Untreated compressed air always contains moisture, oil, and dust particles. This can damage your tools, harm your piping system, and disrupt sensitive processes. With the right compressed air dryer and compressed air filters, your system is guaranteed to deliver clean, dry air.
SK Compressor Service offers a complete range of compressed air treatment equipment, from compact refrigeration dryers for workshops to adsorption dryers for industrial precision applications.
ECO-DRAIN Condensate Drain
F350 Series
KF Filter Series
KMM Series
i.DC series
DC2.0 – DC11.3
TCU Series
THP Series
SECOTEC TG
SECOTEC TD/TE/TF
Condensate Treatment: AQUAMAT
SECOTEC TA/TB/TC
Cyclone Separator
SK Premium Series
SM Premium Series
SXC Compact Series
Compressed Air Treatment
What is a compressed air treatment?
Compressed air treatment, also known as compressed air post-treatment, is the process of purifying compressed air after it passes through the compressor. Every compressor not only compresses air but also concentrates all the contaminants present in the ambient air: water vapor, dust particles, oil aerosols, and microorganisms.
Untreated compressed air causes rust in your piping system, accelerated wear of pneumatic tools, failure of valves and fittings, and, in sensitive applications, contamination of end products. Compressed air treatment consists of three steps: drying (dryer), filtering (filter), and, where necessary, condensate treatment.
The Right Compressed Air Solution for Your Application
A compressed air dryer removes moisture, but not oil or dust. For that, you need compressed air filters. The filters are always installed after the dryer and are available in three types.
Fine Filter Filters solid particles and water droplets from compressed air down to 1 micron. This is the standard first filter in every compressed air system.
Oil Filter / Microfilter Removes fine oil aerosols that pass through a fine filter. This reduces the residual oil content to a maximum of 0.01 mg/m³. Essential for sensitive processes and oil-free applications.
Activated Carbon Filter: Absorbs oil vapors, odors, and volatile organic compounds. Required for direct contact with food, paint spraying, and breathing air.
QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPRESSED AIR TREATMENT
What is compressed air treatment?
Compressed air treatment is the process of purifying compressed air after it passes through the compressor. Every compressor draws in water vapor, dust, and oil aerosols from the ambient air. Using a compressed air dryer (refrigeration dryer or adsorption dryer) and compressed air filters, the air is prepared for your specific application, free of moisture, dust, and oil.
What does a compressed air dryer do?
A compressed air dryer removes moisture from compressed air. A refrigeration dryer cools the air to just above freezing (+3°C dew point) so that water vapor condenses and is removed. An adsorption dryer uses a desiccant to achieve a much lower dew point (down to -70°C) for critical applications in cold environments, the pharmaceutical industry, or precision manufacturing.
Do I need a compressed air filter in addition to a dryer?
Yes. A dryer only removes moisture; a filter removes oil, dust, and solid particles. For most applications, you should combine a refrigeration dryer with a fine filter and an oil filter. For food processing, paint shops, or pharmaceutical applications, an activated-carbon filter is also necessary to remove oil vapor and odors.
What are the ISO 8573 compressed air quality classes?
ISO 8573 is the international standard for compressed air quality, ranging from Class 1 (cleanest) to Class 6. The standard measures particulate matter, dew point (water), and oil content. Class 4 is standard for most industrial applications—achievable with a refrigerated dryer and a fine filter. SK Compressor Service can advise you on which class your application requires and what equipment is needed to achieve it.
When should I choose an adsorption dryer instead of a refrigeration dryer?
You should choose an adsorption dryer if your piping system is located in a cold environment (outdoors, in a freezer), if you require ISO Class 1–3, or if your process must be absolutely free of moisture. For most standard indoor industrial applications, a refrigeration dryer is sufficient and more cost-effective.
How often should a compressed air filter be replaced?
Filter elements are typically replaced annually or every 2,000–4,000 operating hours, depending on the load and the level of contamination in the ambient air. A clogged filter increases the pressure drop and consumes additional energy. SK Compressor Service replaces filter elements during routine maintenance or as part of a maintenance contract.