How to Choose a Filter for Your Industrial Air Compressor

air-filter2Filters are a vital asset to your industrial air compressor system. Finding the right type of filter for your industrial air compressor not only will increase your unit’s efficiency, but also lower energy and potential repair costs. Choosing a good air filter largely depends on the needs of your system and how much maintenance you are willing to invest in your unit. Here are some tips and facts that might help you get started with choosing a filter for your industrial air compressor:

  • High particulate filters operate under high temperatures and offer protection against fire in a heated desiccant dryer
  • Particulate filters are used in desiccant dryers to remove contaminants such as metal oxides, particles and scale
  • Vapor or charcoal based filters are recommended for removing organics from chemical vapors and hydrocarbons
  • Desiccant and refrigerated dryers need to use both a prefilter and afterfilter to remove aerosols from the unit
  • Coalescing filters can remove oil mist from oil flooded screw compressors
  • Automatic drain valves can eliminate liquid condensate

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Industrial Air Compressor Accessories

air-compressor-partsAnyone who utilizes an existing industrial air compressor, or plans on investing in an air compressor in the near future, should consider the accessories that will be needed to go along with the unit. There are many different brands and sizes of air compressor parts. Keep in mind to check the air compressor to see the accessories that is compatible with your brand, size, engine and other keys. Always have your compressor model number and other information when purchasing any industrial air compressor accessories. Here are some accessories that you may wish to purchase for your industrial air compressor.

  • Air muffler- reduces sound
  • Vibration isolation pads- absorbing air compressor force, creating stability
  • Drains- helps to manage and get rid of condensate
  • Filters- keeps airborne debris from entering into the compressor

With any accessory, be sure to be knowledgeable about your air compressor unit and the exact accessories it could use. Filters and drains are a given because both accessories can help manage unit pollution and prevent further damage onto the unit. Many industrial air compressor accessories are looking towards becoming more energy efficient. If you are unsure of what exactly you need for your air compressor, be sure to contact a licensed professional who can help.

For all your installation needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Learning How Compressed Air Works

air-compressorCompressed air is used for a variety of business types and facilities. Compressed air is used to power all different types of tools and equipment. Although compressed air has been developed decades ago, it is still used in modern times for both residential and commercial purposes. As a versatile invention, air compressors are highly needed in the industrial world. Here are some examples of what tools and equipment compressed air can power:

  • Air driven tools- paint sprayers, sanders, drills, belts, pneumatic tools
  • Automotive tools- lifts, car tires
  • Pressure washers
  • Computer fans/cleaners
  • Miniature compressed air cans

Air compressors work by pistons pushing down on a mixture of air and gasoline compressed inside a tank. The mixture is heated and ignited to produce the hot air required for power. The technology involved in industrial air compressors has been upgraded dramatically over the years. Air compressors can now be made to very specific measurements or improved on, which makes maintenance relatively low.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. should be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Getting the Right Dryer for Your Industrial Air Compressor

air-dryer5When it comes to your industrial air compressor, it is very important to consider having an air dryer for your unit. Industrial air compressors often create moisture as a result of compressing microscopic particles and water, resulting in condensation and pollution within the machine. Air dryers help to prevent condensation by ensuring the machine remains dry and keeping moisture out of the pneumatic hoses. There are many different types of air dryers that can work with your air compressor. Here are several examples of dryers that work with industrial air compressors:

  • Refrigerated Air Dryers- utilizes a cooling method to reduce air temperature, allowing the water vapor to condense into liquid in order to drain it outside the refrigeration chamber
  • Desiccant Dryers- uses silica gel to absorb water at a fast rate, retaining the water so it does not leak from the system
  • Dehumidifying Membrane Dryers- uses a dehumidifier membrane at different stages of the air compression process. Designed to filter out moisture by running through different levels of dehumidifiers

Regardless of the type of dryer you choose for your industrial air compressor, it is important to do your homework first. Contact a licensed professional that will help you find the dryer that best matches your unit of choice. Keep in mind that you will need to have preventive maintenance on any type of dryer, so ensure your units are well maintained. 

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. should be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Condensate Filters: Do You Need One?

condensate-filter2Condensate filters are an excellent addition to an air compressor. Although a condensate filter is not required, these units can prove to be a great benefit. Air compressors often contend with condensate, or water vapor, which can result in damages overtime. This includes pipe lines freezing, corrosion of materials, and hefty repair costs. Condensate filters work to remove condensate from your system in a simple manner in order to provide relief from having to manually drain the unit. Here are some facts about condensate filters and how they work to help you decide whether or not you need one:

  • Condensate filters ensure toxic contaminants are safely separated for easy condensate management
  • The filtration unit attaches to one of the compressor’s blow-downs, causing the air pressure to push out water droplets and hazardous chemicals
  • The filter catches oils and hazardous debris, resulting in a container full of safe water that can be disposed of in any drain
  • Filters must be periodically changed and properly disposed of via hazardous material handling protocols
  • Condensate filters protect operators while providing safe HAZMAT handling in an expensive manner

Condensate filters are largely a personal choice, however they can provide a great aid for your air compressor unit and maintenance. If you are interested in a condensate filter, be sure to contact a professional who can examine your air compressor and determine the right condensate filter for your needs.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. should be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.