Cool, clean and dry – a guide to compressed air purification

01 December, 2015

These filters can however be adapted to remove solid particle contamination, utilising a replacement filter element with a sufficient micron rating for the type and size of particles most likely to be present. This method removes both particles from the original atmospheric air as well as those which arise as a result of compressor or pipework wear. As an additional benefit, general purpose filters fitted with replacement filter elements also act as a pre-filter to the high efficiency coalescing filters downstream.

Three main mechanisms

Coalescing filters themselves are suited to remove small and submicron particles, water mists and oil aerosols. Utilising the three main mechanisms of filtration – diffusion, inertial impaction and direct interception – they are typically installed as a combination of pre-filter and after-filter units, each with its own automatic drain to expel liquid emulsions into a condensate management system. For systems with oil-lubricated compressors or oil in the inlet air, pre and coalescing filters are needed.

Designed for use in the compressor room, at the point of application or integrated into original equipment, IMI Norgren offers a range of compressed air filters and dryers to handle all types of potential contamination. The HYDRA-D range of desiccant dryers, for example, is ideal for high purity applications where PDPs of -70degC, -40degC and -20degC are required according to ISO 8573.1 humidity classes 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

IMI Norgren is one of a portfolio of flagship product brands under IMI Precision Engineering, which rebranded from Norgren in 2015.

www.imi-precision.com