Intake air filtration protects the compressor element and the whole downstream system. Dust, pollen and chemical vapours entering the intake accelerate wear, clog the machine and contaminate the compressed air output.
Why it matters
- Prevents element and bearing wear
- Reduces internal deposits
- Protects aftercoolers and dryers
- Improves energy efficiency
Placement
Locate the intake away from exhaust, dust, rain and chemical fumes, and duct it outside if necessary. A long, undersized intake duct increases restriction, so size the duct and keep bends to a minimum.
Maintenance
Change intake filters on schedule or when the differential pressure indicator shows high restriction, and inspect them more often in dusty environments. A blocked intake filter reduces airflow and increases the compressor energy per unit of air.