How to properly maintain an air compressor filter?

Do you know the “three filters” of an air compressor?

AIR FILTER

Function: To filter dust and impurities in the air and ensure that the air entering the screw rotor is clean.

The screw compressor can only tolerate particles smaller than 15 microns.

If the air filter is clogged or damaged, larger particles will enter the compressor, causing:

• Faster wear of the oil filter and separator.

• Bearing damage and increased rotor clearance.

• Lower efficiency, overheating, or even rotor seizure.

Tip: Check the air filter regularly. Clean or replace it as needed. Never run the compressor without an air filter.

AIR OIL SEPARATOR

Function: It effectively separates lubricant oil from compressed air, ensures clean discharge air, and helps reduce oil consumption, protect the equipment, and improve compression efficiency.

• Under normal conditions, its service life is about 3,000 hours.

• Poor air quality or low oil quality will shorten its life.

• If the pressure drop exceeds 0.12 MPa, the separator must be replaced immediately—otherwise the motor may overload, and oil leakage can occur.

 Tip: Have you ever noticed the separator wearing out faster than expected? That’s usually a sign of poor filtration or bad oil.

Oil Filter

Function: The oil filter keeps the lubricant clean and ensures smooth circulation.

• Replace it after the first 500 hours of operation.

• Then replace it every 1,500–2,000 hours.

• In harsh environments, shorten the replacement cycle.

Tip: Never use the oil filter beyond its service life. A clogged filter can open the bypass valve, sending unfiltered oil (with dirt and particles) directly into the main compressor, which may cause serious damage.

Replacement Steps (Oil–Air Separator Example)

1. Disconnect the control and return oil pipes.

2. Remove the cover bolts and open the separator tank.

3. Take out the old separator and clean any dirt or gasket residue.

4. Install the new separator with gaskets placed neatly and firmly.

5. Reinstall the cover, pipes, and check for leaks.

Although the “three filters” are small components in an air compressor, they are crucial for ensuring efficient operation. Regular maintenance not only reduces downtime but also significantly extends the compressor’s lifespan and lowers overall maintenance costs.Equally important is choosing high-quality filter elements. Our air compressor filters use highly efficient materials and a tight structure, offering longer service life and stable performance even in harsh environments. This makes your equipment run more reliably and maintenance much easier.