Compressed air and surface filtering

Surface filtering is one of three ways compressed air is filtered. Find out more about this method here.

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

April 24, 2023

How does surface filtering work?

A surface filter is used to separate unwanted particles from compressed air. When compressed air comes to a surface filter, the idea is that the compressed air passes through, while the particles and pollutants are blocked and collected.

This works because there are holes in a surface filter. The actual size of these holes depends on the filter. Any particle bigger than the holes will be blocked.

What size filter?

Surface filtering

If you want to block particles of incredibly small size, you’re best using a number of filters, with progressively smaller holes on each filter. Why not just start with the smallest holes? The filter will soon become blocked, and the compressed air will lose pressure or even be stopped from travelling through the filter. But by starting with larger holes and working your way down, you’ll capture larger particles first, while still allowing smaller particles to pass and be trapped by subsequent filters.

If a surface filter is blocked? Remove it and, depending on the type of filter, clean it or replace it. 

What size filter do you need?

The level of quality you need in your compressed air will decide the filter you need. The higher the quality required, the smaller the holes in your filter to ensure you filter out those tiny particles.

You may also need an air dryer to help remove water vapour from your compressed air. Once again, this will depend on what you’re using the compressed air for. 

Would you like a hand choosing the right filtration system for your system? Do you want to know more about air dryers? Great! There is nothing we would rather chat about. Get in touch today! 

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