Coalescing Air Filters
A1 Compressor Warehouse supplies coalescing air filters — the workhorse of oil and aerosol removal in a compressed air system. If your application can't tolerate oil mist, water aerosol, or fine particulate, a coalescing filter is the stage that protects it.
Coalescing filters work by forcing compressed air through a fine fibrous media that merges (coalesces) tiny oil and water droplets into larger ones that drain away, while trapping submicron particulate. The result is clean, dry, oil-aerosol-free air — critical ahead of spray guns, pneumatic instruments, and any process where oil carryover would ruin the result. Proper coalescing filtration is the difference between a flawless finish and a contaminated one.
We carry coalescing filters and replacement elements compatible with all major compressor brands, all genuine OEM equipment with full manufacturer warranty.
Not sure which grade of coalescing filtration your application needs? Talk to a specialist for a free consult — same-day quotes on equipment and parts requests received before 3 PM ET. We ship nationwide.
How to choose a coalescing air filter
Choose the housing and grade first
Check whether you need a complete filter or a replacement element. Match the housing model first, then choose the grade for the contaminants you need to remove. Schulz FS filters, EL-AV EF elements and Mattei filter lines use their own model and grade names. Keep the housing size, element number and grade together when ordering a replacement.
EL-AV SF is rated at 0.1 micron and 0.1 mg/m³ residual oil; PF is 0.01 micron and 0.01 mg/m³. CF uses activated carbon for oil vapor and odor. Choose the grade for the job, then size the filter for your air demand.
Size by flow at working pressure
These Schulz filters are rated at 100 PSIG, with a maximum operating pressure of 232 PSIG. Use the flow rating at its stated pressure. Check the NPT connection separately, because thread size alone will not tell you the filter's capacity.
| Schulz model | Flow at 100 PSIG | NPT connection |
|---|---|---|
| FS 0050 | 47 CFM | 1/2 inch |
| FS 0125 | 125 CFM | 1 inch |
| FS 0340 | 340 CFM | 1-1/2 inch |
Other FS sizes, Mattei MIF, MFZ and MEZ lines, and MDSF accessories are also on this page. Separate complete filters from elements and accessories before comparing the models.
Put each grade in the right position
For Mattei MIF, put the M1 particulate prefilter ahead of the refrigerated dryer and the M0.01 coalescing stage after it. MAC carbon follows M0.01. Check the sequence when choosing filters and air dryers, so you select each stage for the job it needs to do.
Common questions
Where does a coalescing filter go?
Match the position to the grade. In the MIF sequence above, M1 goes before the refrigerated dryer, M0.01 goes after it, and MAC follows M0.01. Use the layout for your filter family.
What does a 0.01 micron coalescing filter remove?
EL-AV PF has separate ratings of 0.01 micron for particles and 0.01 mg/m³ for residual oil. Coalescing grades address aerosols and particles; carbon handles oil vapor and odor. Those are different treatment jobs.
Will an EF1450 element fit another EF housing?
No. The EF1450 replacement element fits the EF1450 housing and is not interchangeable with other EF housing sizes. Check both the housing number and the grade before replacing it.