Clean Air Management in Screw Air Compressor
Clean & dust free compressed air is not just requirement, it’s a necessity for industries where quality, reliability, and compliance matter.
Whether you are in PET bottle production, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, or automotive painting, the quality of compressed air directly impacts your end product, pneumatics of your machinery, machinery life, and operational cost.
Due to this just to know why air filtration and purification in screw compressors is not optional is very important.
Why Air Quality in Compressed Air Systems Matters every time.
Compressed air is usually called the fourth utility after electricity, water, and gas .
But unlike other utilities, it can carry hidden contaminants that may cause:
Equipment damage – oil and water deposits wear down pneumatic tools
Product contamination – unacceptable in pharma, food & beverage industries
Poor finish – in automotive paint shops, even tiny oil particles ruin surface quality
Higher maintenance costs – dirt and oil clog valves, filters, and dryers
Fact: Just 1 drop of oil in compressed air can contaminate 1000 liters of packaged drinking water in PET blowing plants & other food packaging plants.
Major Contaminants in Compressed Air
When ambient air is compressed, it traps more than just oxygen and nitrogen. It concentrates three major impurities:
Oil Contamination
Originates from oil-lubricated compressors.
Damages filters, seals, and packaging lines.
Not acceptable in pharma, Food, Pet Bottle.
Moisture
Natural air always carries humidity.
When compressed, this Liquefies, The result is corrosion, scaling, and bacterial contamination.
Causes blockages in PET blowing pneumatic valves, and pharma lines
Particulate Matter
Dust often makes its way in through the air intake.
These small – small particles can damage equipment and block filters.
Even microscopic dirt is enough to spoil coatings, taint beverages, or affect the quality of medicines.
Types of Filters in Screw Compressors
To produce clean, dry, oil-free air, multi-stage filtration system is used in screw compressors, Each filter targets specific contaminants.
- Oil Separators (Available in oil injected screw compressors Only)
Remove maximum oil before compressed air passed the compressor.
Efficiency: almost 99% oil removal.
- Coalescing Filters
Filter out oil mist, vapors, and small water particles.
Helps extend the life of downstream equipment
- Particulate Filters
Removes dust, dirt, and particles so small they measure just 0.01 micron
Very – Very mandatory for electronics, food, and packaging lines.
- Activated Carbon Filters
Removes oil vapors and odor causing particles.
Paired with dryers, it guarantees Class 0 oil-free compressed air always.
- Dryers (Refrigerated & Desiccant)
They reduce moisture from the air, so it helping to prevent from rust.
Desiccant dryers ensure ultra dry air, which is critical in pharma and precision instruments.
Industry Needs Based on ISO Classes
Pharmaceuticals / Food & Beverage – Class 0 or 1 (Complete oil-free)
PET Bottle Blowing – Class 2 or 3 (dry air & low oil content)
Automotive Painting – Class 1 (no oil mist, no water content)
General Manufacturing – Class 3 to 4 (basic dust and moisture removal system)
Pro Tips to Maintain Air Quality
Replace filters at recommended intervals as suggested by supplier
Regular condensate draining helps to prevent water accumulation
Regularly monitor filter pressure to ensure optimal performance
Differential pressure gauges can be used some time to plan preventive maintenance
Conduct air quality tests every quarter
At Comptech Compressors, we provide:
- Advanced oil free & oil injected screw compressors
- High performance filters & dryers
Call us today and let our experts design the right compressed air quality solution for your industry.
Visit: https://screwcompressorindia.com
Connect us : +91 8928792434
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