Product
Ingersoll Rand 99273906 Air Filter Element | M37 Compressor OEM Part
Genuine Ingersoll Rand 99273906 air filter element for M37 rotary screw compressors, rated 6 m³/min at 0.7 MPa. 270 mm OD × 120 mm H, 2–10 μm filtration, ≥98% efficiency at ≥5 μm, ISO 5011 tested. Export-ready with OEM/ODM support and full traceability.
- Export packaging & documentation support
- OEM / ODM customization available
- Sample and bulk order workflow
Product Overview
99273906 is the intake air filter element for the Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw air compressor. It mounts inside the air filter housing at the intake, upstream of the inlet valve. As the compressor draws in ambient air, dust, sand, fibres, water mist and oil mist are captured by the media before reaching the airend — surface filtration intercepts coarse particles, depth filtration adsorbs fine ones.
Filter condition directly affects airend life. Unfiltered air accelerates rotor and bearing wear and contaminates the downstream separator element, oil filter and lubricant, shortening all three. Severe clogging reduces intake volume, lowering discharge capacity and raising energy consumption. Replacing the air filter on schedule is the lowest-cost protection available for the airend.
Core Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 99273906 |
| Product Name | Air Filter Element |
| Application | Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw compressor |
| Compressor Capacity | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Outer Diameter | 270 mm |
| Height | 120 mm |
| Effective Filtration Area | Approx. 1.3 m² |
| Filtration Rating | 2–10 μm |
| Filtration Efficiency | ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm |
| Initial Pressure Drop | Approx. 0.5–1.0 kPa |
| Alarm Resistance | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Recommended Change Interval | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months, adjusted to operating conditions |
Technical Specifications
Filtration Performance
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Filtration Rating | 2–10 μm |
| Filtration Efficiency | ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm |
| Filter Class | Not classified under EN 779 G/M/F ventilation grades; air filter elements are characterised per ISO 5011 by efficiency, intake resistance and dust-holding capacity |
| Dust Holding Capacity | Approx. 380 g |
Flow and Resistance
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Rated Air Flow | Matched to M37 compressor capacity 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Face Velocity | Approx. 0.077 m/s |
| Initial Pressure Drop | Approx. 0.5–1.0 kPa |
| Operating Differential Range | Approx. 1.0–6.0 kPa |
| Alarm / Final Resistance | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Pressure Drop vs Energy | Every 1 kPa increase in intake resistance raises compressor energy consumption by approx. 1% |
Quantified Pressure Drop and Energy Impact
Based on M37 discharge pressure 0.7 MPa (gauge) and atmospheric pressure 101.3 kPa, intake resistance raises the compression ratio:
| Intake Resistance | Compression Ratio | Relative Energy Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 0 kPa (new element) | 7.91 | Baseline |
| 2 kPa | 8.07 | +2.0% |
| 4 kPa | 8.24 | +4.1% |
| 6 kPa (near alarm) | 8.41 | +6.3% |
From new to alarm (0 → 6 kPa), compressor energy consumption rises by roughly 6%. At 37 kW and 6,000 operating hours per year, the later stage of element life consumes continuous excess power. Extending a clogged element saves far less than the extra electricity cost.
Dimensions and Installation
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 270 mm OD × 120 mm H |
| Construction | Pleated (wound pleated media) |
| Effective Filtration Area | Approx. 1.3 m² |
| Pleat Count | Approx. 150 pleats |
| Pleat Spacing | Approx. 4.8 mm |
| Mounting Interface | End-cap located, matched to M37 air filter assembly |
| Sealing | Face seal (axial compression) |
Procurement note: when cross-referencing replacements, 270 mm OD and 120 mm height are the two most direct comparison dimensions. The ML37 / MU37 models in the same series use 39588777 (130 mm OD × 250 mm H) — the size difference is substantial and the two are not interchangeable.
