HF Filter pressure drop

[Odyknuck]

I recently purchased a Harbor Frieght Descicant filter for my SC50P. Now I get a 25 PSI pressure drop. I am getting old so I do not recall what the pressure drop was before I added the HF Filter. Has any one experienced this? My Compressor is 5 HP 80gal tank so it is definatly not a supply pressure issue. On the SC50P I have an Inline water seperator then the Regulator (comes with the unit) set to 60 PSI currentlyand then the HF filter.

[redbeard]

It is normal to have some drop when you start drawing air through the regulator, but 25psi sounds a bit excessive. Are you setting the regulator while the air is flowing? That way you get the proper dynamic pressure.

You might also pull the dryer out just for the process of elimination.

[Odyknuck]

Granted you will have a dynamic pressure drop however I believe is was less than 10 before the filter. Removing the filter is the mext step. I posted to see if anyone else has used this particular filter with better sucess than mine.

[Rambozo]

Granted you will have a dynamic pressure drop however I believe is was less than 10 before the filter. Removing the filter is the mext step. I posted to see if anyone else has used this particular filter with better sucess than mine.

You can always parallel a couple of them to get more flow, and less pressure drop.

[redbeard]

Granted you will have a dynamic pressure drop however I believe is was less than 10 before the filter. Removing the filter is the mext step. I posted to see if anyone else has used this particular filter with better sucess than mine.

I installed mine this evening and can confirm your results, HUGE loss of pressure once it was in line. Looking in from the outside, it looks like there is a stone type filter at the inlet, and packed cotton or felt disks at each end of the dessicant, maybe replacing those with something that breathes easier will help.

You can always parallel a couple of them to get more flow, and less pressure drop.

Good idea, but even with tubing and compression fittings that sounds like a wee bit of a PITA. I'd almost rather splurge on a Motorguard before doing that.

[Odyknuck]

Thanks for the confirmation Redbeard, now we know for sure it's not just the one I have. Curious if the other small inline filters have a similar pressure drop. I may go with the motorguard too. I really wanted to keep the package small and local to the Plasma cutter.

Rambozo, even with two in parallel you would still get about 12 PSI drop.

[acourtjester]

May I suggest using a home water filter like attached and fill it with desiccant. You will be able to see the color change and the volume of air should be just fine for plasma. I comes apart easy for desiccant refurb, just remember to use the standard filter for these units to stop and desiccant dust from passing through to the torch. As the attached shows it is rated a 125PSI. Can be found at Lowes & Home Depot and other places.

[redbeard]

This is my primary dryer at the moment:



This is the HF unit in pieces:



Not enough in there to dry much air at all. It will go back on as a secondary though.

[Odyknuck]

I removed the filter and it does make a difference. I have a typical glass oil/water seperator ahead of the regulator that I am going to fill with desicant. It will probably hold 10 time the amount in the HF filter. I ordered a pound of dessicant for 17 bucks shipped.