8 Best Water Separator For Air Compressor

If you truly desire the best water separator for air compressor, we’ve got your back. We have carried out in-depth research so that you won’t spend too much time discovering the right product.

With the right air compressor oil water separator, you will be able to prevent water accumulation in the machine to get the most satisfactory result. We also included what you need to look out for before making a purchase.

Product	Port Size	Filter Rating	Flow Rate	Operating Pressure
NANPU 3/8″ NPT Compressed Air Filter	3/8″ NPT	5 Micron	60 SCFM	0 – 145 PSI
Campbell Hausfeld PA212103AV Air Filter	3/8″ NPT	5 Micron	57 SCFM	0 – 150 PSI
THB 3/4″ Heavy Duty Air Filter	3/4″ NPT	5 Micron	140 SCFM	0 – 215 PSI
THB 1/2″ Particulate filter water trap separator	1/2″ NPT	5 Micron	106 SCFM	0 – 175 PSI
LE LEMATEC Air Compressor Filter Oil Water Separator	1/4″ NPT	5 Micron	–	0 – 150 PSI
DeVilbiss 130525 QC3 Air Filter Dryer	3/8″ NPT	0.1 Micron	–	–
Campbell Hausfeld Air Cleaner, Air Dryer for Air Tools	3/8″ NPT	5 Micron	–	–
3-Stage Heavy Duty Industrial Grade Filter	3/4″ NPT	0.01 – 5 Micron	100 SCFM	0 – 215 PSI

Best Water Separator for Air Compressor

1. NANPU 3/8″ NPT Compressed Air Filter Regulator Lubricator Combo Water/Oil Trap Separator

Do you desire the best water separator for air compressor? Check out the NANPU 3/8″ Air Filter.  

This 3-in-1 machine can function as an air filter, lubricator as well as regulator, and that is why it is one of the most sought-after products in the market right now.

This air compressor water separator helps in getting rid of both solid and liquid particles. The lubricator supplies oil to the machine to enhance its lifespan.

The pressure regulator is self-relieving, and you can use it to fine-tune the pressure at the output region.

With its flow rate standing at 60 SCFM at 90  PSI, it is an ideal product to put your money on. It comes with a semi-auto drain, hence, you can be more flexible during operations.

This air compressor moisture separator has a 5-micron brass filter element so that there can be effective filtering.

2. Campbell Hausfeld PA212103AV Air Filter

The Campbell Hausfeld air filter PA212103AV is your perfect choice if you are looking for the best air compressor water filter.

It boasts of two filtration systems – oil-removal filtration and desiccant system.

The oil-removal filter gets rids of oil aerosols while the desiccant system eliminates water vapor.

There is an outlet screen that prevents desiccant particles from gaining access to the airstream.

When you need to change the desiccant, it changes color to server as a reminder.

Besides, this air compressor water separator for painting comes with a quick-release bowl so that you won’t have issues monitoring the fluid level.

There are metal guards that safeguard it against impact so that it can last longer.

3. THB 3/4″ Heavy Duty Air Filter

The THB 3/4″ Heavy Duty water trap filter comes with all the plush features that will take air filtering to the next level.

It is a machine to consider if you crave for the best water separator for air compressor. 

You will like the ¾” NPT port of this inline moisture filter for air compressor, which guarantees flawless effectiveness.

With its quick-release ¼-turn metal bowl, you can be sure of a perfect collection of too much moisture. Its drain system is manual, hence, you can decide when to go for the draining.

Also, this water separator for air compressor 3/4 inch boasts of high airflow so that there can be optimum effectiveness.

With its transparent water level indicator, you can easily monitor the water level for proper evacuation.

4. THB 1/2″ Particulate filter water trap separator

You need the best air compressor filter dryer, and that is why we recommend the THB 1/2″ Particulate-filter water trap for air compressor.

It boasts of a 5-ounce polycarbonate bowl with a metal guard, and that is why you can rely on its ultimate lastingness.

With its 5-micron filter, there is no hidden place for debris and moisture that want to compromise the effectiveness of your compressor.

The lightweight of this moisture trap for air compressor is a plus, hence, you can maneuver it without any headache.

Also, this air compressor water trap has a flow rate of 106 SCFM, meaning that it is ideal for most machines.

You will like its semi-automatic drain, which makes the operation easier.

5. LE LEMATEC Air Compressor Filter Oil Water Separator

The best air compressor water separator for painting is the LE LEMATEC air line filter.

It is one of the most sought-after in line air filters due to its rich features.

