Pneumatic Valves
Air Filter Regulator Lubricator
What Is an Air Compressor Water Trap?An air compressor water trap (also called an air line filter) is used to remove water, oil, and dust from compressed air. These contaminants are common in piston and screw compressors, especially those that use oil for lubrication.
The water trap is usually installed:
After the compressor,
Along the air pipeline, or
On the machine or pneumatic system.
It helps ensure the air is clean and dry, protecting equipment and improving performance.
When combined with a regulator and lubricator, it forms an air source treatment unit (also called FRL).
Why Do You Need One?Dirty air can damage valves, cylinders, and seals. Water and oil can cause rust, swelling, and wear, leading to breakdowns and costly downtime.
Clean air helps machines run smoother and faster, with lower energy use and fewer maintenance issues.
Different systems need different levels of air purity. Choose the right filter type and size based on how clean your air needs to be.
Fluid: Compressed air
Operating Pressure Range: 0.05 to 1.0 MPa
Proof Pressure: 1.5 MPa
Ambient and Fluid Temperature: −5 to 60°C (No freezing)
Filtration Rating: Standard 5 µm
Bowl Material: Polycarbonate (standard); metal options available
Drain Capacity: Varies by model (e.g., AF20: 25 cm³; AF60: 45 cm³)
Port Sizes: AF2000: 1/8, 1/4; AF3000: 1/4, 3/8; AF4000: 1/4, 3/8, 1/2; AF5000: 3/4, 1″
Applicable Medium: Compressed Air
Filtration Precision: Standard 40 µm; optional 5 µm
Operating Pressure Range: 0 to 1.0 MPa
Proof Pressure: 1.5 MPa
Operating Temperature Range: 5°C to 60°C
Bowl Material: Polycarbonate with optional protective cover
Drain Type: Manual or Semi-Automatic
Port Sizes: AF1500: 1/8; AF2000: 1/4; BF2000: 1/4; BF3000: 3/8; BF4000: 1/2
Series: AF800/900
Port Size: 1½, 2″ (NPT, BSPT)
Filtration Rating: 5 µm (standard); optional stainless steel elements available
Operating Pressure Range: 0 to 1.0 MPa (0 to 145 psi)
Proof Pressure: 1.5 MPa (215 psi)
Operating Temperature Range: −5°C to 60°C (23°F to 140°F)
Bowl Material: Aluminum with optional polycarbonate sight glass
Drain Type: Manual drain cock standard; auto-drain options available
Flow Capacity: Approximately 14.5 m³/min (ANR)
Weight: Approximately 5.2 kg
Filtration Efficiency: Removes particles as small as 1.0 µm with 99% efficiency.
Operating Pressure Range: Up to 1.0 MPa (10 bar).
Proof Pressure: 1.5 MPa (15 bar).
Operating Temperature Range: −5°C to 60°C (No freezing)
Port Sizes: Available in 1/2″, 1″, and 1½” options.
Flow Capacity: Handles flow rates up to 14.5 m³/min (ANR), depending on the model.
Bowl Material: Constructed with a lightweight stainless steel bowl, contributing to a weight reduction of up to 52% compared to previous models.
Filtration Grades: Available in 5 µm and 40 µm options.
Flow Rates: Depending on size and filtration grade, flow rates range from approximately 800 l/min to 5,300 l/min.
Operating Pressure: Up to 16 bar.
Operating Temperature Range: −10°C to +60°C.
Port Sizes: G1/8″ to G1″, accommodating various system requirements.
Condensate Drain Options: Manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic drains are available.
Materials: Housing: Die-cast zinc. Filter Bowl: Polycarbonate or aluminum with optional metal bowl guard. Seals: NBR (nitrile rubber).
Connection Size: Inlet/Outlet: 1/4″ BSP or NPT (depending on model)
Filtration Rating: Approximately 40 µm
Maximum Pressure: Around 90–150 PSI (6.2–10.3 bar)
Material: Housing: Transparent polycarbonate Ends: Aluminum alloy or nickel-plated brass
Filter element: Fiber or sintered plastic
Drain Type: Manual push-button or automatic when disconnected
Use Case: Suitable for pneumatic tools, paint spray guns, airbrushes, etc.
Length: ~65–75 mm (2.5–3 inch)
Operating Medium: Compressed Air
Port Sizes: G1/4″, G3/8″, G1/2″, G3/4″, G1″
Filtration Precision: 20 µm or 40 µm
Maximum Operating Pressure: 4.0 MPa (40 bar)
Operating Temperature Range: −5°C to +80°C
Drain Options: Manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic
Body Material: Aluminum Alloy
Model Numbers: SF-02, SF-03, SF-04, SF-06, SF-08
Port Sizes: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″. Thread Types: BSP, NPT, Rc
Pressure Range: 0.5 to 60 bar (tested up to 80 bar)
Temperature Range: -10°C to +70°C
Filter Elements: 5 or 40 micron SUS316 stainless steel
Drain Options: Semi-automatic (standard), manual, or fully automatic
Materials: All 316 stainless steel construction. Seals: Viton (FKM)
Applications: Suitable for semiconductor industry, chemical processing, and outdoor facilities.
Selecting the best compressor water trap will go a long way to guarantee system efficiency while avoiding undesirable component wear and tear.
You can consider the following factors when selecting a compressor air filter:
Different applications require different types of compressor air filters.
Each filter has a different set of filtration requirements and fittings.
You should refer to the requirements of your filtration or consult a reputable company before settling for a given type of filter.
Similarly, the cleanliness required for the compressed air will determine the micron rating of the filter you select.
You should select a filter that will achieve the desired level of cleanliness and still maintaining good service intervals.
The size and of the filter you select will depend on the application level of airflow.
Understanding the maximum allowable pressure drop will assist you to decide on the best size of a filter to select.
The manufacturers will provide a chart showing the pressure drop versus the supply flow.
These charts indicate the performance of a filter at a given intake pressure.
Look through the chart and select the models whose port size and other features meet your system requirement.
You should choose a filter that will effectively remove the contaminants at the desired level of efficiency at a minimum pressure drop.
Note that filters might have similar micron and flow rate rating but significantly differ in their effectiveness in removing contaminants.
High-performance filters might cost you more initially but will give you better results compared to ordinary filters.
A suitable filter that will effectively remove the contaminants at the desired level of efficiency at a minimum pressure drop.
Note that filters might have similar micron and flow rate rating but significantly differ in their effectiveness in removing contaminants.
High-performance filters might cost you more initially but will give you better results compared to ordinary filters.
Compressed air filters are subject to the ISO 8573 standard, which specifies the purity classes of compressed air for the presence of solid particles, water and oil, regardless of their location in the compressed air system.
This standard also provides general information on pollutants in compressed air systems and refers to other parts of ISO 8573 with regard to the measurement of compressed air purity or the specification of compressed air purity requirements.
Lastly, the ISO 8573-1:2010 standard also identifies gaseous and microbiological pollutants.
