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Gas produced by a compressor is hot, wet and dirty. Filtration is used to remove the liquid, heat, dirt and oil contaminants that are generated when compression through a compressor takes place.
Proper filtration is what determines the grade of a gas and for breathing air purposes proper filtration is necessary and getting adequate filtration is a big consideration when purchasing your compressor.
Nuvair represents multiple companies for gas filtration products Hankison, Norgren and Lawrence Factor are some of the biggest manufacturers in the business and we carry a wide range of products from each of these vendors.




Nuvair stocks refrigerated dryers, compressed air filters, breathing air purifiers, condensate drains and oil/water separators from various manufacturers. You can simply order on-line or contact us to put together a breathing air package for your compressor based on your specific needs.

ALL NUVAIR COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR SYSTEMS meet or exceed OSHA Grade "D" standards


OSHA GRADE 'D' AIR STATEMENT
Nuvair supplied products meet CGA Grade-D specifications for Federal OSHA Grade 'D' Air . Compressor air quality standards meet or exceed OSHA 1910.134 requirements. When the Nuvair components are used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations, the "system" meets or exceeds federal regulations presently in force.

COMMON COMPRESSED AIR CONTAMINANTS

Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most toxic contaminant in compressed air. It enters the breathing air system through the air intake, or is produced by overheating of piston type compressors. The air intake must be placed away from engine exhaust or other sources of carbon monoxide.

Water/Water Vapor
Air contains moisture which is drawn into the compressor and enters the air stream as a vapor. As compressed air flows through the system, it cools, causing the vapor to condense in the face piece or helmet. Moisture combines with oil and solid contaminants to form sludge, which can clog or damage system components. Water also causes rust in pipelines, and can freeze in cold weather to block air flow.

Oil/Oil Mist
Oil is a major contaminant in systems using lubricated compressors. In reciprocating compressors, lubricating oil applied to cylinders causes small droplets by the shearing action of the piston to enter the air system as a mist. Oil mist can cause breathing discomfort, nausea and pneumonia, and create unpleasant taste and odors. Centrifugal compressors are oil free.

Solids
Solids generally enter the system through the air intake. However, some materials may be introduced by the compressor itself. In non-lubricated compressors, teflon, carbon and other materials are used as lubricants. Frictional wear can cause particles from these materials to enter the air stream.

CARTRIDGE FILTERS for HP Compressors

Air Purification Filters - Compressed breathing air systems have a filtration cartridge which purifies removing common contaminants from compressed breathing air. A filtration cartridge is designed to:
- filter out oil, liquid, water and solids-Molecular Sieve Section
- reduce water vapor content-Molecular Sieve Section
- convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide-Hopcolite Section
- filter out undesirable taste and odor-Active Carbon Section

An after-cooler may be used in conjunction with the purifier to keep inlet air temperature between 65F and 100F. A drain valve is necessary for removal of condensation. A tank receiver must be used downstream of the after-cooler. Receivers are equipped with drain valves to remove condensation.