SMC Networks ZFC Series, ZFC1 Series, ZFC3 Series, ZFC5 Series, ZFC-EL-1 Operation Manual

No.FGX-OM-Q013-A

PRODUCT NAME

In-line Air Filter

MODEL / Series / Product Number

Series ZFC

ZFC1∗-∗
ZFC3∗-∗
ZFC5∗-∗
ZFC7∗-∗

Contents

Safety Instructions P.2

Series ZFC specific product precautions P.4

1. Product components and functions P.6

2. Specifications P.7

3. Mounting P.11

4. Element Replacement P.12

- 1 -

In-line Air Filter
Safety Instructions

These safety instructions are intended to prevent hazardous situations and/or equipment damage.
These instructions indicate the level of potential hazard with the labels of “Caution,” “Warning” or “Danger.”
They are all important notes for safety and must be followed in addition to International Standards
(ISO/IEC)

*1) ISO 4414: Pneumatic fluid power -- General rules relating to systems.

ISO 4413: Hydraulic fluid power -- General rules relating to systems.
IEC 60204-1: Safety of machinery -- Electrical equipment of machines .(Part 1: General requirements)
ISO 10218-1992: Manipulating industrial robots -Safety.
etc.

*1)

, and other safety regulations.

Caution

Warning

Danger

Caution indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result

in minor or moderate injury.

Warning indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.

Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result

in death or serious injury.

Warning

1. The compatibility of the product is the responsibility of the person who designs the equipment or

decides its specifications.

Since the product specified here is used under various operating conditions, its compatibility with specific
equipment must be decided by the person who designs the equipment or decides its specifications based on
necessary analysis and test results.
The expected performance and safety assurance of the equipment will be the responsibility of the person who
has determined its compatibility with the product.
This person should also continuously review all specifications of the product referring to its latest catalog
information, with a view to giving due consideration to any possibility of equipment failure when configuring the
equipment.

2. Only personnel with appropriate training should operate machinery and equipment.

The product specified here may become unsafe if handled incorrectly.
The assembly, operation and maintenance of machines or equipment including our products must be
performed by an operator who is appropriately trained and experienced.

3. Do not service or attempt to remove product and machinery/equipment until safety is confirmed.

1.The inspection and maintenance of machinery/equipment should only be performed after measures to

prevent falling or runaway of the driven objects have been confirmed.

2.When the product is to be removed, confirm that the safety measures as mentioned above are implemented
and the power from any appropriate source is cut, and read and understand the specific product precautions
of all relevant products carefully.

3. Before machinery/equipment is restarted, take measures to prevent unexpected operation and malfunction.

4. Contact SMC beforehand and take special consideration of safety measures if the product is to

be used in any of the following conditions.

1. Conditions and environments outside of the given specifications, or use outdoors or in a place exposed to
direct sunlight.

2. Installation on equipment in conjunction with atomic energy, railways, air navigation, space, shipping,
vehicles, military, medical treatment, combustion and recreation, or equipment in contact with food and
beverages, emergency stop circuits, clutch and brake circuits in press applications, safety equipment or
other applications unsuitable for the standard specifications described in the product catalog.

3. An application which could have negative effects on people, property, or animals requiring special safety

analysis.

4.Use in an interlock circuit, which requires the provision of double interlock for possible failure by using a

mechanical protective function, and periodical checks to confirm proper operation.

- 2 -

In-line Air Filter
Safety Instructions

Caution

1.The product is provided for use in manufacturing industries.

The product herein described is basically provided for peaceful use in manufacturing industries.
If considering using the product in other industries, consult SMC beforehand and exchange specifications
or a contract if necessary.

If anything is unclear, contact your nearest sales branch.

Limited warranty and Disclaimer/Compliance Requirements

The product used is subject to the following “Limited warranty and Disclaimer” and “Compliance
Requirements”.
Read and accept them before using the product.

Limited warranty and Disclaimer

1.The warranty period of the product is 1 year in service or 1.5 years after the product is delivered,
whichever is first.
Also, the product may have specified durability, running distance or replacement parts. Please

consult your nearest sales branch.

2. For any failure or damage reported within the warranty period which is clearly our responsibility,

a replacement product or necessary parts will be provided.

