Filters

Pneumatic air filters are essential components in pneumatic systems, which are widely used in industrial processes. At Orange Coast Pneumatics, we offer an extensive range of pneumatic air filters from The SMC Corporation of America.

Discover the best solutions for your compressed air systems here. Then, continue reading to learn more about the different types of filters, and how these parts empower you to maximize productivity.

What is a Pneumatic Air Filter?

A pneumatic air filter is a device that removes contaminants, such as dust, dirt, and moisture, from compressed air in a pneumatic system. The filter is essential to maintain the quality of the compressed air and ensure that the pneumatic components operate correctly.

A pneumatic air filter typically consists of a filter element, a housing, and a drain. The filter element is the part of the filter that captures the pollutants in the compressed air.

Meanwhile, the housing protects the filter element and provides a secure mounting. The drain is used to remove any accumulated moisture from the filter.

What are the Different Types of Compressed Air Filters?

There are various types of filters in a pneumatic system, each designed to remove specific types of contaminants from the compressed air. The most common types of filters are:

Adsorption Filters
Coalescing Filters
Compressed Intake Filters
Particulate Filters
Combination Filters

Adsorption Filters

Adsorption filters, also known as activated carbon filters, remove odors and chemical contaminants from the compressed air. These filters typically have a filter element made of activated carbon that absorbs the pollutants. Adsorption filters are essential in applications where the compressed air comes into contact with food, drugs, or sensitive electronic components.

Coalescing Filters

Coalescing filters, also known as oil removal filters, remove oil and water droplets from the compressed air. These filters typically have a filter element made of synthetic materials that attract and capture the oil and water droplets.

Coalescing filters, like these SMC AFD-D Filters are essential to prevent damage to pneumatic components, such as valves and actuators. These can malfunction if they become contaminated with oil or water.

Compressed Intake Filters

Compressed intake filters are installed at the inlet of a compressor to remove contaminants from the air before it is compressed. These filters are designed to prevent dirt, dust, and other particles from entering the compressor and causing damage to the compressor components.

Compressed intake filters typically use a combination of filter elements, including pleated filter media, activated carbon, and desiccant. By removing matter from the air before it is compressed, these filters can also improve the quality of the compressed air and reduce the need for downstream filtration.

Particulate Filters

Particulate filters, also known as dust filters, remove solid particles, such as dust, dirt, and rust, from the compressed air. These filters typically have a filter element made of paper or synthetic materials that capture the particles. Particulate filters are essential to prevent damage to pneumatic components, such as valves and actuators, which can malfunction if they become clogged with particles.

Combination Filters

Combination filters, like these SMC AF-A Filters, combine two or more types of filters in one unit. For example, a particulate coalescing filter combines a particulate filter and a coalescing filter in one unit. Combination filters are used in applications where multiple types of contaminants need to be removed from the compressed air.

AF-A

SMC's new AF modular style air filter combines the element and bowl in one piece, making element replacement easy. There is a maximum 46% reduction in size, reducing required maintenance space. The AF bowl (size 30 and 40) is covered with a transparent bowl guard, allowing 360° monitoring. The modular design of the AF allows connection with other SMC air preparation equipment. The series is available in body size 20, 30 and 40.

AF-D

The AF-D series of modular air filters brings a modern appearance to SMC's line of filters while maintaining the high performance of our other series. These 5 μm units can serve as appropriate filtration for many applications or as a pre-filter for fine filtration/coalescing units. The transparent bowl guard on the size 30 and larger provides improved environmental protection as well as full view of the bowl contents. The AF-D is currently available in three body sizes with more to come in the near future.

AFD-A

SMC's newest micro mist separator, series AFD is available in 3 sizes; 1/4 (20), 3/8 (30) & 1/2 (40). Rc(PT), PF & NPT threads are available. Port sizes range from 1/8 to 3/4. Body size 30 and 40 now have a transparent bowl guard that offers 360° visibility, while completely protecting the bowl from the environment. Accessories include a bracket, and float type auto drain.

AFD-D

The AFD-D series of modular micro mist separators (coalescing filters) brings a modern appearance to SMC's line of filters while maintaining the high performance of our other series. These 0.01 μm remove most measurable particles and further reduce the oils carried over from the compressor. The transparent bowl guard on the size 30 and larger provides improved environmental protection as well as full view of the bowl contents. The AFD-D is currently available in three body sizes with more to come in the near future.

AFM-A

Series AFM modular style mist separator is available in body sizes 20, 30, and 40, and is offered with Rc, NPT or G thread types. The AFM's standard filtration is 0.3µm with a 99.9% filtered particle size. Body size 30 and 40 now have a transparent bowl guard that offers 360° visibility, while completely protecting the bowl from the environment. The modular design allows connection with other SMC air preparation equipment. Use in combination with the AF series to meet your clean room filtration requirements.

AFM-D

The AFM-D series of modular mist separators (coalescing filters) brings a modern appearance to SMC's line of filters while maintaining the high performance of our other series. These 0.3 μm units remove finer particles than standard filters while also reducing entrained oil from the compressioin process. The transparent bowl guard on the size 30 and larger provides improved environmental protection as well as full view of the bowl contents. The AFM-D is currently available in three body sizes with more to come in the near future.

AF - Special Environment

Series AF modular style air filter is a cost effective, clean looking solution to your filtration needs. Its' modular design allows connection with other SMC air preparation equipment. The series is available in six size options with a wide range of accessories.

ZFC

Series ZF are air suction filters that prevent trouble in vacuum equipment caused by contaminants in the air. They are light weight and compact. ZF filter elements are easily replaced without tools.

Filter Accessories

SMC filter elements, accessories, and other replacement components for SMC filter products.