I. Core Function
Protect core components: Prevent solid particles (such as dust, sand) in the air from entering the main body of the air compressor (like screw, rotor, etc.), avoiding wear and tear that leads to increased clearance, decreased efficiency or equipment failure.
Improve compressed air quality: Reduce impurities from entering the compression system, reducing the burden on subsequent processing equipment (such as dryers, precision filters) and ensuring the cleanliness of the final output compressed air.
Extend consumable lifespan: Reduce the contamination of impurities on lubricating oil, oil cores, oil filters and other consumables, extending their replacement cycle and reducing maintenance costs.
II. Main Types and Characteristics
Air Filter (Intake Filter):
Installed at the air intake of the air compressor, it is the first filtering barrier for air entering the unit.
Mostly use paper filter cores or composite fiber materials, with a filtration accuracy of 1-5 μm, capable of intercepting most solid particles.
Some models come with safety filter cores (secondary filtration) to prevent impurities from directly entering the system when the main filter core is damaged.
Precision Air Filter (Post-Treatment Filter):
Installed on the pipeline from the air compressor outlet to the user end, used to further purify the compressed air.
According to filtration accuracy, it is divided into coarse filter (1 μm), fine filter (0.01 μm), oil removal filter (can reduce oil content to below 0.01 ppm) and so on.
Usually made of glass fiber or high molecular membrane materials, combined with an efficient adsorption layer, suitable for scenarios with high air quality requirements (such as food, medicine, electronics industry).
III. Compatibility and Selection
Designed with specific specifications for different series of air compressors (such as GA, ZR, ZT, PDp, etc.), matching intake volume, installation space and pressure parameters, ensuring filtration efficiency while reducing intake resistance.
Selection should be combined with the usage environment: In dusty environments (such as mines, construction sites), heavy-duty filters with high dust capacity should be selected; in humid environments, a pre-dehumidification component can be combined.
IV. Replacement and Maintenance Tips
Replacement Cycle:
Air Filter: Under normal operating conditions, replace every 2000-4000 hours. In harsh environments, it is recommended to shorten to 1000-2000 hours.
Precision Filter: Depending on the filtration accuracy, the replacement cycle is usually 4000-8000 hours, or replace immediately when the pressure difference exceeds 0.07 MPa.
Replacement Procedure:
After stopping the machine, release system pressure, remove the filter housing, and remove the old filter core.
Clean the interior of the housing, check if the sealing gasket is intact, and install the new filter core ensuring a proper seal to prevent bypass of unfiltered air. Notes:
It is necessary to use the original Atlas Copco filters. These filters have been optimized in terms of materials and structure, and their filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity meet the design standards of the equipment. Regularly inspect the appearance of the filters. If any damage to the housing, moisture in the filter element, or blockage is found, it should be dealt with promptly.
