When it comes to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your air compressor, understanding the replacement and cleaning schedule for filter elements is crucial. At CN Star Filter, we specialize in providing high-quality filter elements for various air compressor brands, including Atlas, Ingersoll Rand, Fusheng, Sullair, and Mann, among others. In this article, we’ll delve into the best practices for replacing and cleaning air compressor filter elements.
Replacement Cycles
Air Filter
- Standard Environment: Replace every 1500-2000 hours.
- High Dust Environment (e.g., textile mills, woodworking shops, ceramic factories): Consider replacing every 500 hours due to the increased accumulation of contaminants.
- Replacement Indicator: Immediately replace when the differential pressure reaches ≥-0.05bar or when the instrument indicates an alarm.
Oil Filter (Oil Filter Element)
- Initial Replacement: After 300-500 hours of initial operation.
- Subsequent Replacements: Replace every 2000 hours thereafter.
- Important Note: Delaying replacement may increase the load on the compressor’s main engine, shortening its lifespan.
Oil-Gas Separator Filter Element
- Regular Cycle: Replace every 2000-3000 hours, ideally synchronized with the air filter and oil filter maintenance schedule.
- Extreme Conditions: Further shorten the replacement cycle under extreme environmental conditions.
Cleaning Protocols
Air Filter
- Routine Maintenance: Disassemble the filter element weekly and blow off surface dust using low-pressure air (not compressed air).
- Prohibited Practices: Avoid reverse blowing or cleaning with high-pressure compressed air to prevent damage to the filter paper.
- Replacement Signal: Replace immediately if the filter element shows signs of pleating or structural deformation.
Oil Filter and Oil-Gas Separator Filter Element
- Not Recommended for Cleaning: Both are disposable items and should be replaced upon failure.
Environmental Factors
The replacement cycle of air filters can be adjusted based on the operating environment:
- Clean Rooms: Follow the standard replacement cycle (2000 hours).
- Dusty and High-Temperature Environments: Shorten the cycle to 500 hours or replace quarterly.
- High Humidity and Acid-Alkali Environments: Synchronize the replacement cycle of lubricating oil with that of the filter elements.
Operational Considerations
- Synchronized Maintenance: During the first maintenance, replace the lubricating oil and oil filter element after 500 hours of operation, and subsequently synchronize the maintenance of the three filters and one oil every 2000 hours.
- Shutdown Procedure: Before replacing filter elements, ensure the power is cut off, and clean any residual impurities inside the filter housing.
