Structure and Working Principle:
Structure: Generally consists of an outer shell, filter element, sealing ring, etc. The outer shell is usually made of metal and is used to protect the inner filter element and connect it to the oil circuit system of the air compressor. The filter element is the core component, mostly made of high-density filter paper, glass fiber, etc., with good filtering performance and certain strength. The sealing ring is used to ensure the sealing at the installation site of the oil filter, preventing the leakage of lubricating oil.
Working Principle: When lubricating oil passes through the oil filter, impurities are intercepted on the surface or inside the filter element, while clean oil passes through the pores of the filter element into the lubrication system of the air compressor to achieve oil filtration and purification.
Replacement Cycle:
First-time replacement: After the new machine has run for 500 hours, it is usually necessary to replace the oil filter and the lubricating oil simultaneously.
Regular replacement: Subsequently, the filter element is generally replaced every 1500-2000 hours. When changing the oil, the filter element must also be replaced to maintain cleanliness. If the air compressor is in harsh working conditions such as high dust and high temperature, the replacement cycle should be shortened, possibly to around 1000 hours. Alternatively, the filter element can be replaced based on the pressure difference switch of the oil filter. When the pressure difference indicator light is on, it indicates that the oil filter is clogged and needs to be replaced.
Replacement Steps:
Preparations: Ensure that the air compressor has been shut down and the power is disconnected, and hang a "Do Not Close Switch" warning sign. Prepare new oil filters, clean cloth or paper towels, wrench or specialized tools, lubricating oil, oil bucket or container, etc. Refer to the operation manual to understand the recommended oil filter replacement cycle and the cooling time after shutdown, to ensure that the internal temperature of the equipment is within the safe range.
Emptying the oil and gas in the oil tank: Open the sewage valve at the bottom of the oil tank, slowly release the pressure and the residual oil-gas mixture in the tank to the oil tank.
Locating and removing the old oil filter: Find the installation position of the oil filter, usually near the oil tank or the air compressor intake. Use tools to gently loosen the fastening screws on the oil filter cover, remove the old oil filter, be careful not to spill the oil.
Cleaning the installation surface: Thoroughly clean the oil filter installation surface and the surrounding area with a clean cloth or paper towel, removing oil stains and impurities.
Installing the new oil filter: Check if the sealing gasket of the new oil filter is intact, place the new oil filter on the installation surface smoothly, pay attention to the correct direction, and then tighten the fixing screws, apply moderate force.
Check and Confirm: After installation, check if there is any leakage at the oil filter installation site, confirm that the sewage valve is closed. Add an appropriate amount of new lubricating oil to the oil tank to the specified oil level line, manually rotate the air compressor pulley several turns to discharge the air in the system, ensure normal oil circulation. Restart the air compressor, observe if it runs normally, and check if the oil pressure, oil temperature, etc. are within the normal range.
Selection and Maintenance Precautions:
Selecting the appropriate oil filter: Prioritize using original factory filter elements, ensuring that the size, material, and filtration accuracy match the air compressor model, avoiding problems such as poor sealing, reduced filtration efficiency, or equipment damage due to quality issues. If choosing a third-party filter element, select a product with reliable quality and a good reputation, pay attention to checking the filtration accuracy, contaminant capacity, water resistance, etc. of the product.
Daily Maintenance: Monthly check if there is any blockage, damage, or deformation on the surface of the filter element, especially pay attention to the contamination at the pleated areas of the filter paper. The filter element cannot be cleaned and reused, it must be replaced with a new piece directly. At the same time, pay attention to keeping the surrounding environment of the oil filter clean to prevent impurities from entering the oil circuit.
