Solberg CompactQB User Manual

Compact Filter Silencers

QB Series 2” – 3” MPT

www.solbergmfg.com

Note: Please read the maintenance instructions given by the OEM for the machinery first. The OEM's manual should be
adhered to in order to protect the equipment. Solberg Manufacturing, Inc has made every effort to make sure that these
instructions are accurate but is not responsible for any typos, slight variations or for human errors that may occur.

Ph: 630.773.1363 Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.solbergmfg.com

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Page 2

Maintenance Manual

Compact Filter Silencers

QB Series 2” – 3” MPT

CONTENTS
Section A

Introduction ....................................................................................... pg. 3

Section B

General Information

1. Identification of Solberg Filters .......................................... pg. 3

2. Filtration Rules of Thumb .................................................. pg. 4

3. Element Specifications. ..................................................... pg. 6

4. Element Cleaning .............................................................. pg. 7

Section C

Procedures

1. Installation ......................................................................... pg. 8

2. Disconnecting canister top from base ............................... pg. 9

3. Removing element for service/maintenance. .................... pg. 10

4. Securing Element .............................................................. pg. 10

5. Securing canister top to canister base. ............................. pg. 11

6. Equipment Startup. ........................................................... pg. 11

Section D

Maintenance Recommendations

1. General .............................................................................. pg. 12

2. Spare Parts List ................................................................. pg. 13

*For Further Information Please Call: 630-773-1363

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Ph: 630.773.1363 Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.solbergmfg.com

Page 3

This manual must be read and thoroughly
understood before using and caring for this
air filter. Failure to comply could result in
explosion, product/system contamination
or personal injury.

Section A

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this manual is instruction on the proper assembly and care of
Solberg inlet air filters.

*WARNING*

This manual should be used as a supplement to the user’s understanding of the

proper care needed to maintain a safe and dependable air filter. It is the
responsibility of the user to interpret and explain all instructions to persons who
do not read or understand English BEFORE they are allowed to maintain and
use this filter.

This manual should be readily available to all operators responsible for operation
and maintenance of the inlet air filters.

We thank you for selecting products from Solberg Manufacturing, Inc. We are
confident that our superior filter designs will meet your application requirements.

Section B

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Identification of Solberg Inlet Air Filters.

All Solberg inlet air filters should have an identification label/nameplate that gives
the following information:

Replacement Element #

(The exception is OEM supplied units. In this case, please enter the OEM part
numbers below.)
Fill in the actual nameplate data from your new Solberg inlet filter(s):

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Assembly Model #

Page 4

No.

Filter Model

Number

Replacement

Element

Initial Delta P

Readings

1

2

3 4 5

Table 1
The model number designates the filter type, the original element configuration

and housing connection size. For example, the following part number identifies
the filter as being a ‘QB’ (Quiet Band) design filter with a 235 element with
prefilter and 2” MPT connection size:

QB-235P-200

Filter Type:

2G, QB, FS, F
and FT

Element Type:
Size, Material,
Prefilter, Micron
Rating

Connection
Size and Type

2. Filtration Rules of Thumb
General: For peak output performance from a compressor, blower, vacuum

pump, engine, or any other machine that consumes air, one must have clean,
unrestricted air. Proper filtration can help stabilize the working environment within
rotating equipment even when the external conditions may be quite severe. A
critical component in creating the right working conditions is filter sizing. With the
properly sized filter, equipment will run smoothly over its entire expected
operating life.

A major factor in filtration and filter sizing is air velocity through the filter media.
Generally, the slower the velocity of air through a media the higher the filter
efficiency and, conversely, the lower the pressure drop. Therefore, the primary
goal in filter sizing is to optimize the velocity of air through the media (sometimes
called face velocity).

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Page 5

Filtration Efficiency
Requirements
(99%+ efficiency)

Environmental
Conditions

Air to Media Ratio

Industrial Grade 2-micron

Paper

Industrial Duty (clean,
office/warehouse-like)

30 CFM/ft

2

(51m

3

/h)/cm

2

Severe Duty (workshop,
factory-like)

15 CFM/ft

2

(25.5m

3

/h)/cm

2

Extreme Duty (Foundry,
Construction-like)

10 CFM/ft

2

(17m

3

/h)/cm

2

Industrial Grade 5-micron
Polyester

Industrial Duty (clean,
office/warehouse-like)

50 CFM/ft

2

(85m

3

/h)/cm

2

Severe Duty (workshop,
factory-like)

40 CFM/ft

2

(68m

3

/h)/cm

2

Extreme Duty (Foundry,
Construction-like)

