A pneumatic filter is a critical system component that can prevent premature failure of your pneumatic machinery. The filter is a device designed to remove harmful water or contaminants from a compressed air stream. Here at MGA Controls, we have compiled a list of need to know information about pneumatic filters.
Types of pneumatic filters
In order to make effective air filtration possible, it is important to understand the different types of filters and the media they work with. The most common pneumatic filters used in industrial applications include:
- Water Separators
Water or moisture can easily damage pneumatic components, which is why water separators are extremely important. If water makes its way into instrumentation such as a spool valve or pneumatic cylinder, it can cause them to stick, or even more harmfully, rust, hindering the effectiveness of the components. By including a water separator, the pneumatic filter can remove large quantities of water and water-borne contaminants. - Particulate Filters
Particles such as debris and rust can cause pneumatics to wear prematurely. Particulates are often generated from old piping or desiccant air dryers. The particulate filters feature pleated designs which allows a large surface area in order to work effectively when trapping dirt and dust particles. - Coalescing Filter
These filters are particularly good at removing water, oil and rust form an air supply. Their design slightly differs from particulate filters, the air flowing from the inside of the filter element to the outside. As air moves through a filter element, solid particles trapped and liquids are formed into droplets that increase in size as they form, before draining away. - Adsorption Filters
Adsorption is a process where a solid filter is used to remove a soluble fluid from a compressed air stream. More specifically, the term ‘adsorption’ is used when a substance is attached to a surface as opposed to being absorbed by it. Adsorption filters are often used for breathing air preparation and food and drug applications.
Maintenance of a pneumatic filter
The amount of maintenance a pneumatic filter requires depends on the environment where it is used. The more debris entering the system, the more the filter will need cleaning. The most common sign that your pneumatic filter will need to be cleaned is a significant pressure drop. Of course, a drop in pressure will hinder the effectiveness of your filter and you should follow careful instructions to carry out a safe service. There are two components of the filter that should never be maintained and they are the service indicator and the automatic/manual drain.
How does a pneumatic filter work?
In order for complex machinery to work effectively, compressed air must be of high quality and completely free of water and other particles, the pneumatic filter works to achieve this. The filter can work one of two ways, either by using a media to trap particles and allow air to pass through or through the use of a membrane which only allows air to pass through the filter.
MGA Controls are leading suppliers of pneumatic products, including pneumatic filters. If you require more information please contact us today on +44 1704 898980 or email sales@mgacontrols.co.uk, one of our technical team will be happy to help.