With its maximum operating capacity standing at 150 PSI, you can rely on its maximum effectiveness.

Besides, this air compressor water separator comes with the standard male and female ¼” air inlet, hence, it works with the majority of air tools.

Apart from using it as a water separator, you can use it for trapping dirt and oil.

What’s more, this air compressor filter system has an airflow indicator so that it will be easy to set up.

Its push-button drain valve is a plus, and that is why its cleaning is as easy as ABC. You can remove the filter element, clean it so that you can use it again.

Best Air Compressor Filter Dryer

6. DeVilbiss 130525 QC3 Air Filter Dryer

The DeVilbiss QC3 air filter dryer is a perfect inline water separator for compressed air.

It boasts of a 3-stage filtering process with a filter rating of 0.1 microns, hence, every tiny particle will get trapped.

With its easy-to-remove filter cartridge, maintaining this air compressor moisture filter is a stroll in the park.

The DeVilbiss 130525 has a large desiccant and filter media for maximum performance.

Also, this air compressor moisture trap comes with an inlet shut-off valve regulator so that there can be smooth operations at all times.

There is a gauge humidity indicator bowl drain, which helps in guaranteeing perfect monitoring.

7. Campbell Hausfeld Air Cleaner, Air Dryer for Air Tools (PA208503AV)

The Campbell Hausfeld air compressor air filter PA208503AV boasts of a 5-micron filter rating, hence, there is no hidden place for tiny particles.

It has an oil-removal filter, which entangles every oil aerosol while its desiccant system gets rid of water vapor.

The desiccant of Campbell Hausfeld PA2085 air filter changes color when there is a need to change or recharge it.

You will like the lightweight design of this air compressor water separator filter, which helps in making its manipulation a piece of cake.

Also, the Campbell Hausfeld desiccant dryer comes with two distinct filtration systems. There is an outlet system that helps in preventing desiccant molecules from gaining access into the airstream.

With the quick-release bowl of this air compressor water filter, you can monitor the fluid level for optimum effectiveness.

8. 3-Stage Heavy Duty Industrial Grade Filter

This industrial air filter from THB_EDGE boasts of a ¾” NPT filter regulator lubricator unit.

That is why it is an ideal air compressor water separator for painting, especially if you want smooth operations.

This moisture separator for air compressor boasts of a 3-stage filtration system so that there can be maximum effectiveness.

With its polycarbonate bowl with a metal guard, you can be sure of flawless operations at all times.

This air compressor moisture separator has a filter rating of 5 microns, meaning that there will be absolute capture of tiny particles.

You will like its lightweight, hence, its maneuver is a stroll in the park.

Best Water Separator For Air Compressor – Buying Guide

If you want to get the best water separator for air compressor, you need to read every section of this guide. Filtration and air purity are very important when considering air compressor maintenance.

When you select a perfect moisture filter for air compressor, there will be a boost in the effectiveness of your machine. Also, it reduces energy costs and prevents exposure to dangerous compounds.

There are so many factors to consider before choosing a water filter for air compressor, and that is the essence of this guide.

What Contaminates Air Compressors?

What contaminates your air compressor depends on your environment and the manner of use. The majority of contaminants are microscopic, hence, there is the need to get a perfect inline air filter for air compressor.

Water vapor is a major contaminant of air compressors. It can cause high maintenance expenses, and damage your machine.

Also, water vapor can lead to a high rejection rate for spray painting as well as plastic injection. It can cause leakage as well as corrosion of the pipe.

Other contaminants are oil particles, especially if you use a machine that requires lubricant in the chamber where compression takes place.

Also, the age, design, and condition of the machine will determine the quantity of the oil particles in the chamber.

Dirt and dust are other popular contaminants of air compressors. Microorganisms brought about by impurities in the compressed air are also dangerous to the system.

That is why you need a good air compressor line filter to achieve optimum lastingness.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Air Compressor Filter Dryer

Choosing the best water separator for air compressor is not a piece of cake. There are various brands as well as models in the market, hence, there is a need to dig deep before parting with your hard-earned money.

Type of Compressor

Your type of compressor will determine the ideal filter for you. There are requirements for every type, and getting the right one will guarantee a perfect result.

Air compressors come in three main types, namely centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary screw. Centrifugal models work through the transmission of energy from the rotary impeller to the air.

They are perfect for high-duty operations and do not have oil in the compression area. Hence, they don’t require too much oil filtration.

The reciprocating air compressors operate through positive displacement. This involves the increment of air pressure through the reduction of volume.