25 CFM/ft

2

(42.5m

3

/h)/cm

2

Industrial Grade 1-micron
Polyester

Severe Duty (Foundry,
Construction-like)

10 CFM/ft

2

(17m

3

/h)/cm

2

Industrial Grade 0.3-micron
HEPA Glass @ 99.97%
Efficiency

Industrial Duty (Pre-filtered
Applications)

10 CFM/ft

2

(17m

3

/h)/cm

2

Severe Duty (workshop,
factory-like)

7 CFM/ft

2

(12m

3

/h)/cm

2

Extreme Duty (Foundry,
Construction-like)

5 CFM/ft

2

(8.5m

3

/h)/cm

2

Rule of Thumb #1: Always begin with the filter cartridge requirements when
sizing a filter. Once the appropriate element has been selected then move on to
the housing requirements.

Rule of Thumb #2: Always ask or specify a filter based on a micron rating with
filtration efficiencies. As an example, stating a requirement for a 1-micron filter

is misleading because no efficiency rating has been specified. A 1-micron filter at
95% efficiency may be less efficient than a 5-micron filter at 99% efficiency. For
proper air system performance in light and industrial duty environments, a filter
with a minimum of 99% filtration efficiency at 5 microns is required.

Rule of Thumb #3: Size your filter correctly by understanding the impact air
velocity through a media has on efficiency and pressure drop. Maintain the
suggested Air-to-Media ratios listed below based on the external environment
listings and Filtration efficiency needs.

Table 2

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Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Page 6

Pipe Size

(inches)

Max Airflow

2"

135 CFM

230m3/h

2 ½"

195 CFM

332m3/h

3"

300 CFM

510m3/h

Media

Micron Rating

Standard Paper

99+% @ 2 micron

Standard Polyester

99+% @ 5 micron

“S” Series Wire Mesh

Epoxy Coated Wire Mesh

“Z” Series Polyester

99+% @ 1 micron

“HE” Series HEPA

99.97% @ 0.3 microns

“U” Series Polyester

99+% @ 25 micron

“W” Series Polyester

99+% @ 100 micron

“S2” Series

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

“AC” & “ACP” Series

N/A

“Y” Series Polypropylene

99+% @ 5 micron

Media

Micron Rating

“MX” & “MXD” Series – Nomex Cloth

99+% @ 5 micron

Rule of Thumb #4: Pressure drop is also caused by the dirt holding capacity of
the element. As the element fills up with dirt, the pressure drop increases. It is
important to document the pressure drop across a given filter when it is new and
then clean or replace it when the pressure drop increases by 10” to 15” / 250­280mm H2O over the original reading.

Rule of Thumb #5: The inlet connection greatly influences the overall pressure
drop of the filter system. To minimize the restriction contributed by an inlet filter, a
velocity of 6,000 ft/min (10200m3/h) or less is suggested through the outlet pipe.
The table below lists the suggested flows based on pipe size:

Table 3 *Note: This information is for general use only. A qualified engineer must properly design each system.

3. Element Specifications

Temperature Range: -15° to 220°F / -26° to 105°C
Filter Change-Out Differential: 10” to 15” / 250-380mm H2O Over Initial Delta P

Table 4

Temperature Range: -15° to 385°F / -26° to 196°C
Filter Change-Out Differential: 10” to 15”/ 250-380mm H2O Over Initial Delta P

Table 5

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Page 7

The overall performance of a filter element is
altered once cleaned.

The initial pressure drop after cleaning will be
greater than the original, clean pressure drop
of the element.

After each subsequent cleaning, the initial
pressure drop will continue to increase.

Under all circumstances, the initial pressure
drop of the element needs to be maintained at
less than 20-inches water column (500mm
WC).

Cleaned elements that exceed 20-inches water
column (500mm WC) at start-up should be
replaced with new elements.

4. Element Cleaning - Inlet Filtration

Solberg elements should be cleaned or replaced, once the pressure drop
reaches 15 to 20-inches water column (380 - 500mm WC) above the initial
pressure drop of the installation.

The decision to clean the element rather than replace it is left to the discretion of
the operator. Any damage which results from by-pass or additional pressure drop
created by element cleaning is the sole responsibility of the operator.

*WARNING*

With many types of equipment, the maximum pressure drop allowed will be
dictated by the ability of the equipment to perform to its rated capacity. Under all
circumstances, the operator should avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s
recommended maximum pressure drop for their specific equipment.

A. Polyester Element: The polyester element may be washed in warm

soapy water, vacuumed, gently blown out or replaced. The element
should be dry before reinstallation. The element should be replaced after a
maximum of three cleanings.

