High quality inline filter casings and the elements they contain, are an essential part of compressed air treatment. They are the primary defence for removing condensed water, particles, oils and vapours along with other debris, before it clogs and disables your pneumatic system.
To get the best service life from your inline filtration system the following should be observed:
• Install a simple centrifugal water separator prior to the first stage of filtration. This will remove condensed water and oils in liquid form. This reduces the workload on the remaining filters. It’s essential that a reliable automatic drain is used. Condensates must be removed as they accumulate. A separator has no internal filter element to block up, its long-term operating cost is limited to auto drain maintenance.
• The second and third phase of filters are normally coalescing type filters with micron ratings of 1 micron and 1 mg/m3 down to the second filter at 0.1 micron and 0.01 mg/m3 oil removal. These filters are the real workhorses of the system. Using direct impact Brownian motion, these elements remove contaminants through an automatic drain in the base of the casing.
• The final phase of filtration can be oil vapour removal, this level of filtration can be optional or mandatory depending on what the c/air is being used for. By using an activated carbon filter oil vapours can be removed from a c/air system quite easily. The elements and casing should not be exposed to liquids, the air should be as dry as practically possible to ensure reasonable element life. Activated carbon filters must be preceded by two high end coalescing filters to ensure that oils and liquids are removed prior to the activated carbon elements. A/carbon elements are not designed for liquid and solids removal. They are there to prevent the last traces of hydrocarbons from infecting the airline. The elements will have half the service life of a coalescing filter.
• Filters should be sized for air flow, we normally recommend to have a 20% overdesign on maximum air flow to ensure good (long) service life intervals. Filters should be fitted with a differential pressure gauge and changed when the pressure drop exceeds the specified limit. It must be remembered that water in your airline will eventually evaporate, oils do not evaporate, they can lay in a compressed air piping system for years creating havoc with your c/air quality plans.
If you are in an industry that demands high air quality, consider having regular audits for dew point, particle and oil monitoring carried out at regular intervals. Or install this equipment in the system and permanently monitor your air quality for dew point, particle and oil carry over. This can assist in preventing a breakthrough of contaminated air into the c/air system.
In terms of local environmental legislation it is against the law to allow oils from any source to pollute ground water. Use a simple and effective condensate separation system to prevent the pollution of our precious dams and rivers.
Control without complexity
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.
Read more...Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...Industrial gear units for mixing and agitating processes Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Nord Drive Systems encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry.
Read more...A seamless partnership driving smart material flow Omron Electronics
Motion Control & Drives
OMRON and Interroll have launched a flexible conveyor module designed for seamless integration with autonomous mobile robots. This innovative solution enables efficient material handling, enhancing productivity in various industrial settings.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments ACTOM Electrical Machines
Motion Control & Drives
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...Reducing the risk of sewage spills
Motion Control & Drives
The UK government has announced plans to impose tougher penalties on water companies in England and Wales that fail to prevent sewage discharges into rivers and seas. David Strain, technical director at the automation systems specialist, Technidrive explains how solutions like variable speed drives and smart monitoring systems can help water companies reduce the risk of sewage spills and ensure compliance.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.
Read more...Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.
printer friendly version