I. Core Functions and Working Principles of the Oil Filter Element for Atlas Copco Air Compressors
Filtering impurities: When the lubricating oil circulates, the oil filter element intercepts particles with a diameter of ≥ 10 μm (precision filter elements can filter down to 5 μm or less) through the internal filter material, protecting the friction surfaces (such as bearing rollers, gear tooth surfaces) from scratches.
Maintaining oil quality: Reducing the deposition of sludge (oxidation products of lubricating oil) in the system, prolonging the service life of the lubricating oil.
Ensuring circulation: While filtering, maintaining the lubricating oil flow resistance within a reasonable range (usually ≤ 0.2 MPa), ensuring adequate oil supply to all lubrication areas.
Working process: The lubricating oil enters from the outside or inside of the filter element, passes through the filter material for filtration, and the clean oil flows out from the other side, with impurities being retained on the surface or inside of the filter material.
II. Common Types and Structural Characteristics of the Oil Filter Element for Atlas Copco Air Compressors
According to the filtering method and structure, the oil filter elements for air compressors are mainly divided into:
Full-flow type oil filter element
Characteristics: Connected in series in the main oil passage, all lubricating oil must pass through the filter element for filtration before entering the lubrication area. The filtration efficiency is high (usually ≥ 95%).
Application: The main filtration system of most air compressors (such as screw type and piston type), which is the core filtration component.
Split-flow type oil filter element
Characteristics: Only filters a portion of the lubricating oil (about 10%-15%), with higher filtration accuracy (able to filter out impurities smaller than 3 μm), usually used in conjunction with the full-flow type filter element.
Application: High-precision lubrication systems (such as the bearings of large air compressors), for auxiliary purification of the lubricating oil.
Structural composition
Filter material: Mainly resin-treated paper filter material (low cost, large filtration area), metal mesh (resistant to high temperatures, suitable for repeated cleaning, suitable for harsh conditions), composite fibers (combining efficiency and dust capacity).
Shell: Iron sheet or plastic shell, with a built-in support frame (to prevent filter material from deforming under pressure) and bypass valve (opens automatically when the filter element is clogged and the pressure difference exceeds the set value to avoid oil interruption) .
III. Key Parameters and Selection Basis for the Oil Filter Element of Atlas Copco Air Compressors
Filter accuracy: The minimum particle diameter that can be effectively intercepted, commonly 5 μm, 10 μm, 20 μm. The higher the accuracy, the better the protection for components, but it needs to match the viscosity and flow rate of the lubricating oil (too high precision may increase resistance).
Rated flow: Needs to match the output flow of the air compressor's lubricating oil pump (such as 100 L/min), ensuring smooth oil circulation.
Bypass valve opening pressure: Commonly 0.3 - 0.5 MPa. When the filter element is clogged and the pressure difference exceeds this value, the bypass valve opens to avoid oil interruption (but the unfiltered oil will enter the system, only for emergency protection).
Interface specification: Threaded interface (such as M20×1.5, G3/4) or flange connection, needs to match the filter element base.
Capacitance: The total amount of impurities that the filter element can accommodate (such as 50g), the larger the capacitance, the longer the replacement cycle.
IV. Replacement Cycle and Operating Specifications for the Oil Filter Element of Atlas Copco Air Compressors
Replacement cycle
Regular operation: According to the requirements of the air compressor manual, usually replaced once every 2000 - 4000 hours (synchronized with the lubricating oil replacement).
Severe operation: In environments with a lot of dust, frequent start-stop of the air compressor or rapid deterioration of the oil quality, the replacement cycle should be shortened to 1000 - 2000 hours.
Judgment basis: Monitor the pressure difference between the filter element and the outside through the pressure gauge, when it exceeds 0.2 MPa (for some models, 0.3 MPa), force replacement is required.
Replacement steps
Stop the machine and release pressure: Close the air compressor, release the pressure in the lubricating oil passage (open the drain valve or slightly loosen the filter element for exhaust).
Remove the old filter element: Use a special wrench to unscrew the old filter element, clean the sealing surface of the base (avoid residual sealant or impurities).
Installing a new filter element: Apply a layer of clean lubricating oil on the sealing ring of the new filter element. Using your hands, tighten it until the sealing ring is flush against the base. Then, continue to tighten it by 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn (avoid over-tightening which may damage the threads or the sealing ring). Exhaust inspection: Start the air compressor for a short period of operation, then stop it. Check for any leaks and also remove the air from the oil circuit.
