Solberg Inlet Vacuum Filters - Manual (Page 5)

Solberg International, Ltd., 1151 Ardmore Avenue, Itasca IL 60143
Ph: 630/616-4900 Fax: 630/773-0727 Email: [email protected] Web: www.solbergmfg.com
Vacuum Inlet Filters (Metric) March, 2000
Page 5
SOLBERG
2. Filtration Rules of Thumb
General: For peak output performance from a compressor, blower, vacuum
pump, engine, or any other machine that consumes air, one must have clean,
unrestricted air. Proper filtration can help stabilize the working environment within
rotating equipment even when the external conditions may be quite severe. A
critical component in creating the right working conditions is filter sizing. With the
properly sized filter, equipment will run smoothly over its entire expected
operating life.
A major factor in filtration and filter sizing is air velocity through the filter media.
Generally, the slower the velocity of air through a media the higher the filter
efficiency and, conversely, the lower the pressure drop. Therefore, the primary
goal in filter sizing is to optimize the velocity of air through the media (sometimes
called face velocity).
Rule of Thumb #1: Always begin with the filter cartridge requirements when
sizing a filter. Once the appropriate element has been selected then move on to
the housing requirements.
Rule of Thumb #2: Always ask or specify a filter based on a micron rating with
filtration efficiencies. As an example, stating a requirement for a 5-micron filter is
misleading because no efficiency rating has been specified. A 5-micron filter at
97-% efficiency can be less efficient than a 10-micron filter at 99.7% efficiency.
For proper air system performance in light and industrial duty environments, a
filter with a minimum of 99.7% filtration efficiency at 10 microns is required.
Rule of Thumb #3: Size your filter correctly by understanding the impact air
velocity through a media has on efficiency and pressure drop. Maintain the
suggested Air-to-Media ratios listed below based on the external environment
listings and Filtration efficiency needs.