The service life of liquid trough air filters is influenced by multiple factors. Generally, it is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment by combining the service life of the filter medium and the sealing system. The overall service life range is relatively wide, as follows:
I. Core Influencing Factors
The service life of the filter medium
Filtering media (such as superfine glass fiber filter paper, PTFE-coated materials) are the core for intercepting pollutants, and their lifespan mainly depends on:
Environmental dust concentration: If there is a lot of dust and particles in the usage environment (such as a workshop close to a pollution source), the filter material will clog more quickly, and its service life will be shortened. Conversely, environments with higher cleanliness levels (such as electronic cleanrooms) can extend the lifespan.
Air volume and air velocity: Excessively high air velocity will accelerate the wear and clogging of filter materials. It is generally recommended to operate at the designed air volume.
The performance of the filter material itself: High-quality filter materials (such as anti-aging and anti-fracture composite materials) can withstand a higher dust holding capacity and have a longer service life.
The lifespan of the sealing system
The sealant of the liquid trough filter (such as silicone gel, polyurethane glue) is the key to long-term stable operation, and its service life is mainly determined by the material properties:
High-quality sealant can withstand temperature fluctuations ranging from -20℃ to 80℃, resist chemical corrosion (suitable for pH2-12 environments), and is not prone to hardening or cracking. Its service life can reach over 10 years.
If there are strong corrosive gases (such as acid and alkali mists) or extreme temperatures in the environment, it may accelerate the aging of the sealant and shorten its effective sealing period.
Ii. General service life range
Filter medium: In a conventional clean environment (such as ISO Class 5 and above clean rooms) and under the designed air volume, the replacement cycle of the filter material is usually 6 to 18 months. If the environmental cleanliness is extremely high (such as ISO level 3) and properly maintained, it can be extended to 2 to 3 years.
Overall equipment (including the sealing system): Under the premise of regular replacement of filter materials, the service life of the filter frame (aluminum profiles or stainless steel) and sealant can reach 5 to 10 years. During this period, only the filter materials need to be replaced according to the clogging situation of the filter materials, and there is no need to frequently replace the entire equipment or sealing system.
Iii. Suggestions for Extending Lifespan
Regular monitoring: Use a differential pressure gauge to monitor the pressure difference before and after the filter. When the pressure difference exceeds 1.5 to 2 times the initial value, it indicates that the filter material is clogged and needs to be replaced in a timely manner.
Pre-filtration: Install primary and medium-efficiency filters before the liquid tank filter to reduce the contaminants entering the terminal filter and alleviate the burden on the filter material.
Environmental control: Prevent the filter from coming into contact with extreme temperatures, humidity, or corrosive substances, and protect the sealant and frame.
In conclusion, the actual service life of the liquid tank air filter needs to be determined based on the working conditions. The filter material should be replaced regularly (6 to 36 months), while the main body and sealing system of the equipment can be used for a long time (5 to 10 years) under reasonable maintenance. Overall, its cost performance is superior to that of traditional filters.