Air Compressor Intake Filters vs Inline Filters

Intake Filters

Intake filters (also called inlet filters) filter the ambient air before it goes through the compression process. This filter is the first piece of your compressor that will encounter the air. Because of this, the rest of the compressor system relies on it to be able to pull the air in and pull out the larger pieces of particulate that may try to sneak in. This helps to clean the air prior to compression and helps protect the internal components of your compressor. Most models come with an intake filter already installed, but if you find that your compressor is missing one, it is essential to get an intake filter installed immediately.

NAILI supply professional and honest service.

Inline Filters

Inline filters are used after the compression process to remove particles, aerosols, oil vapors, and other contaminants before the pressurized air is released for use. These filters are used to ensure no contaminants enter your production process. Inline filters must be purchased separately and added to your compressed air system, positioned after the air compressor itself. There are multiple kinds of inline filters you can purchase dependent on the contaminants that need to be removed and your applications. Below are the three most common inline filters:

• Particulate Filters

  • Particulate filters remove the larger, coarse, solid particles from the air. Examples of contaminant they remove include dirt, pollen, metallic elements, cottonwood, and dust. This is done by filter material trapping and holding the particulate as the air passes through. Because it holds onto the particulate, this filter element must be replaced every few months.

• Coalescing Filters

  • Coalescing filters attack the finer particles that are a single micron in size or smaller. In general, they can filter out water, oil, aerosols, and other fluids but cannot stop vapors. Instead of the filter material trapping these particles, the filter material causes the small liquid droplets to stick together and form larger drops. These larger drops fall to the bottom of the filter where they are drained out. These filter elements should also be changed every few months due to some excess solid particles slipping through and building up, causing a block to the clean air flow.

•  Activated Carbon Filters

  • Activated carbon filters utilize adsorption to remove gases and vapors from the compressed air stream. Adsorption utilizes a specific media filter that encourages the vapors to bond and stick together, catching them as the air gets cleaned and passes through. These filters use activated carbon or charcoal to collect and remove the contaminants. These filters also need to be replaced every few months due to some of the finer charcoal particles eventually coming loose and causing risk of entering the clean airstream.

ZORN'S PROMISE

Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction. 

Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.

• Reliable equipment
• Trusted brands
• Seamless, easy installation
• Post-sales support
• Local, 24/7 service

When using compressed air in your operations, one question often arises: Do I really need a filter? The short answer is yes—regardless of the application, a proper air filtration system is essential to protect your equipment, your end product, and your long-term investment.

In this article, we’ll explain why compressed air filters matter, the types available, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Compressed air, straight from the compressor, often contains impurities like dust, oil vapour, water, and even microscopic contaminants. Without proper filtration, these pollutants can cause serious issues—damaging pneumatic tools, clogging machinery, and compromising product quality.
 

The company is the world’s best inline compressed air filter supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Take an automotive workshop, for example. Compressed air powers everything from pneumatic tools to tire inflation systems. If that air contains dirt or oil, tools may corrode over time, and tires can trap unwanted residues. In paint booths, even minor contamination can ruin finishes. A well-selected air filter helps prevent all of this.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Pneumatech offers a wide range of compressed air filters to suit different needs, each designed to remove specific types of contaminants. Here's a breakdown of the main categories:

1. Threaded filters
Basic and easy to maintain, these filters feature corrosion-resistant aluminium housings. Available in coalescing, particulate, and absorber variants, they’re ideal for general use across various industries.

2. Flanged filters
Built for more demanding environments, flanged filters come with high-performance coatings and are designed for long service life (up to 20 years). With flow capacities of up to 17,999 m³/h, they’re perfect for larger systems or high-volume applications.

3. Carbon filters
These filters excel at removing oil vapours, odours, and hydrocarbons. When paired with Pneumatech coalescing filters, they help achieve ISO -1: Class 1 air quality—ideal for sensitive processes like food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

4. High-pressure filters
Designed to handle elevated PSI levels, these filters use advanced fibreglass and non-woven media to ensure superior contaminant removal. They reduce pressure drops and cut operating costs, making them ideal for high-pressure systems.

Are you interested in learning more about hydraulic driven air compressors? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!