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.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
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):
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
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 ‘FS’ design filter with a 04 element and ½” MPT connection
size:
FS – 04 – 050
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).
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.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
Page 6
Pipe Size
(inches)
Max Airflow
1/4"
6 CFM
10 m3/hr
3/8"
8 CFM
14 m3/hr
1/2"
10 CFM
17 m3/hr
3/4"
20 CFM
34 m3/hr
1"
35 CFM
60 m3/hr
Media
Micron Rating
Standard Paper
99+% @ 2 micron
Standard Polyester
99+% @ 5 micron
“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
“AC” & “ACP” Series
N/A
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
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.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
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.
*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.
C. Activated Carbon Element: Not cleanable
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.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
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.
FS-(04, 05, 06, 07, 10, or 11): Twist top housing to open. Use care to
support bottom housing while removing top housing. Fitting damage can
occur if fitting is torqued in the wrong direction.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
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
3. Removing element for service/maintenance.
A. Miniature Filter Silencer elements, models FS-(04, 05, 06, 07, 10, or 11),
should be free when housing tops are removed.
B. Clean sealing surfaces of housing and element so that they are free of dirt
or any other particulate.
*WARNING*
4. Securing Element.
Place new or cleaned element evenly in housing base. The wider end of
the element should be in line with the closing seam of the housing. Be
sure element seats properly in the housing base and there is no dirt or
particulate present on sealing surfaces. See Figure C.3.1.
*WARNING*
5. Securing canister top to canister base.
A. Make sure all surfaces are free from dust and other particulate.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
Page 10
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.
Failure to seat the element properly may result
in contaminant by-pass resulting in damage to
equipment.
Figure C.5.1: Housing tab alignment in sealed position.
B. FS-(04, 05, 06, 07, 10, or 11): Reassemble housing top to base by
aligning tabs and turning into place.
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 in housing
base.
*WARNING*
2. Check housing to make sure the housing top is properly
secured to base. See procedure 5 and Figure C.5.1 for details.
Solberg Manufacturing, Inc., 1151 Ardmore Itasca, IL 60143 USA
Page 11
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*
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.