Food & Beverage
Filters
Compressed Air Filters, Regulators and Pumps for Food and Beverage Plants
In a food or beverage plant, compressed air does more than drive machines. It blows out containers before filling, mixes and conveys product, clears nozzles and powers the cylinders on fillers, cappers and case packers. Wherever that air reaches food, food-contact surfaces or packaging, the water, oil and particles it carries become a food safety question as well as a maintenance one. The ARO equipment on this page treats air at the point of use: 5 micron particulate and 0.3 micron coalescing filters, filter-regulators in both ratings, relieving regulators from 1/8" to 1" in three pressure ranges, in-line valves, and Compact Series diaphragm pumps for cleaning chemicals and utility transfer. If you need food grade pumps for the product itself, the pump section below points you to ARO's sanitary range.
How Compressed Air Meets Food, and Why Auditors Ask About It
Food safety programs treat compressed air as a possible source of contamination. Under the SQF Code, compressed air that contacts food or food-contact surfaces must be clean, present no risk to food safety and be monitored regularly for purity. Most plants set the target with ISO 8573-1 purity classes for particles, water and oil, and the starting point is to classify each use by how close the air gets to the product:
- Direct contact Air touches the product or a food-contact surface: blowing out containers, mixing, conveying, drying or cleaning surfaces before filling. A widely used guideline is ISO 8573-1 class 2:2:1.
- Indirect contact Air is released close to product or packaging without touching it, such as valve and cylinder exhaust inside a filler or case packer. A widely used guideline is class 2:4:2.
- No contact Air that stays in closed pneumatic circuits away from exposed product. Plants usually set their own plant-air requirement for these lines.
Point-of-use filters are the last line, not the whole system
A purity class comes from the full system: the compressor, the dryer that sets the pressure dew point, main-line filtration and clean distribution piping. ARO point-of-use filters remove the particles, liquid water and oil aerosols that remain or are picked up in the pipe on the way to each machine. Confirm what the system delivers with ISO 8573 air quality testing at the frequency your food safety plan sets.
Two-Stage Filtration at the Point of Use
The usual arrangement is two filters in series. A 5 micron particulate filter takes out solid particles and liquid water first, then a 0.3 micron coalescing filter captures the fine oil and water aerosols that get past it. Putting the particulate stage first keeps the coalescing element from loading up with bulk dirt and water. Every filter on this page has a metal bowl rather than a plastic one, which also suits plant policies that restrict brittle plastics in production areas. The table pairs the two stages by port size:
| Port size | Stage 1: particulate, 5 µm | Stage 2: coalescing, 0.3 µm | Rated flow |
|---|---|---|---|
3/8" |
F35231-411 (1500) |
F35332-310 (2000) |
Particulate: 107 SCFM (1500), 156 SCFM (2000) |
1/2" (2000) |
197 SCFM |
||
3/4" (2000) |
216 SCFM |
||
3/4" (3000) |
288 SCFM |
||
1" (3000) |
353 SCFM |
Automatic or manual drain?
Part numbers ending -310 and -410 have manual drains, and all other filters here drain automatically. A first-stage filter collects most of the liquid, so an automatic drain is the safer choice there. A coalescing filter downstream sees far less liquid, which is why manual-drain versions make sense in that position, but those bowls must be drained on a schedule and never allowed to run full, because a flooded bowl lets liquid carry over into the clean line.
Filter-Regulators in 5 and 0.3 Micron
Where space on a machine frame is tight, a piggyback filter-regulator puts filtration and pressure control in one body. This range offers both filter ratings. Part numbers with a 6 after the dash include a pressure gauge.
5 micron, automatic drain
1/4" to 1", ARO-Flo 1000 to 3000
From 47 SCFM at 1/4" (P39124-624) to 250 SCFM at 1" (P39464-614), with a 0–140 psi control range.
Use for general machine supply, and as the first stage ahead of a coalescing filter on wet lines.
0.3 micron, manual drain
1/4", 1/2" and 3/4", ARO-Flo 1500 and 2000
P39223-110 (1/4"), P39343-110 and P39343-610 (1/2"), and P39353-610 (3/4"), rated 172 SCFM at 1/2" and 3/4".
