processes that utilizes the compressed air. Not all applications and processes that use compressed air require the same level of purification. The quality of the air in regards of the amount of particles and the presence of water and oil is defined in ISO 8573-1, the industry standard for air purity.
In conclusion, replacing your inline air filter element improves the energy efficiency of your compressed air system. How often this needs to be done depends on variables like the quality of the supply air and the hours of operation of the air compressor. It is recommended to change your air filters in every 12 months. In dirtier environments, the filters may need to be changed more frequently.
Read about why your comressed air system needs a good air filter
