Air Compressor Water Trap

What’s The Air Compressor Water Trap?

Standard screw or piston compressor will generally have a high water content, as well as a high concentration of oil and other contaminants.

Air Compressor Water Trap or air line filter is used to filter impurities from atmospheric air or the compressed air, like dust, oil and moisture, to make compressed air viable for use. Normally they are installed on the compressor output port or in the compressed air line. And some are assembled on the machinery, or the pneumatic system.When the filer is combined with a regulator and an oiler, it is called an air source treatment.
They are a crucial part of the air treatment process to make sure your compressed air is clean and safe to use, and to increase your equipment’s life span.

Why Do You Need Air Compressor Water Trap?

A. Compressed air is full of particles, aerosols and oil vapors (in oil injected pistons and screws) that contaminate the compressed air and can cause potential harm to its end users (equipment that uses compressed air). Incorporating the correct inline filter can help you eliminate the unwanted particulates as well as aerosols and vapors. 

The amount of filters and types needed will be dependent on the quality of air your application and or process requires. 

Avoid Damage

Without air compressor filters removing such contaminants, the operation of critical system components, such as cylinders and valves, will be compromised. Air filtration is an essential element of proper compressed air preparation and can also prevent seals from swelling and experiencing premature wear. In addition to reducing downtime, clean compressed air results in lower energy costs

The Structure of The Compressor Water Trap

Compressed Air Filter Work

Inlet:

The inlet is the point where air enters the air compressor filter. Inside, a plastic ring with angled vanes directs the airflow downward into a spiral motion. It’s crucial to select the correct inlet size—using a filter smaller than the line can reduce efficiency and airflow.

Filter cap:

The filter cap guides air through the filter. Most filters have a directional arrow on the outer casing to indicate correct installation. Be sure to follow this marking to avoid installing the filter backward, which would impair performance.

Air path: 

The air path is the route air takes as it spins in a cyclonic motion and passes through the filter media. This swirling action enhances particle separation before filtration.

Discharge (Outlet)

The discharge port allows filtered air to exit the unit. It should match the size of the inlet to maintain consistent flow. A smaller discharge can create backpressure and restrict airflow.

Filter element:

The filter element is responsible for removing contaminants and particulates from the air. Over time, it will become clogged and must be cleaned or replaced. Standard filtration precision is typically 40 µm, but other grades are available based on specific requirements.

Our Air Water Trap Product Line

AF Air Water Trap

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″​​​

AF BF Air Water Trap

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

AF Main Air Line Water Trap

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

AFF Main Line Water Separator

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.

F Air Water Separator

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).

F804 Air Tools Water Trap

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)

QSLH High Pressure Water Separator

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

SF High Pressure Stainless Steel Water Separator

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​.

How to Select a Compressor Water Trap or Water Separator?

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:

1.Type of Application

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.

2.Filter Micron Rating

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.

3.Flow Rate

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.

4.Efficiency and Quality

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.

5.Temperature

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.

6.Environmental standards

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.