compressor filter

[SGKent]

Have two craftsman compressors. Both are basically the Porter Cable, Devilbiss, aluminum twin cylinder 5 hp 20 - 25 gallon compressors. HF made one too with the same model twin compressor that sat on a 60 gallon.

The early one uses a felt filter. That compressor has never overheated. The other uses a round black paper inside filter. It has a tendency to pull oil and over heat. The filter plugs up quicker. To me it looks like the felt filter model has more sq inches of filter although the filter is thicker. The part that holds the felt is different and is no longer available. The parts to change the felt one to the round black filter are available.

My instinct is telling me that the round black filter is plugging up quicker and causing part of the problem. You can't see inside it so it is one of those things if you forget to replace it there is no visual clue it is getting dirty.

Does anyone here have experience with these style filters, and what kind of experience are you having with them? I was looking for the part 265-18 which is the style plate that holds the felt but they are NLA. I have plenty of felt filters and was thinking about converting to use them on both models. Anyone know a bone yard that might have old twin cylinder units like this that they would have a used plate, or should I convert both to the later style? Is there a better air intake setup on this kind of compressor?

 

[BPJOOP93]

I don’t know what to tell you. But why is there so much oil plugging the filter?convert to a small engine filter.

 

[SGKent]

I don’t know what to tell you. But why is there so much oil plugging the filter?convert to a small engine filter.

not oil plugging the filter. When dust reduces the amount of air that can pass thru the filter, when the piston tries to draw in air, the lower pressure in the cylinder draws oil up past the rings which then causes the oil smell in compressed air.

 

[cadunkle]

I like Solberg intake filters, they do a good job quieting noise down too or at least changing the high pitched annoying noise to a lower pitch less annoying sound. Replaceable round automotive style filter elements. I just blow mine out periodically.

https://www.solbergmfg.com/ViewSeriesDetail.aspx?SeriesId=2&src=hscroll

 

[The Cobbler]

if you think the problem is the filter,and not the rings , rig up a larger filter from something that is readily available .

 

[SGKent]

Thank you. Sounds like I need to do some measuring.

 

[SGKent]

pulled the old filter off. It is not that dirty. Makes me wonder now about surface area. The felt filter the manufacture used for eons is 6.75 sq inch (4.5" x 1.5"). The later round paper one on the compressor that seems to have a draw issue is 3.53 sq inch (2.25" diameter /2 to get radius X Pi). With the pleats however the actual surface area would be more but I have no idea how to compare draw. Will have to check out those filters that were posted above.


View media item 92744

 

[MFolks]

Go to K&N air filters,they are oil coated,easily cleaned and reused, available in many sizes

 

[SGKent]

Thank you. Good idea. KN is a good brand.

Research shows that the hockey puck filter is 12 SCFM and made by Solberg. The compressor is rated for 8.1 SCFM at 40 psi and 5 something at 90 psi. The other compressor with the felt is about the same. They tandem at the tank level and air is supplied by only one regulator. When I need lots of air I turn both on. One thing that occured to me is that I can reverse their position in the shed, and put the one that gets hotter more into the air stream although both get fans on them from outside the shed when I am running them. I'll have to see what air filter housings will fit, and also what larger air filters (maybe KN) will work best to increase SCFM intake. When the filter is new it is probably adequate but once it gets dusty it is probably marginal. A 30% drop in filtering would put it below 100% of the compressor's rating. Or I can just change the filters once a year regardless.

Thank you to all who made suggestions. It really helps to have others to bounce thoughts off and get ideas from about problems in the garage. Now all I need is a way to deal with a stinky pair of garage dogs. Maybe an automated wash.

 

[Falcon67]

if you think the problem is the filter,and not the rings , rig up a larger filter from something that is readily available .

1" pipe, tractor muffler with a small air filter rigged on top. Hows that for "whats laying around"

 

[WaterBoyz]

not oil plugging the filter. When dust reduces the amount of air that can pass thru the filter, when the piston tries to draw in air, the lower pressure in the cylinder draws oil up past the rings which then causes the oil smell in compressed air.

Hummmm
I have "stinky" air.

May have to revisit the condition of the felt filter. My system goes back probably to the 80s at least. Bought it well used 15 years ago.

No obvious option for any kind of screw on filter.

 

[SGKent]

Hummmm
I have "stinky" air.

May have to revisit the condition of the felt filter. My system goes back probably to the 80s at least. Bought it well used 15 years ago.

No obvious option for any kind of screw on filter.

there are two small hex head screws on top. Loosen and the felt comes out. Make sure the oil is changed every few years and topped off. In my manual it says to the top thread of the fill hole.

 

[The Cobbler]

1" pipe, tractor muffler with a small air filter rigged on top. Hows that for "whats laying around"

nice!

 

[kbs2244]

This sounds like a perfect time to find a small car intake system for re-plumbing.
You will get sound damping as well as air filtration.

 

[sriddle]

Wow. Thanks for all the good ideas on compressor air filters