Oil vapor and aerosols in compressed air can lead to:
Contaminated end products
Especially in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cleanroom industries
Clogged pneumatic components
Lead to valve failures, seal degradation, and premature wear
Increased maintenance costs
Oil buildup requires frequent cleaning and filter replacement
How to Remove Oil from Compressed Air ?
Coalescing Filters
These are your first line of defense against liquid oil and aerosols. Coalescing filters work by capturing small oil droplets and merging them into larger ones, which then drain out.
-Removes particles and oil aerosols down to 0.01 microns.
-Typically reduces oil content to <0.1 mg/m³.
Activated Carbon Filters
To eliminate oil vapors, use activated carbon filters. These filters adsorb hydrocarbons from the air stream and are essential for achieving oil-free air (ISO Class 1 or 0).
-Removes vapor-phase hydrocarbons.
-Brings total oil content down to <0.003 mg/m³.
Oil-Water Separators
In sensitive applications, starting with an oil-free air compressor eliminates the primary source of contamination. However, filtration is still recommended due to airborne and system-based hydrocarbons.