This limited warranty applies only to our product independently, and not to any other damage

incurred due to the failure of the product.

3. Prior to using SMC products, please read and understand the warranty terms and disclaimers
noted in the specified catalog for the particular products.

∗2) Vacuum pads are excluded from this 1 year warranty.

A vacuum pad is a consumable part, so it is warranted for a year after it is delivered.

Also, even within the warranty period, the wear of a product due to the use of the vacuum
pad or failure due to the deterioration of rubber material are not covered by the limited

warranty.

∗2)

Compliance Requirements

1. The use of SMC products with production equipment for the manufacture of weapons of mass

destruction (WMD) or any other weapon is strictly prohibited.

2. The exports of SMC products or technology from one country to another are governed by the

relevant security laws and regulations of the countries involved in the transaction. Prior to the
shipment of a SMC product to another country, assure that all local rules governing that export
are known and followed.

- 3 -

Series ZFC

Specific product precautions (1)

Be sure to read before handling.

Refer to “Handling Precautions for SMC Products” (M-E03-3) for Safety Instructions.

Design

Warning

1. Confirm the specifications.

Products represented in this catalog are designed
only for use in compressed air systems (including
vacuum).
Do not operate at pressures, temperatures, etc.,
beyond the range of specifications, as this can cause
damage or malfunction. (Refer to the specifications.)
Please contact SMC when using a fluid other than
compressed air (including vacuum).
We do not guarantee against any damage if the
product is used outside of the specification range.

Modification prohibited

2.

Do not make any modifications, including additional
machining. It may cause human injury and/or an accident
and will void the warranty.

Caution

1. When vacuum adsorption and release are used

on the same line, the dust trapped by the vacuum
adsorption scatters again during vacuum release.
Therefore, both cacuum pressure and positive
pressure cannot be used together on the same
line.

Warning

1. Operation manual

Install the products and operate them only after
reading the operation manual carefully and
understanding its contents. Also, keep the manual
where it can be referred to as necessary.

2. Maintenance space

Allow sufficient space for maintenance and
inspection.

3. Observe the tightening torque for screws.

Tighten the screws to the recommended torque for
mounting the product.

4. Connect tubing to the IN and OUT One-touch

fittings in accordance with the precautions for
One-touch fittings.

Caution

1. Connect the piping after checking the arrow

indication showing the flow direction on the
body. If the piping is connected the other way
around, it is not possible to seal the element.

2. Allow a sufficient margin of the tube length when

piping in order to prevent twisting, tensile,
moment loads, vibration, or impact being applied
to the tubes and filter body.

Mounting

Air Supply

Warning

1. Type of fluids

Please consult with SMC when using the product in
applications other than compressed air.

2. When there is a large amount of drainage

Compressed air containing a large amount of
drainage can cause the malfunction of pneumatic
equipment. An air dryer or water separator should be
installed upstream from filters.

3. Drain flushing

If condensation in the drain bowl is not emptied on a
regular basis, the bowl will overflow and allow the
condensation to enter the compressed air lines. This
causes the malfunction of pneumatic equipment. If
the drain bowl is difficult to check and remove, the
installation of a drain bowl with an auto drain option is

recommended.
Refer to “SMC Air Preparation System” for further details
on compressed air quality.

4. Use clean air.

Do not use compressed air that contains chemicals,

synthetic oils that include organic solvents, salt,

corrosive gases, etc., as they can cause damage or

malfunction.

Operating Environment

Warning

1. Do not use in an atmosphere where corrosive

gases, chemicals, sea water, water, or water

steam is present. Do not use in cases where there

is direct contact with any of the above.

2. Do not use in a place subject to heavy vibration

and/or impact.

3. Do not use in an environment where flammable

gas or explosive gas is present. Usage may cause

a fire or explosion. The products do not have an

explosion proof construction.

4. The valve should not be exposed to prolonged

sunlight. Use a protective cover if necessary.

5. Remove any sources of excessive heat.

6. In locations where there is contact with water, oil,

weld spatter, etc., take suitable protective

measures.

- 4 -

Series ZFC

Specific product precautions (2)

Be sure to read before handling.

Refer to “Handling Precautions for SMC Products” (M-E03-3) for Safety Instructions.

