Much focus has been given to conserving compressed air. Rightfully so, because it is not free and it is an important, dynamic utility within many manufacturing facilities.  The cleanliness of that compressed air is equally as important. The performance, reliability, and longevity  of the components using it depends on the quality of the compressed air that it is provided.  Sticky valves, loss of torque, scored cylinders are all symptoms of dirty compressed air.

Compressed air contaminants can be in the form of solids, liquids, or vapors. Generally these are introduced into the system at the compressor intake but they can be introduced within the stream as well. You drop an air hose onto the dirty floor then hook it up. Where do you think the dirt on that quick disconnect is going? My pet peeve is with plumber’s Teflon tape. Pieces of this stuff break off and get blown down the compressed air system and into the orifices of air tools.

EXAIR highly recommends a 10 micron or better filter at the point of use. Even though you may have filtration back at the compressor, as demonstrated, contaminants can enter the system downstream. EXAIR’s filter separators will remove water, dirt, and rust down to 5 micron.

 Oil is another impurity that should be addressed. It can be introduced into the system by lubricators installed somewhere in the system. For the most part though, it comes from the lubricant used by the compressor itself. EXAIR’s oil removal filters will remove sub-micron oil particulate down to .03 micron.

EXAIR is interested in clean air as well as conserving compressed air. Our air saving products have no moving parts and will run indefinitely if given clean dry air.

Joe Panfalone
Application Engineer

Phone (513) 671-3322
Fax   (513) 671-3363
Web: www.exair.com 
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