Activated carbon filters of the AMK series ensure clean compressed air with increased flow capacity

The activated carbon filter of the AMK series removes oil vapor and odor from compressed air and, in combination with the filter units of the AFF, AM, and AMD series, achieves a [1:4:1] air quality — thereby meeting the compressed air purity class according to ISO8573-1:2010. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

High process reliability and component durability in pneumatic applications depend, among other factors, on a high purity level of the compressed air used. Otherwise, not only machines and systems but also product quality can suffer. With the new activated carbon filter of the AMK series in a particularly compact One-Box design, SMC ensures high compressed air quality as well as increased flow capacity and low maintenance effort. Another advantage: The new AMK series seamlessly integrates with the compressed air preparation filters of the AFF, AM, and AMD series.

Whether for stirring, conveying, drying, or packaging applications, but also in the semiconductor and food industries: The purity level of compressed air has a significant impact on product quality as well as overall process safety. Contaminated compressed air can shorten the lifespan of components and ultimately lead to operational failures. At the same time, intermediate filtration solutions must meet a variety of additional requirements. SMC offers a filter system with compressed air preparation filters that complies with the ISO8573-1:2010 compressed air purity class. Additionally, the specialist for pneumatic and electrical automation also relies on a particularly compact design, easy maintenance, and high flow capacity for the activated carbon filter of the AMK series. Thanks to modular integration with the compressed air preparation filters of the AFF, AM, and AMD series, comprehensive filtration performance is possible.

True Performer

With a maximum oil concentration of 0.003 mg/m³ at the outlet, the activated carbon filter of the AMK series removes oil vapor and odors from the compressed air. It can thus be used as a decentralized final filter, provided oil-free compressed air is not required throughout the entire compressed air network. This allows process engineers to precisely achieve the necessary compressed air treatment and sizing for each application — saving energy, procurement, and maintenance costs at the same time. The filter, with a size of 40, offers a maximum flow capacity of 1500 l/min (300 or 750 l/min for sizes 20 or 30) and reduces pressure drop by up to 10 kPa — an increase in performance of 50% compared to the previous model. Despite these high performance figures, even with media with high volume flow, carryover of condensate is avoided because the accumulated condensate can pass through slots at the end cap. This prevents contamination of downstream components, thereby extending their lifespan and maintenance intervals, saving time and costs.

In combination with a main line filter (Series AFF), a microfilter (Series AM), and a sub-microfilter (Series AMD), a [1:4:1] air quality can be achieved, enabling the ISO8573-1:2010 compressed air purity class. For example, SMC improved the separation efficiency of the AFF and AM series filters regarding the captured particle sizes by a factor of 3 — from 3 µm to 1 µm (Series AFF) and from 0.3 µm to 0.1 µm (Series AM). For pneumatic systems, this means lower maintenance costs and fewer machine downtimes due to comprehensive compressed air preparation.

Lightweight in Weight, Maintenance, and Selection

The AMK series also impresses with its compactness: With a depth of only 42 mm, it is 33% smaller than the predecessor in size 20, significantly reducing the required installation space and mounting effort. Additionally, the slim design resulted in a weight reduction of up to 37% (0.19 kg instead of 0.4 kg for size 20). Even with intermediate connections to the filters of the AM and AMD series, it remains a true lightweight, weighing only 1.17 kg in size 30 — with the same depth of 53 mm and a modular length of just 167 mm.

Maintenance is literally a breeze: The filter element and container form a single unit and can be separated with a simple twist and without tools. Users can easily see when the filter needs to be replaced. Both the container protection and the inner container made of polycarbonate are transparent, allowing a 360° view. Additionally, the container is fully protected from environmental influences due to its double-walled construction, further increasing process safety. The visually appealing One-Box design also ensures a uniform appearance in the direction of clean design and prevents dust and other foreign substances from accumulating on the outside.

Already during component assembly, SMC assists users to ensure nothing is left to chance. The extensive online configurator on the SMC website simplifies the coordination process for the entire compressed air preparation: The plausibility check running in the background prevents incorrect orders from the outset, and customers benefit from increased efficiency during the ordering process as well as component uniformity.