Filter life and dirt-holding capacity are limited. Therefore, compressed air quality cannot be guaranteed when its life expires. Usually, the replacement cycle of our filter element is 8000 hours.
In addition, it is not only to ensure air quality but also to consider pressure loss and energy consumption. The additional power of the air compressor must compensate for the pressure loss of the filtration system. As a result, the power consumption of the compressor increases. Eventually, operating costs and expenses will rise. Now take two examples for comparison.
Example:
Electricity fee: 0.07USD/kWh,
For every 100SCFM air consumption, the pressure loss will increase by 1PSIG,
Finally annual increase in electricity bills due to pressure loss: 67 USD.
Case 1:
Filter element purchase cost = $400.00;
Air consumption = 500 SCFM;
Initial pressure loss = 2 PSID;
Pressure loss before filter element replacement= 5 PSID;
Filter element lifetime = 6 months;
So average pressure loss during filter element use: 3.5PSID;
Increased electricity bill: 3.5 X (500/100) x 67 = 1,172$;
Because replacing the filter element is twice a year, the total annual cost is 400X2 + 1,172 = 1,972$
Case 2:
Filter element purchase cost = $400.00;
Air consumption=500 SCFM;
Initial pressure loss = 5 PSID;
Pressure loss before replacing the filter element = 10PSID;
Filter element service life = 1 year;
Average pressure loss = 7.5 PSID;
Operating electricity bill increase = 7.5 PSID X (500/100) X 67 = 2,512$;
So total annual expenses = $400 + $2512 = $2,912
In conclusion, in case 2, the filter element was used twice as long as in case 1. However, the total cost increased by $940 due to a bigger pressure loss. So much more than the cost of replacing the filter element ($400). Thus, we must exchange the air compressor water separator filter element in time.