There is an interior piston that makes it possible for the compressor to retain air volume. They are available in various configurations like lubricated or non-lubricate and water-cooled or air-cooled.

The rotary screw models also operate through positive displacement, but with a spiral lobe or single-stage helical screw. They make use of two rotors to compress the air. They may need oil vapor filtering because of their requirement for oil cooling.

To discover the right air compressor water separator, you should go through your user manual properly. Usually, it will contain information on the right filter to use and how you can install it.

Air Inlet

The size of the air inlet of a water separator filter for air compressor is very important. The port size comes in various sizes like ¾ inches, ⅜ inches, and so on.

Filter Element

The filter element should be of high quality to guarantee optimum lastingness. You need to check out this feature in the product you want to buy before closing the deal.

Drain Quality

After the filtration process, there will be a need to drain the filter. An air compressor water trap of high drain quality will make this process easier and effective.

Pressure Loading Capacity

The operating pressure of the filter will determine its loading capacity. For example, an air line water separator with a maximum operating pressure of 150 PSI will have more pressure loading capacity when compared to a product with 100 PSI.

Durability

The product you want to buy should be durable to get value for money. Hence, you should go for a high-quality air-water separator for compressor, which will make it possible for you to use it for a long time.

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use will also determine the type of air compressor water filter to go for.

If you will be using it for a long time at a go, get a solid product with an automatic drain system. This will prevent frequent emptying, which may reduce the effectiveness of the process.

Types of Air Compressor Filters

Knowing the various types of air compressor filters and dryers will help you to get a product that will meet your expectations.

A machine can have more than one filter to achieve the best results. Here are the popular ones you will get in the market right now.

High Particulate Filter

These types of filters get rid of coarser solid particles like dust, dirt, pollen, and so on. They are perfect for painting jobs as well as body works of high proportion.

Activated Carbon Absorber

Carbon absorbers get rid of lubricant gases as well as vapors in compressed air through a chemical process known as absorption.

The absorption process involves the utilization of activated carbon from charcoal so that there will be a broad surface for attracting oil vapors naturally.

With their chemical makeup, they offer the largest surface area for effective particle collection with minimal pressure drop. This makes it possible to achieve a higher absorption rate and enhance air purity with them.

Coalescing Air Filter

Coalescing filters are for finer molecules, which are not as big as one micron. They have the capacity of removing oil, water, paint fluid, but they don’t have the capacity of catching vapors.

Using them for gaseous removal requires adding an activated carbon filter.

Compressor Intake Filter

An intake filter helps in safeguarding the interior components of your machine. It purifies the air before it gets into the compressor, and this helps in preventing clogging.

 Also, it safeguards other filters meaning that you can expect a long-lasting machine.

Air Water Separator How It Works

Compressed air-water separators make use of two major methods in getting rid of impurities from compressed air. The two methods are very effective in dislodging contaminants from the system.

The first method is centrifugal separation, which works through the induction of rotary motion to the compressed air when it goes past the separator. This makes the contaminants move to the outer edge for effective draining.

The other method is coalescing separation, which makes use of a filter element for trapping contaminants. The compressed air passes through the filter so that there can be optimum elimination of the contaminants.

Air Compressor Water Separator Setup

The Air compressor filter setup is not rocket science. Here is the setup guide.

Step 1

Connect the filter’s arrow side to the air line after the valve and on the flip side of a hose.

Step 2

Connect the shut-off valve, male coupling (fixed to the hose), and female coupling (square side). You should attach the quick release couplings to hoses as well as tools, and make sure that the shut-off valves and filter are rigid.

Step 3

You should not use paste on all threads to avoid clogging, instead, use Teflon tape. It is essential to drain the condensation tank as a matter of usual practice to get the most satisfactory result.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need a filter on my air compressor?

Since compressed air comprises water, you need a filter to prevent the quick deterioration of the machine. The little investment will help in boosting the lastingness of the air compressor.

Where do I put the water separator on an air compressor?

Connect the filter’s arrow side to the air line after the valve and on the flip side of a hose. Don’t use paste on all threads to avoid clogging, instead, use Teflon tape.

Does my air compressor need a water separator?

Your air compressor requires a water separator to prevent water from condensing in it. This will make it last longer so that you will be able to get value for your money.

How often should I change the water separator for an air compressor?

If you want your compressor to work optimally, you should change the air compressor moisture separator after it has worked for about 1,000 hours.

On A Final Note

We believe that this guide is all you need to get the best water separator for air compressor. Our team of top researchers considered various brands and models before coming up with the products in this review. We hope you will find it useful, especially if you follow it to the letter.