Use where air is released close to product or packaging. On wet lines, put a 5 micron filter upstream to protect the coalescing element.
Regulators Matched to the Pressure You Need
Every regulator in this range is a relieving type: when the setting is turned down, it vents the excess downstream pressure so the line settles at the new value straight away. The spring range matters as much as the port size. A regulator is easiest to set and hold in the middle of its range, so a low-pressure task is better served by a 0–30 psi regulator than by a 0–140 psi one.
| Control range | Part number ending | Sizes on this page | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
0–140 psi |
-100 (no gauge) |
1/8" to 1", from 45 SCFM (R37111-600) to 290 SCFM (R37461-600) |
Main machine supply, cylinders and general actuators |
0–60 psi |
-200 |
1/8" to 3/4", for example R37341-200 (1/2", 210 SCFM) |
Lower-pressure actuators and gentle blow-off |
0–30 psi |
-400 |
1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4", for example R37121-400 (1/4", 59 SCFM) |
Fine settings for low-pressure purging, blow-off and light-duty devices |
Why This Range Has No Lubricators
Lubricated air carries oil mist through valves and cylinders and out of their exhaust ports, and in a production area that exhaust ends up close to product and packaging. Many current valves and cylinders are designed to run on dry, unlubricated air, so this range concentrates on filtration and regulation. Check the requirement for each machine. Where equipment does need oil, keep its lubricated branch away from food-contact and packaging areas; ARO lubricators are available in the main catalog.
Diaphragm Pumps for Cleaning Chemicals and Utility Transfer
The Compact Series 1/2" air-operated double diaphragm pumps on this page are offered for chemical and utility duties around the plant rather than as a food safe pump for product contact. Their polypropylene bodies and choice of elastomers suit moving cleaning and sanitizing chemicals from drums and totes and handling general utility fluids. Each one runs on plant air, primes itself and passes solids up to 3/32", with a 100 psi maximum discharge pressure.
Santoprene-fitted
General utility transfer
66605J-3EB and 666053-3EB, 13 GPM
PD05P-APS-PAA-B and PD05P-ARS-PAA-B, 14.4 GPM
PTFE-fitted
Chemicals that call for PTFE
66605J-344 and 666053-344, 13 GPM
PD05P-APS-PTT-B and PD05P-ARS-PTT-B, 14.4 GPM
66605J-34B, PTFE balls with Santoprene diaphragms, 13 GPM
Fluid section kits for 1/2" Classic pumps are stocked in PTFE/PTFE (637140-44) and Santoprene/Santoprene (637140-EB).
Pumping food or beverage product?
Use a pump designed for it. The ARO EXP Series sanitary diaphragm pump is built from FDA-accepted materials, with electro-polished 316 stainless steel fluid sections, making it a food grade transfer pump for beverages, syrups, sauces and purees. See ARO sanitary pumps. For any chemical duty, check the pump against the full composition, concentration, temperature and duty cycle using the ARO chemical compatibility guide.
In-Line Valves for Fillers, Cappers and Packers
ARO In-Line Composite valves fit directly into the air line after the filter-regulator, where they shape how each motion on a line behaves.
- Flow control valves Set cylinder speed on pushers, gates, diverters and cappers so each motion is smooth and repeatable. 1/8" to 3/4", from 28 SCFM at 1/4" to 90 SCFM at 1/2" and 100 SCFM at 3/4".
- Needle valves Meter small, steady flows for purging and blow-off. Uni-directional, from 18 SCFM at 1/8" to 100 SCFM at 3/4", plus 104104-NS2 with a stainless steel needle and inserts.
- Check valves Hold pressure on one side of a circuit and stop air flowing back toward the supply. 1/8" to 1/2", including 104104-C02 at 28 SCFM.
- Shared ratings Composite bodies, NPT ports and a 200 psi maximum inlet pressure.
Keeping Point-of-Use Filtration Audit-Ready
Good filters only help an audit if the plant can show they are the right ones and that they are maintained. Three habits cover most of what an auditor asks to see.
