SATA compressed air filtration and its importance in the paint booth

Written by Ben

November 6, 2019

SATA

SATA air filtration started in 1931 and continues today meeting the highest standards in air quality and performance offering two different filtration series in the US market. The quality of filtration is the same between the two series, the only difference is the amount of CFM that flows through the unit. The SATA 200 series filters allow for 72 CFM at 90 PSI, while the SATA 400 series filters allow for 129.9 CFM at 90 PSI. Both are modular filter systems allowing the user to adapt to varying shop conditions and requirements, and are easy to service and maintain.
The first stage of the SATA filter removes water and oil by spinning the air through a cyclone tube and starts removing particulate by filtering the air through a sintered bronze filter. The first filter stage captures contamination down to 5 microns in size.
An added feature to the filter canister is an automatic float valve drain. Once a certain amount of water, oil and debris are captured in the first canister, a float raises, allowing the contamination to purge from the system without depressurizing. This allows for an uninterrupted work flow due to a clogged filter unit.
SATA’s first filter unit has next to no maintenance cost, every six months the plastic cyclone tube can simply be washed with soap and water to remove any oil or debris. The sintered bronze cartridge should be rinsed with solvent and blown off, from the inside out. For stubborn debris, you can use a soft nylon brush to scrub the cartridge. Blow those pieces dry, reassemble the unit and you’re back in business for six months.
The second filter stage houses a fine media filter cartridge that filters the air down to 0.01 microns. Once the air passes through the second filter stage, it is considered 99.9% clean air, the fine media filter is 10x finer than most other filters. The second stage cartridge should be replaced every six months to ensure air quality.
After leaving the second filter stage, the air has been removed of water and oil particulate, dust and debris contamination have been filtered down to 0.01 microns.
To safely breathe air from the compressed air line, one more critical step of filtration is needed to meet the requirements of Grade D air quality level – hydrocarbons, oil vapor, odor and taste need to be removed from the air. These are removed in the third filter stage, which houses the activated carbon filter unit. As the air passes through the activated carbon filter any remaining contaminants are essentially absorbed, cleaning the air to achieve Grade D air quality level. The air that passes through all three stages of filtration is now considered 100% clean, breathable air. The third filter stage needs to be maintained, and the cartridge replaced every three months to ensure air quality.
Two-stage filters are ideal for a shop trying to deliver clean, dry air to a paint shop that is utilizing a solvent borne paint system. While three-stage filters are ideal for a shop needing clean, dry air for the paint shop utilizing a waterborne paint system, as well as needing Grade D air for breathing.
SATA makes a conscious decision not to use desiccant to dry the air, due to the potential health effects of silica dust.
Clean air is important for the painters in your shop as well as for efficiency and profitability on each job, ask your local SATA dealer for more information. Come visit our SEMA booth # 10609 North Hall, Nov 5-8, 2019. Dan-Am Company Exclusive Independent Importer of SATA Products in the USA & Puerto Rico. 800-533-8016

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