Material Composition
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Media | Imported wood-pulp filter paper (industry-common US HV or Korean Ahlstrom media) |
| Media Weight | Approx. 130 g/m² |
| Inner / Outer Support | Galvanised steel perforated cage, approx. 0.6 mm thickness, open area ≥45% |
| End Caps | Metal end caps (galvanised steel) with polyurethane adhesive |
| Seal | NBR (nitrile rubber) gasket |
| Bonding Layer | Polyurethane (PU) hot-melt adhesive |
Operating Conditions
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | −10 to +100 °C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤80% RH, no condensation |
| Burst Strength | Media burst strength approx. 200–400 kPa (per ISO 2758 paper burst test) |
| Collapse Resistance | Element designed for differential pressure ≥10 kPa |
| Special Functions | No flame-retardant, anti-static or moisture-proof ratings specified for this model |
Service Life and Maintenance
| Parameter | Value / Notes |
|---|---|
| Service Life | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months |
| Actual Change Interval | Shorten to under 1,000 hours in dusty, sandy or humid environments; follow differential pressure alarm |
| Shelf Life | Approx. 2–3 years (unopened, dry, ventilated storage) |
Applicable Standards
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Product Standard | ISO 5011 (inlet air cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines and compressors — performance testing), evaluated by filtration efficiency, intake resistance and dust-holding capacity |
| Commonly Referenced Test Standards | ISO 2941 / 2942 / 2943 / 3723 / 3724 / 3968 |
| Standard Applicability Note | The ISO 29xx / 37xx series are general test methods for hydraulic transmission filter elements (collapse/burst, structural integrity, material compatibility, axial load, flow fatigue, pressure drop vs flow). Buyers should request ISO 5011 or the OEM specification sheet if a supplier can only provide hydraulic filter standards. |
Standard Maintenance and Installation Steps
Single-person operation, approximately 20–30 minutes.
Shutdown, isolation and depressurisation. Press emergency stop or shutdown, isolate main power and apply lockout/tagout. Open the receiver tank drain valve to release system pressure and wait for the separator tank gauge to read zero. Criterion: gauge reads 0 and no residual air flow is audible.
Locate and open the air filter housing. The M37 filter assembly is at the intake end of the unit. Release the housing clamp or end-cover bolts and remove the cover. Criterion: cover is not deformed and clamp is not seized; treat a seized clamp before removal.
Remove the old element and inspect its condition. Pull the old element out vertically and examine dust distribution and media condition. Criterion: if the media is torn, perforated, end caps are debonded or the seal face is flattened, replace immediately even if the interval has not elapsed. Black oily sludge on the outer surface indicates abnormal oil mist in the intake — check the upstream environment.
Thoroughly clean the housing interior. Wipe the inner walls and base with a lint-free cloth. Do not blow compressed air hard into the housing — this drives dust into the intake passage. Criterion: no loose dust on inner walls, seal face flat and free of debris.
Verify the new element. Compare old and new: 270 mm OD, 120 mm height, face seal intact without gaps, media undamaged. Criterion: all three dimensions and appearance conform; if any item does not match, do not install — re-verify the part number.
Fit the new element and refit the cover. Place the new element vertically into the housing, confirm it is fully seated at the bottom and the seal face is flush with no trapped material. Refit the cover and tighten the clamp or bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. Criterion: even gap between cover and housing with no visible skew.
Start-up check. Restore power and run the compressor for 5–10 minutes. Criterion: no abnormal whistling or intake noise at the intake (unusual noise usually means the seal is not compressed or the element is not seated); the air filter differential pressure indicator is in the green zone.
The one iron rule: never start the compressor before the element is seated. Running without an element or with an uncompressed seal lets unfiltered air straight into the airend and can cause irreversible wear in a short time.
FAQ
Are 99273906 and 39588777 interchangeable?
No. 39588777 is for ML37 / MU37 models with 130 mm OD × 250 mm H; 99273906 is for M37 with 270 mm OD × 120 mm H. The sizes differ by more than double and will not fit the same housing. Always cross-check by model plus part number.
How often should it be replaced?
Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months under standard conditions, whichever comes first. This is not a hard deadline: in high-dust environments (cement, foundry, woodworking, mining) shorten to under 1,000 hours; in clean environments with short running hours it may be extended. The most reliable method is to follow the air filter differential pressure indicator and replace at the alarm point.
What happens if it is not replaced?
Failure propagates through the system with a clear economic cost. As the element loads with dust, intake resistance rises; by compression ratio theory, resistance from 0 to 6 kPa raises energy consumption by about 6.3%. If the media tears or the seal fails, unfiltered air enters the airend and dust contaminates the screw rotors, bearings, separator element, oil filter and lubricant — repair cost escalates from the price of one filter to the scale of an airend overhaul.
How do I know it needs changing?
Three signals: the differential pressure indicator enters the alarm zone (approx. 6.0–6.5 kPa); visual inspection after shutdown shows the media completely covered with dust and the original pleat pattern no longer visible; discharge capacity drops while current/energy consumption rises. Any one signal warrants replacement.
Can the element be cleaned and reused?
Not recommended. This pleated paper element is designed as a single-use item. Blowing compressed air from inside out only removes surface dust; deeply trapped fine particles cannot be cleared, and the air pressure easily fractures media fibres or deforms pleat spacing, creating invisible channels that let unfiltered air pass. A cleaned element is "visually clean but functionally failed" — the risk outweighs the benefit.
What else should be checked when changing the air filter?