B. Paper Element: The paper element may be lightly blown with low

pressure air. It is disposable and in most cases should be replaced with a
new element.

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Ph: 630.773.1363 Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.solbergmfg.com

Page 8

Figure C.1: Housing Terms

C. Polyurethane Prefilter: The prefilter may be washed as a sponge or

replaced to give the element a longer service life.

D. Epoxy Coated Wire Mesh and Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Elements:

Cleaning instructions similar to polyester, except mild solvents may be

used.
E. Activated Carbon Element: Not cleanable
F. Polypropylene Element: Cleaning instructions similar to polyester
G. Nomex Cloth Element: Cleaning instructions similar to polyester

If you are not confident that the integrity of the element was maintained during
cleaning, it is recommended that a new element be installed. Also, spare parts
such as gaskets, wing nuts and washers can be supplied upon request.

Section C

PROCEDURES

1. Installation.

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Ph: 630.773.1363 Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.solbergmfg.com

Page 9

Figure C.2.1: Weather hood removal.

A. Maximum operating temperature for most Solberg inlet air filter products is

220°F / 105°C. Temperatures in excess of this could cause damage to

elements, media and elastomers. High temperature products are

available.
B. Direction of flow is typically from the outside of the element to the inside of

the element. Most products have arrows indicating direction of flow on the

inlet and outlet ports.
C. Ensure that pipe/flange connections are adequately sealed so the

potential for leaks is reduced to a minimum.

2. Disconnecting canister top from canister base.

Remove weather hood by loosening wing nut and lifting off.

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

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Page 10

Failure to comply with these instructions
may result in system or equipment
contamination.

Defective installation may cause system or
pump contamination. Use only genuine
Solberg replacement parts.

Figure C.3.1: Element sitting in housing
base.

Figure C.3.2: Element with pre-filter.

3. Removing element for service/maintenance.

A. Carefully lift element off of the internal bracket and housing base.
B. Clean sealing surfaces of housing and element endcaps so that they are

free of dirt or any other particulate.

4. Securing Element.

Place new or cleaned element evenly on base plate. Be sure element

seats properly on base and there is no dirt or particulate present on

sealing surfaces. See Figure C.3.1. With multiple element stacks place

elements in line with base element and ensure elements seat properly.

*WARNING*

*WARNING*

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Page 11

If at any time the operator is unable to verify
the integrity of the element or any housing
feature, the factory or a regional representative
should be contacted prior to start-up.

Figure C.5.1: Weather hood and wing nut in secured position.

5. Securing canister top to canister base.

A. Make sure all surfaces are free from dust and other particulate.
B. Place weather hood over housing base and element. Feed threaded rod

into corresponding bolt hole and tighten. Note: Do NOT over tighten!

6. Equipment Startup.

A. Be sure to read the instructions on installation or element replacement as

listed above before starting equipment.

*WARNING*

B. Please check the listed steps prior to startup.

1. Check element to make sure it is seated properly on element
base or sealing surface.

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Page 12

Failure to seat the element properly may result
in contaminant by-pass resulting in damage to
equipment.

If the air flow is reversed through a Solberg
filter unit, be sure to check the element and
housing internals for damage. Failure to do so
may result in damage to equipment.

*WARNING*

2. Check weather hood is installed correctly onto housing.

*WARNING*

3. Be sure all fasteners and hardware have been tightened.

Section D

MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Pressure drop readings are recommended to have an effective air filter.
Always document initial pressure drop during start-up when element is clean.
Replacement cartridge is needed when system experiences 10” to 15” / 250­380mm H2O above drop above the initial reading. Refer to page 4 for initial
values.

2. Always check inlets/outlets, element base and its components when replacing
element to insure cleanliness. Wipe clean if necessary.

3. Operate only when a proper seal exists.

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Page 13

Compact Filter Silencer (QB) Available

Replacement Parts

1.) Wing Nut

2.) Washer

3.) Weather Hood

5.) Element

4.) Gasket

6.) Prefilter

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

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Page 14

Available Replacement Part by Product Number

Product #

Element**

Prefilter

Gasket

Weather Hood

Washer

Wing Nut

QB-230P-XXX

230

9010700

N/A

1051000-1+01

5020150

5030600

QB-231P-XXX

231

9010700

N/A

1051000-1+01

5020150

5030600

**Note: Even element numbers are Paper elements and odd element numbers

are Polyester elements.

Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA

Ph: 630.773.1363 Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail] Web: www.solbergmfg.com