Handling Precautions

Warning

Use of intermittent air blow may increase piping
temperatures. Therefore, observe the temperature for
several hours during the trial operation. Also, pay
attention to the product temperature during inspection.
The flow rate is throttled in the nozzle. If compressed air
is supplied repeatedly, the air inside the piping may
cause adiabatic compression. As a result, the
temperature inside the piping increases. In this case, if
the heat radiation to surroundings is not sufficient, the
product temperature may exceed its operating
temperature range. If compressed air is supplied under
conditions where the product temperature exceeds its
operating temperature range, this may cause the product
to break. Take the preventive measures shown below.

1) Design to reduce piping capacity.

2) Build materials or mechanisms with high heat
radiation ability into the areas around the nozzle.

3) Select a product with a wide operating
temperature range.

Example of circuit when piping temperatures increase:
Pressure of 0.5 MPa or more, Ten times per minute

Maintenance

Warning

1. Perform maintenance inspections according to
the procedures indicated in the operation manual.

If handled improperly, malfunction and damage of
machinery or equipment may occur.

2. Maintenance work

If handled improperly, compressed air can be
dangerous. The assembly, handling, repair, and
element replacement of pneumatic systems should
be performed by a knowledgeable and experienced
person.

Drain flushing

3.

Remove drainage from air filters regularly.

4. Removal of equipment and supply/exhaust of
compressed

When components are removed, first confirm that
measures are in place to prevent workpieces from
dropping, run-away equipment, etc. Then, cut off the
supply pressure and electric power, and exhaust all
compressed air from the system using the residual
pressure release function.
When the equipment is operated after remounting or
replacement, confirm that the equipment is operating
normally.

Maintenance

Warning

5. The performance of an ejector will deteriorate due
to clogged suction filters and silencers.

High flow filters should be used, especially in dusty
locations.

If a filter is required on the release pressure side, a
different filter should be prepared.
* It is not possible to use vacuum pressure and
positive pressure together on the same line.

6. When the element becomes clogged, stop
operation and adjust the internal pressure of the
filter to atmospheric pressure before replacing
the element.

Caution

1. Element should be replaced in either of the two
cases below.

1) When pressure drop reaches 0.1 MPa of positive

pressure or 20 kPa of vacuum pressure.

2) When the set values (flow rate, vacuum reaching

time) change.

2. During disassembly and assembly, confirm that
there are no scratches, damage, etc, to the O-ring.

3. Before using, confirm there is no leakage after
replacing elements.

4. Be sure to check that the lock mechanism is
locked securely before use.

- 5 -

1. Product components and functions

(5)

No. Description Material Function

(1) Element PE

(2) Case PC

(6)

Table 1 Name and function of components

Catches foreign matter.
(Replace the element when it is clogged.)

Vessel body (The clogging of the element can be checked

visually).

(6)

(3) (1) (7) (2) (4)

(5)

Product number
label

(3) Cover (IN side) PBT

(4) Cover (OUT side) PBT

(5) Cassette

(6) O-ring HNBR

(7)

Optional part: Bracket (material: PBT)/ This bracket fixes the filter body.

Lock mechanism

－

POM

Bracket

Used to connect the IN side tube.
(The cover can be removed when replacing the element).

Used to connect the OUT side tube.
(The cover cannot be removed).

Tube can be removed, mounted or held with a chuck.

Seals the case and cover.

Locks the rotation of the cover (IN side).
(Be sure to lock the rotation of the cover during operation).

- 6 -

2

2

2

2

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

2. Specifications

2-1 How to Order

ZFC□ □－□

Body size

Symbol Body size

1 5 L/min
3 10 L/min
5 20 L/min
7 100 L/min

Filtration

area
140 mm
470 mm
750 mm

1260 mm

Option

Nil None

Applicable tubing O.D.
Metric size

Symbol

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Inch size

A
B
D
E
F

Applicable

tubing O.D.

2

3.2
4
6
8

10
12

1/8”

5/32”

1/4”

5/16”

3/8”

ZFC1 ZFC3 ZFC5 ZFC7

● - - -

● ● - -

- ● ● -

- - ● ●

- - - ●

- - - ●

- - - ●

● ● - -

- ● ● -

- - ● ●

- - - ●

- - - ●

B With bracket

- 7 -

2-2 Specifications

Specifications

Remarks

Fluid Air, Nitrogen

Operating pressure

range

Operating

temperature range

Filtration 5 μm

With positive pressure:

Element replacement

differential pressure

With negative pressure:

-100 kPa to 1.0 MPa
(at 20

0 to 60

o

C)

o

C

0.1 MPa

20 kPa

This product cannot be used in an environment
exposed to chemicals.

