Compressor World, LLC

Compressor World has become a worldwide leader wholesaler/distributor of air compressors for a wide range of business and industrial uses. Established in 2000, Compressor World presently maintains is main location south of downtown Boston and holds hundreds of compressors in their warehouse for quick shipment. It is said they are now the “Super Store” of air compressors.
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How Air Filtration Takes Place in an Air Compressor – 3 Stage Process

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Air is the fuel of an air compressor – not literally, but it does make the air compressor what it is. The velocity and the pressure of the air are used by the compressor in performing the functions that the compressor is made for. The quality of air that is used by the air compressor should therefore be good. The air being pulled in by the compressor should be free of dirt and contaminants. 

But natural air is generally not free of contaminants. That is why filtration is important. Air filtration is a 3 step process. In fact passing all the three stages is necessary for effective filtration. At each step, certain contaminants get filtered and collected on individual fibers in the filter. So, what are these three steps? Let us read: 

Direct Interception: In direct interception, the particles that are larger than the mean pore size are filtered. These simply impact directly onto fiber matrix surface.  

Inertial Impaction: In this step the particles that are less than 2 microns penetrate beyond the filter but are not allowed to go further than that by the pathway within the media and get captured by the fibers.

Diffusion (Brownian Motion)

In this step, the smallest particles of dirt and contaminants – those that are .1 to .2 microns are filtered. Since these particles are very tiny, they move in a random manner in the air. Since these particles are small, their motion is violent. This leads to collision with the fiber matrix. 

All in all, air filtration makes sure that the air that is being used in air compressors is clean and fit for use. Imagine unfiltered air in oxygen cylinders – how life threatening it can be! The three listed steps ensure that the air is absolutely free of any contamination that can be harmful for humans and/or the environment.

Need for Filtration  The process of filtration may look simple; however, is an elaborate and complex process that is vital for efficient functioning of the compressor. The need for filtration arises because if dirt and contaminants are allowed to enter the compressor, there will be increased chance of damage. 

When contaminants settle on various parts of the compressor, they reduce the efficiency. The result is that the air compressor ends up eating more power and generates less energy. This forms a vicious circle and the end result is that the compressor becomes useless.

Knowing when and how to clean the compressor as well as when to get the filters replaced is important in maintaining compressor efficiency. Depending on the type of compressor that you are using, the filtration process may vary a bit. Though all in all, the above three steps make the gist of how air gets filtered.