In a recent conversation with an end user, we scratched the surface on compressed air quality. In this case, the customer wanted to maintain their Super Air Knives as well as possible through preventative maintenance, and through supplying sufficient quality compressed air. At present, they were unsure of the required compressed air quality for our products, and called EXAIR to seek direction.
When it comes to compressed air quality, ISO 8573 provides detailed standards on air quality classes for various levels of contaminants. At times you may see a three digit code describing a filter, and this code refers to particulate, moisture, and lubricant classes of the filter (specified in that order). The classes used to define these codes can be found below.
ISO 8573-1 Compressed Air Quality Classes
For example, if the application in question requires process air for assembly in a clean room with low particulate, low moisture, and low oil content, a filter rating of 1-1-1 would be desired. EXAIR Automatic Drain Filter Separators are suitable to filter particulate to 5 micron, and our Oil Removal Filters are capable of trapping sub-micron particles down to 0.03 micron. Supplying compressed air to these specifications is suitable for all EXAIR products.
Providing clean, dry compressed air is important to prevent contaminants from damaging components or manufactured products in an application. Contaminants can enter the system at the intake of the compressor, through the compressor itself, or through the compressed air piping in the form of rust or pipe scale.
Determining the quality of air needed for an application can be done by considering the end use of the compressed air. If the application requires plant air, there is no need to produce or maintain process air within the facility. Compressed air quality can be tailored to the specific application at the point of use.
If you need help selecting the proper filters and compressed air conditioning equipment, contact and EXAIR Application Engineer.
Lee Evans
Application Engineer
LeeEvans@EXAIR.com
@EXAIR_LE