Filters remove dirt, water, and other contaminants that, left unchecked, can hasten the demise of air-powered equipment. Many of the latest versions have high dirt-holding capacity for longer life, improved flow paths that lead to better energy efficiency, and can even alert users when they need maintenance. Here’s a look at some of the newest products on the market.
Repairable inline filter
RIF-Series inline filters are designed to protect small air tools such as grinders, impact wrenches, and screwdrivers. The light and compact anodized-aluminum units can install directly before an air tool, extending life and reducing downtime by capturing foreign particles in the air stream. RIF filters can also be used in low-pressure hydraulic applications. Connection sizes range from 0.12 to 0.5-in. NPT with elements rated for 20-, 40-, or 90-µm filtration.
Adsens Technology, (800) 641-9026, www.adsens.net
Lightweight polymer design
Series AS air-preparation units have a lightweight polymer construction and smooth surface, important in industries like food and packaging. The series includes filter choices of 40, 25, 5, 0.3, or 0.01 µm, and activated carbon, as well as regulators, lubricators, and other modular components that permit standard and custom combinations. Ports have inch or ISO-G (BSPP) metal threads in sizes from 0.25 to 1 in. Systems can be customized with lockout or soft-start valves, distribution blocks, filter-regulator combinations, and other accessories.
Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics, (859) 254-8031, www.boschrexroth-us.com
Modular FRL
Filters and accessories
The Maximatic line of FRLs include filters that use centrifugal action to fo
Compressed-air prep unit
The MS9 with 1-in. ports is the latest addition to the MS Series of air-preparation components. The modular units include pressure regulators, on/off and soft-start valves, filters, dryers, and lubricators, as well as modules with integrated sensors for remote adjustability and monitoring. Connection sizes are from ½ to 1½ in.; filtration grades range from 40 μm to activated carbon filtration. All modules can be replaced without disassembling the entire system. MS9 units can be combined with soft-start and quick-exhaust valves for rapid venting during an emergency shutdown in safety-critical areas.Festo, (800) 993-3786, www.festo.com/us
Clean-air package
The Stainless Steel Air Prep Series includes filters with all metal components, including internals, made of 316 SS. All particulate filters use dense-pack elements to ensure maximum impaction, minimal pressure drop, and long duty life. Each component in the Series adheres to the NACE MR0175 Standard. The stainless units resist chemical degradation and are suited for food/beverage, pharmaceutical, natural gas, offshore, and wastewater-treatment applications.
Monnier, (810) 794.4935, www.monnier.com
Three-stage stainless-steel filter
High flow units
Delta Series filter is for high-flow applications. Units feature an optional 3-µm prefilter that protects fine borosilicate coalescing media from large particles. An inner media wrap permits crossflow action which aids the coalescing process, and three coalescing media options let users specify performance levels. An inner core prevents elements from collapsing in backflow conditions, and metal retainers support the media both inside and outside during pressure spikes or high differential pressures.Numatics Inc., (248) 596-3200, www.numatics.com
High-flow particulate filters
Metal bowls
One-piece design
Energy efficient filter
Oil-X Evolution filters are designed to minimize pressure losses and reduce the operating costs of pneumatic systems. The housing’s “bell-mouth” inlet provides a smooth, turbulent-free transitio
n that lets air enter without restriction. A smooth 90° elbow directs air into the element, also reducing turbulence and pressure losses, compared to most typical filters. Some Oil-X models also include aerospace turning vanes which efficiently channel air throughout the filter; and upper flow distributors and lower conical diffusers which provide turbulent-free flow through the entire media — including the lowest section of the element — which is not possible on conventional filters. This further increases filter performance and reduces energy consumption. Deep-pleated elements and specially treated filtration media reportedly have 450% greater filtration surface area compared to conventional wrapped filters, and 200% more than typical pleated filter elements. The elements are said to significantly reduce pressure losses and energy consumption. Depending on the grade, the filters remove particles and oil aerosols as small as 0.01 µm in accordance with ISO 8573.1:2001Parker Hannifin, Domnick Hunter Div., www.parker.com