The maximum operating pressure varies depending
on the temperature.
Refer to the graph below for the relation between the
operating temperature and maximum operating
pressure.

1.0

0.8

[MPa]

0.6

0.4

0.2

最高使用圧力　

0.0

Max. operating pressure [MPa]

0 102030405060

Operating temperature [oC]

使用温度　[℃]

No freezing

Filtration efficiency 95%

Even though the pressure drop does not reach the
values indicated on the specifications, replace the
element if the set values (flow rate, time required to
reach the specified vacuum) change.

Applicable tubing

material

Nylon,

Soft nylon,

Polyurethane

-

- 8 -

2-3 Dimensions

A

A

A

1) ZFC1∗-∗

pplicable tubing O.D. (φ2,φ3.2,φ1/8”)

2) ZFC3∗-∗

pplicable tubing O.D. (φ3.2,φ4,φ1/8”,φ5/32”)

3) ZFC5∗-∗

pplicable tubing O.D. (φ4,φ6,φ5/32”,φ1/4”)

- 9 -

4) ZFC7∗-∗

A

A

pplicable tubing O.D. (φ6,φ8,φ1/4”,φ5/16”)

pplicable tubing O.D. (φ10,φ12,φ3/8”)

- 10 -

3. Mounting

1) Tube connection

- Check the IN side and OUT side before connecting the tube.

IN/OUT direction can be identified by the arrow (showing the flow direction) displayed on the

transparent case.

IN

OUT

Flow direction

Note) When replacing the element, ensure that there is enough space for removing the cover (IN side).

Note) Refer to "One-touch Fittings Precautions" for mounting and removal of the tube.

2) Operation

- Be sure to check that the lock mechanism is locked to prevent the cover (IN side ) from rotating

and that there is no leakage from seals before starting the operation.

(The ZFC1 series is not equipped with a lock mechanism.)

Locked

Unlocked

The raised part of the cover (IN side) is not visible.

The raised part of the cover (IN side) is visible.

- 11 -

4. Element Replacement

Replace the element at least once a year or when the following conditions apply.

1) When pressure drop reaches 0.1MPa in a positive pressure or 20kPa in a vacuum pressure.

2) When the set values (flow rate, time required to reach the specified vacuum) change.

Replacement Element Part no.

Part no.

ZFC-EL-1 ZFC1

Applicable

filter model

Element size Set description

φ5 x φ 3 x L11

ZFC-EL-2 ZFC3

ZFC-EL-3 ZFC5

ZFC-EL-4 ZFC7

<Element Replacement>

Procedure

(1) Stop the operation and release the pressure in the filter to the atmospheric pressure (return the

vacuum pressure to the atmospheric pressure).

(2) Slide the lock mechanism in the direction of the arrow to release the lock. (The ZFC1 series is not

equipped with a lock mechanism.)

(3) Rotate the cover counterclockwise at least 90 degrees.

(4) Pull out the cover from the body to remove the element. Eliminate the dust stuck to the internal

surface of the body with air blow. (Check that the O-ring is not damaged.)

(5) Mount a new element to the cover and insert it into the body.

(6) Align the raised part of the cover with the model no. display of the body, and push the cover into

the body and rotate it clockwise until it stops.

(7) Set the lock mechanism and check that the cover is locked completely.

φ6 x φ 4 x L25

Spare element: 10 pcs.

φ12 x φ 8 x L20

φ 16 x φ 12 x L25

Unlocked

(2)

Body

Cover

Lock mechanism

(3)

Product no.
display

Element

(4)

Raised part of the
cover

Locked

(7)

(6)

(5)

- 12 -

Revision history

Rev.A: The ZFC1series and ZFC3 series added.

4-14-1, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN
Tel: + 81 3 5207 8249 Fax: [phone]
URL http://www.smcworld.com

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice and any obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
© 2016 SMC Corporation All Rights Reserved