Filter Installation & Maintenance

Airline Filter Installation & Maintenance

1. Warnings Airline Filter Warnings

  • Beware of all dangers associated with equipment under pressure and any potential hazards.
  • Use suitable personal protective and safety equipment.
  • Conduct all maintenance without pressure in the system.

2.  Product Description and Functionality Airline Filter Function

Filters are designed to help to remove condensate and impurities from the air running through it. This is done by spinning the air and running it through a filter. Any condensate collected will be discharged through the automatic drain once it reaches its discharge level.

3. Installation & Commissioning Airline Fitler Installation

Airline Filters are a reliable and relatively simple piece of instrumentation as long as they are installed and commissioned correctly. The below points should be observed when installing.

  • Make sure all areas and surfaces are as clean as possible
  • Ensure the line is vented of pressure if installing on a live system
  • Ensure that the upstream airline is as clean as possible and no foreign debris is present
  • Check the direction of flow marked on the filter to establish the correct inlet and outlet. The unit will not work if the direction of flow is reversed.
  • Thread tape or thread paste will need to be used to ensure a bubble tight seal
  • Ensure the drain is facing down
  • If using the mounting bracket ensure it has a sufficient installation surface to attach too
  • Once the installation has occurred and the fittings are tightened gradually bring pressure back to the line
  • Check for any leaks at the inlet, outlet and pressure gauge

4. Maintenance Airline Filter Maintenance

Filters should be inspected for proper function as part of routine maintenance. Here they can be visually checked for any leakage, corrosion and too much residue build up in the filter bowl. If necessary the line may need to be isolated and vented of pressure (both upstream and downstream) so the bowl and filter can be removed and cleaned. Try to ensure no debris is caught in the filter as this can cause premature failure of the unit. The maintenance intervals will depend upon the quality of the air used by the system. A visual inspection every 6 months would be a good start and may need to be shortened or lengthened depending on the findings.

5. Troubleshooting Airline Filter Troubleshooting

The following troubleshooting table helps the identification of the probable cause of malfunctions and how to solve them.

Problem

Cause

Remedy

External Leakage

Fittings are not tight enough or a thread sealant has no been used

Tighten threads or use a thread sealant

Outlet Pressure Is too Low

Upstream pressure has dropped

Filter clogged

Air leaking out drain

Pressure differential not present to seat the drain

Needs a 2 Bar pressure differential to sea properly

Drain will not close

Foreign debris caught in drain float

Remove bowl and clean

Low Flow Rate

The filter is clogged

Remove the bowl and clean the filter