Also check: whether the differential pressure indicator is still responsive (returns normally after reset), whether the intake hose is cracked or loose, whether the housing seal is aged, and whether the inlet valve operates correctly. These components work with the air filter; replacing only the element without checking the surroundings often leads to recurring intake issues.
Is this a genuine part?
The 99273906 described here is an Ingersoll Rand OEM part number. When purchasing, always confirm the part number itself — the number is the only unambiguous identifier. Do not order on the basis of "fits M37" or visual similarity alone.
Do other M-series models use the same air filter?
No. Ingersoll Rand M-series air filter specifications differ by model: M22 uses 39588470 (130 mm OD), M37 uses 99273906 (270 mm OD), M55 uses 39708466 (278 mm OD), ML37 uses 39588777. Being in the same series does not mean the same element — verify each model individually.
What is the most error-prone step during installation?
Two things: trapping material on the seal face or tightening the cover before the element is fully seated, causing a poor seal and air leakage; and tightening cover bolts in a one-sided sequence, causing uneven load and skew. The correct method is to confirm seating, then tighten evenly in a diagonal cross pattern in stages.
Are there storage requirements for new elements?
Yes. Moisture causes the media to swell and deform, reducing filtration efficiency, and the metal cage can corrode. Store on indoor shelving in a dry, ventilated area, away from walls and floors, water and oil. Use within 2–3 years in unopened packaging. Follow first-in, first-out and avoid long-term stockpiling.
Compatible Models
| No. | Model | Compressor Capacity | Element OD × H |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M37 | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 270 mm × 120 mm |
| 2 | M22 | 3 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 130 mm × 151 mm |
| 3 | M55 | 10 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 278 mm × 125 mm |
| 4 | ML37 / MU37 | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 130 mm × 250 mm |
| 5 | 30S | 3 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 130 mm × 123 mm |
| 6 | 50S | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 216 mm × 318 mm |
| 7 | 75S | 10 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 278 mm × 251 mm |
How to Read the Table
- This page's product corresponds to row 1, M37. Other rows are for same-series reference only, to help avoid mis-purchase.
- Row 4 (ML37 / MU37) has the same compressor capacity as row 1 (M37) but a completely different element size. Equal capacity does not mean a common filter — this is the most easily confused point in the series.
- If your compressor nameplate model is not listed, provide a nameplate photo and full model number; we will verify by part number before ordering.
Model Generation Note
Ingersoll Rand M37 has multiple production generations. The product described here is the intake filter element for earlier M37 models. Newer M37-75 series units (SL/SM37-75KW operation parts manual) use a different part number system. If your unit is a recent build, verify against the parts manual supplied with the machine, or contact us with the unit serial number. The most reliable confirmation method in practice remains reading the part number from the old element itself.
Related Components
Seven components in the M37 intake and lubrication system are maintained on the same cycle as the air filter. Listed by location, function and inspection points; for specific part numbers, refer to the unit parts manual.
| Component | Location | Function | Inspection Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Filter Element | Main oil circuit, between cooler and airend | Removes wear debris and sludge from lubricant, protecting bearings and rotors | Replace together with air filter; check housing seal face for oil seepage after replacement |
| Separator Element | Inside separator tank | Separates oil mist from compressed air and returns oil, controlling oil carryover | Check oil return line for blockage during replacement — poor return directly causes excessive oil carryover |
| Air Filter Differential Pressure Indicator | On air filter assembly | Indicates element clogging and signals replacement timing | Should return normally after reset; if the reading never moves, the indicator has failed and should be replaced |
| Coolant Filter Element | Coolant circuit, between cooler and filter | Keeps coolant clean, preventing scale and debris deposits | Replace together with oil filter |
| Thermostatic Control Valve Element | Between cooler and filter | Controls coolant flow through the cooler, maintaining airend operating temperature | If the unit runs cold long-term or triggers high-temperature alarms, check the thermostatic valve first |
| Breather Filter | On separator tank | Balances tank pressure and prevents external dust entering the oil circuit | Inspect on the same cycle as the air filter; shorten in dusty environments |
| Intake Hose and Housing Seal | Between air filter assembly and airend | Ensures the intake path is leak-free with no unfiltered air bypass | Check for cracks, ageing, loose clamps; bypass leakage is as harmful as no element installed |
Recommended combined replacement: in high-dust sites, replace air filter + oil filter + separator element together to avoid staggered maintenance cycles and repeated downtime. Coolant filter and thermostatic valve element follow their own intervals.
Procurement and OEM Support
We supply the 99273906 air filter element for export markets with OEM/ODM options, private-label packaging and full part-number traceability. Please confirm your compressor model and part number when requesting a quotation. Datasheets, packing lists and available certificates are provided on request. Contact us for an RFQ or sample arrangement.