Compressed Air Filtration Levels

Hepa is a type of pleated mechanical air filter.

Compressed air filtration levels.

It is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air filter as officially defined by the u s. Many compressed air applications can handle contamination levels well above 0 3 microns. One cubic foot of compressed air can contain millions of dirt particles considerable amounts of water and oil and even heavy metals like lead cadmium and mercury. Filtration removes a surprising volume of oily water from compressed air.

At room temperature a filtration system designed to handle air traveling at 500 std. If a filter tested on this particle size proves to be 100 efficient then it s fairly safe to say this filter can remove any particle above this size. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99 97 of dust pollen mold bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0 3 microns µm. Because compressed air may come in direct and indirect contact with food processing an elevated level of filtration is required.

Different applications require different levels of air cleaning effectiveness. Pleated filters generally have higher efficiencies and lower pressure drops than panel filters which is why they are used in larger capacity units such as blower coils and high performance fan coils. Additionally the article provides an overview of the compressed air purity classes defined by iso 8573 1 2010. Why compressed air filtration is necessary.

Ft 3 min from an air compressor operating at 100 psi will might handle about 30 gallons of condensed water every 8 hours notes the compressed air and gas handbook. Coalescing filters remove most contaminants very well reducing particulate levels down to 0 1 micron in size and liquids down to 0 01 ppm. These filters also remove particulates from compressed air trapping them within the filter media which can lead to pressure drops if not changed regularly. Most fine particle tests use 0 3 micron as the standard to measure liquid or solid particle filtration.

When selecting a filter the designer must consider several factors. In stock and ready to ship. Choose from our selection of compressed air filters including over 1 000 products in a wide range of styles and sizes. It should be capable of removing solid and liquid aerosols 0 01 micron and larger.

Compressed air utilized for pneumatic purposes can oftentimes be supported by a standard dry particulate filter that provides filtration down to 1 or 0 01 micron however if your process requires an osha approval and elimination of oil vapors then a charcoal activated filter will have to be utilized.