SMC compressed air quality: clean, dry, economical

Compressed air is the most widely used energy carrier in many plants, yet one of the least watched. Water, oil and particles in the air shorten the life of valves, cylinders and seals, cause faults and can contaminate products. Good air preparation is not a side issue but part of stable production.

Where do the contaminants come from?

Water: The intake air contains moisture that condenses during compression and cooling.
Oil: Oil mist and oil vapour from the compressor enter the network.
Particles: Dust from the intake air, plus rust and wear debris from pipes and tanks.

What are the consequences?

Valves and cylinders wear faster, seals swell or stick.
Sensors and regulators give inaccurate readings.
Corrosion in the pipes creates more particles.
In food, pharma, painting or electronics the air can directly affect the product.

Standards and requirements

Compressed air purity is described in classes for particles, water and oil in ISO 8573-1:2010. For food and pharma there are additional guidelines such as VDMA Standard Sheets 15390 and requirements from HACCP, GMP and European food law (including Regulations (EC) No 178/2002 and No 852/2004). Which class your process needs depends on your application. We help you classify it.

Treatment where it is needed

Central treatment at the compressor is often not enough, because new contaminants form in the pipes on the way to the consumer. That is why treatment is added directly at the point of use. Another point: every filter causes a pressure drop. As a rule of thumb, one extra bar of pressure costs about 6 to 9 % more energy. Filters should therefore be sized correctly and serviced on time.

The SMC treatment chain

SMC AFF / AM / AMD: line filters, oil mist separators and micro mist separators with filtration of 1.0 / 0.1 / 0.01 µm, connected in series.
SMC IDF: refrigerated air dryer with a 3 °C pressure dew point (IDFA60 to 90, 204 to 810 m³/h).
SMC AD402: auto drain valve for reliable condensate removal.
SMC FRL and more air preparation units for treatment directly at the machine.

View all compressed air preparation products

Values are manufacturer data and depend on the individual case. Talk to us and we will put together the right treatment for your application.