Maintaining & Replacing Pneumatic Filters: A Comprehensive Guide

To keep your pneumatic filter running smoothly, regular maintenance and timely replacement are essential. While most filters are replaced annually as part of preventative maintenance, the replacement frequency can vary depending on machine usage and operating conditions.

Here’s a critical tip to save time and money—you don’t have to replace the entire filter. Each component can be replaced individually. Accurately diagnosing the issue and swapping out only the faulty part helps maintain your machine’s performance while minimizing expenses.

Key Components of a Pneumatic Filter:

Filter Element
Drain or Bowl (Collects contaminants)
Baffle Plate (Guides airflow in certain models)
Bowl Guard

Every component is replaceable. Unsure what parts to order? Simply provide your filter part number to the All World customer service team, and they’ll assist you in selecting the exact replacement components.

How to Access Filter Elements

To access the core filter elements, start by removing the bowl:

Push in the tab and rotate the bowl 45 degrees, or to the notch.
After removing the bowl, unscrew the retainer or baffle to access the filter element.

By following these quick steps, you can diagnose and replace components without hassle.

Diagnosing & Replacing Components

Filter Element Issues
Clogged filter elements are often indicated by reduced airflow or weakened power at the nozzle, even if pressure gauge readings appear normal. This drop in air volume can negatively affect machine performance and may even cause operations to time out due to insufficient flow.

Your pneumatic filter element is key in removing contaminants from 5 micron down to as low as .3 micron, depending on your system's specifications. When replacing an element, always match its filtration level to your system requirements. Using a filter that’s too fine or coarse can impact other pneumatic components, such as valves, as they are typically calibrated to specific filtration levels.

To identify the correct replacement element, check the filter/regulator for a part number. This part number ensures you can locate components compatible with your system.

Bowl Issues
If your system has an air leak, a cracked filter bowl may be the culprit. You’ll likely hear the leak, making it an easy issue to identify.

The filter bowl tends to be the most frequently replaced component. However, filter bowls are brand- and model-specific, meaning they must fit the filter/regulator exactly for proper functionality.

When selecting a replacement bowl, you’ll find two types available:
Polycarbonate Bowls: Affordable but less durable.
Metal Bowls: More expensive but designed for durability and longer life.

Additionally, bowls may be configured with optional features, such as auto drains, which automatically remove water or fluid when pressure is removed. This feature eliminates the need for manual draining. If your current setup doesn’t include one, many systems allow you to upgrade to a bowl with an auto-drain feature.

Need Assistance?

All World offers a wide range of pneumatic filters and components from trusted brands like CKD and SMC. Not sure where to start? Need help disassembling your filter or finding replacement parts? Our customer service team, with decades of experience in pneumatic components, is here to guide you every step of the way.

Even if you’re using a different brand, our team can help you source compatible parts and replacements to match your system’s specifications.

Reach out to us today and keep your pneumatic systems running flawlessly!