Map every point of use
Record which filter and regulator serve each machine, and whether that air is direct, indirect or no contact.
Log changes and drains
Note element changes and drain checks. Replace coalescing elements rather than cleaning them, and drain manual bowls before they fill.
Test the air
Confirm purity with ISO 8573 testing at the frequency your plan sets, including microbiological testing to ISO 8573-7 where it is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do food safety audits cover compressed air?
Yes. Under the SQF Code, compressed air that contacts food or food-contact surfaces must be clean, present no risk to food safety and be monitored regularly for purity, and other schemes such as BRCGS and FSSC 22000 address it too. Most plants define their target air quality with ISO 8573-1 purity classes and confirm it by testing.
What do ISO 8573-1 classes such as 2:2:1 mean?
The three numbers are purity classes for particles, water and oil, in that order, and a lower number means cleaner air. Class 2:2:1 is a widely used guideline for air in direct contact with food, and 2:4:2 for indirect contact. Water class 2 corresponds to a pressure dew point of -40°F, and oil class 1 to no more than 0.01 mg of oil per cubic meter of air.
Will the filters on this page bring my air to a specific ISO 8573-1 class?
Not on their own. The water class depends on the dryer, and low oil classes usually need the compressor, dryer and main-line filtration working together, sometimes with further stages such as activated carbon. The 5 micron particulate and 0.3 micron coalescing filters here are the point-of-use stage: they remove the particles, liquid water and oil aerosols left in the air or picked up in the piping before it reaches the machine. Air quality testing confirms what the whole system achieves.
Why are there no lubricators in the food and beverage range?
Lubricated air carries oil mist through pneumatic components and out of their exhaust ports, close to product and packaging. Many current valves and cylinders are designed to run on dry, unlubricated air, so the range concentrates on filtration and regulation. If a machine does need lubricated air, keep that branch away from food-contact and packaging areas.
Which regulator pressure range should I choose?
Pick the lowest range that comfortably covers your setpoint, because a regulator is easiest to set and hold in the middle of its range. Use 0–140 psi (part numbers ending -100 or -600) for general machine supply, 0–60 psi (-200) for lower-pressure actuators and blow-off, and 0–30 psi (-400) for fine low-pressure settings.
Are the diaphragm pumps on this page food grade?
They are not offered as food-contact pumps. They are intended for chemical and utility transfer, such as moving cleaning and sanitizing chemicals. If you need a food grade diaphragm pump for product transfer, ARO EXP Series sanitary pumps are built from FDA-accepted materials with electro-polished 316 stainless steel fluid sections. For any chemical duty, confirm compatibility with the full composition, concentration, temperature and duty cycle before ordering.
Should I choose a filter with an automatic or a manual drain?
Choose an automatic drain for first-stage particulate filters and any filter on a wet line, because they collect most of the liquid. Manual-drain versions (filters ending -310 or -410, and the 0.3 micron piggybacks ending -110 or -610) suit positions that see little liquid, such as a second stage after an automatically drained filter, as long as the bowls are drained on a schedule and never run full.
Who can help me specify air preparation for a food or beverage line?
Call the ARO service hotline on +1 800 495 0276, Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, for help with filter pairs, regulator ranges or pump compatibility, or send the details through the ARO contact form. For local support across several plants, find an ARO distributor.
Point-of-Use Air You Can Account For
In food and beverage production, clean air at the machine is part of the product, not just a way to keep equipment running. Matching particulate and coalescing stages, regulators in the right range and an oil-free approach at each point of use gives quality and maintenance teams something they can document, check and defend at audit.
Order the food and beverage range above, or browse all ARO filters, regulators, piggybacks, flow control and needle valves, diaphragm pumps and parts and kits. Related ranges are grouped for packaging and cosmetic and pharmaceutical production, and ARO's food and beverage applications page covers sanitary pumps for product transfer in more depth.
Running a food or beverage plant?
Talk to ARO about point-of-use filtration, regulator ranges or pump compatibility. Monday to Friday, 08:00 am to 5:00 pm CST.