Purification Cartridges and Systems

 Purification cartridges function by attracting and holding contaminants on their adsorbent media.   Most purification systems consist of:

1^st stage mechanical separator chamber.

2^nd stage drying tower

3^rd stage dryer, Co/Co2 catalyst, taste and odor media.

Final .01 micron filter element.

 Depending on the capacity rating of the purification system, the manufacturer may have doubled up on any number of the above cartridges.  It is not uncommon to have two 2^nd stage drying chambers on a standard well built system.    Some manufacturers parallel two purification systems to double the design capacity of their standard product.

 Purifier cartridge change out is determined by many factors including: ambient conditions, purifier design capacity and operating hours.  Although most manufacturers state cartridges must be changed in X number of hours, this is only a guide for operation under perfect laboratory conditions.  NFPA requires purifier cartridges are changed every 6-months whether or not they have reached the manufactures recommend operating hours.   Your actual cartridge change out time may vary from either recommendation due to mechanical and ambient conditions inherent in your particular system.

 The first stage mechanical separator is designed to drain off all “liquid form” condensate. (Oil and water from the compression cycle that has coalesced into droplets).  It is important that the 1^st stage mechanical separator has a fully operational auto dump valve to drain off this liquid condensate.

 The second stage drying chamber(s) are filled with desiccant.  Depending on the capacity of your purification system you can have one, two or more desiccant towers to remove condensate in evaporative form.  Failure of the first stage mechanical separator and or drains will saturate these chambers cutting their effective life to zero.

 The final stage includes a small portion of drying desiccant, a catalyst to convert Co (carbon monoxide) to Co2 (carbon dioxide) and carbon to remove taste and odor.   If the drying chambers become saturated, moisture will destroy the catalyst and creep into the storage system. 

 To protect the end user of a compressed breathing air system, moisture sensors and carbon monoxide sensors must be installed in the purification stream.   The moisture sensor is your first line of defense against fouled purifier cartridges.  The carbon monoxide sensor is your final defense.  

 To maximize purifier cartridge performance always:

 •Change all cartridges and elements at the same time.

•Do not swap used cartridges from one tower to another.

•Avoid contamination of downstream air lines, regulators, valves and storage by changing                       cartridges before they are spent.

•Inspect condensate discharge every time the system is operated to be sure auto drains are working.

•Inspect purifier cylinders and cartridges for excessive moisture and corrosion each time you service     the system.

•Do not open purifier cartridge sealed packing bags until they are ready to be installed.