Compressed-air filtration is selected around what the air needs to do downstream. General workshop tools, spray equipment, pneumatic controls and production machinery can require different levels of contamination control.
Filter grade matters, but so do flow capacity, pressure drop, location, drainage and service condition. A treatment system should be designed as a sequence rather than a collection of unrelated components.
What inline filters can help control
Depending on the selected element and installation position, inline filters can reduce solid particles, liquid contamination and oil aerosol carried in the compressed-air stream. The exact performance must be taken from the current approved Pneumatix PMF specification.
Build the filtration train around the dryer
A pre-filter and post-filter arrangement may be appropriate for many systems, but the sequence should be confirmed for the dryer and application. Upstream filtration can protect treatment equipment, while downstream filtration can control finer contamination before distribution or point of use.
For more sensitive equipment, additional point-of-use treatment may still be required even when the compressor room has a central filter package.
The PMF inline filter range
Four PMF filters cover the two dryer capacities. Each model is a housing with a replaceable cartridge: the pre-filter takes bulk contamination ahead of the dryer, the post-filter does the finer coalescing duty after it.
| Model | Position | Filtration grade | Rated flow | Inlet and outlet | Maximum working pressure | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM10PREINLINE | Pre-filter | 1.0 micron | 1,200 L/min | 3/4 inch | 16 bar / 235 PSI | H285 × 90 mm dia. | 1.2 kg |
| PM10POSTINLINE | Post-filter | 0.01 micron | 1,200 L/min | 3/4 inch | 16 bar / 235 PSI | H285 × 90 mm dia. | 1.2 kg |
| PM20PREINLINE | Pre-filter | 1.0 micron | 2,400 L/min | 3/4 inch | 16 bar / 235 PSI | H345 × 110 mm dia. | 1.85 kg |
| PM20POSTINLINE | Post-filter | 0.01 micron | 2,400 L/min | 3/4 inch | 16 bar / 235 PSI | H345 × 110 mm dia. | 1.85 kg |
PM10PREINLINE
- Position
- Pre-filter
- Filtration grade
- 1.0 micron
- Rated flow
- 1,200 L/min
- Inlet and outlet
- 3/4 inch
- Maximum working pressure
- 16 bar / 235 PSI
- Dimensions
- H285 × 90 mm dia.
- Weight
- 1.2 kg
PM10POSTINLINE
- Position
- Post-filter
- Filtration grade
- 0.01 micron
- Rated flow
- 1,200 L/min
- Inlet and outlet
- 3/4 inch
- Maximum working pressure
- 16 bar / 235 PSI
- Dimensions
- H285 × 90 mm dia.
- Weight
- 1.2 kg
PM20PREINLINE
- Position
- Pre-filter
- Filtration grade
- 1.0 micron
- Rated flow
- 2,400 L/min
- Inlet and outlet
- 3/4 inch
- Maximum working pressure
- 16 bar / 235 PSI
- Dimensions
- H345 × 110 mm dia.
- Weight
- 1.85 kg
PM20POSTINLINE
- Position
- Post-filter
- Filtration grade
- 0.01 micron
- Rated flow
- 2,400 L/min
- Inlet and outlet
- 3/4 inch
- Maximum working pressure
- 16 bar / 235 PSI
- Dimensions
- H345 × 110 mm dia.
- Weight
- 1.85 kg
Flow capacity and pressure drop
A filter must pass the required airflow without creating excessive pressure loss. Selecting only by connection size can be misleading. The element condition, housing capacity, operating pressure and peak flow all affect the result.
As elements load with contamination, pressure drop can increase. Routine inspection and replacement protect both air quality and system efficiency.
Total Air Stations and Base Mounts
Total Air Stations
PM10 and PM20 Total Air Stations include an integrated inline filtration arrangement. The current product specification remains the authority for the exact element configuration.
Base Mounts
Base Mounts are compressor-only. Filtration should be selected with the separate dryer, receiver and distribution system.
Application-specific considerations
Workshop tools
practical moisture and contamination control for general use.
CNC and production equipment
check the machine manufacturer's air-quality requirement.
Spray finishing
assess moisture, oil aerosol and particulate against the coating process.
Pneumatic controls
consider point-of-use sensitivity and pressure stability.
General industrial
specify treatment around the process rather than a generic package.
Service and element replacement
Filter housings need safe isolation, access for element replacement and a suitable condensate drain arrangement. Replacement intervals must follow the current product and operating conditions rather than being guessed from appearance alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does a finer filter always mean better performance?
Not automatically. The filter must suit the contamination target, airflow and allowable pressure drop. Over-specifying one component can create restriction without solving the full air-quality requirement.
Can the same filters be used for every process?
No. The required treatment depends on the tools, machines or process using the air.
Do Base Mounts include filters?
No. PM10, PM20 and PM30 Base Mounts are compressor-only.
How do I know when an element needs replacing?
Follow the current service guidance and inspect pressure drop and operating condition. An approved service provider can assist with the correct parts and interval.
Match the filter system to the application
Provide the compressor output, dryer arrangement and downstream use. Pneumatix or your dealer can help identify the treatment questions that need to be resolved before the system is finalised.