Air traps remove moisture, oil, and airborne contaminants from compressed air. They consist of a filter element in a glass bowl with fittings for incoming and outgoing air hoses. Air traps prevent contamination and corrosion, but must be properly rated and matched to the compressor for optimal efficiency.
An air trap is a filtering device intended to remove contaminants from a compressed air supply. The primary function of an air trap is to remove moisture and oil from the compressed air, both unwanted by-products of the compression cycle. Airborne contaminants such as soot, dust, paint and solvent residues are also removed from the air supply in the same operation. The most common of these applications are air traps on air compressors and air conditioners. Air traps are generally glass enclosed filter elements that are specifically rated for the intended application.
Air traps typically consist of a filter element encased in a clear glass bowl. The glass casing allows you to visually check the status of the filter and how much water it contains. Many air traps have a spigot in the bottom of the bowl to allow for periodic drainage of water from the filter housing. The filter cap has two fittings that connect the incoming and outgoing air hoses to the filter assembly. These filters are usually mounted between the compressor head and the buffer tank or the outlet air pipe.
The use of an air trap is necessary as the air is heated when compressed; once it cools, the moisture in the air condenses and forms water droplets that can contaminate the air supply or corrode the air tank. Oil vapor also enters the air supply from the compressor crankcase ventilation process and further contaminates the air supply. The air trap removes both oil and water as well as air pollutants that are drawn into the system. However, the use of air trap filters is not limited to air compressors and most air conditioning units also use them to remove condensate and compressor oil from the refrigerant gas.
There are several types of air traps available for use on air compressors; It’s important when installing one to make sure it’s properly rated for the application in question. Air traps cause a slight drop in compressor supply pressure and, if incorrectly set, can have a negative effect on compressor efficiency. Typically the air trap should not cause a pressure drop greater than about five pounds per square inch (PSI). The internal filter element type should also be matched to the specific compressors for their intended use to ensure optimum filter protection and compressor efficiency.
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