Product
Ingersoll Rand 99273906 Air Filter Element | M37 Compressor OEM Part
Genuine Ingersoll Rand 99273906 air filter element for M37 rotary screw compressors. 270 mm OD × 120 mm H, 2–10 μm filtration, ~1.3 m² media area, ~2000-hour service life. Export-ready with model and part number verification.
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Ingersoll Rand 99273906 Air Filter Element for M37 Compressors
Product Overview
99273906 is the intake air filter element for the Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw air compressor. It is installed inside the air filter housing at the compressor intake, upstream of the inlet valve, and serves as the first filtration barrier for the entire compressed air system.
As the machine draws in ambient air, dust, grit, fibers, water mist and oil mist are captured by the filter media before reaching the airend. Surface filtration intercepts larger particles; depth filtration retains finer contaminants. Only clean air is allowed into the rotor meshing zone.
Filter condition directly affects airend service life. Unfiltered air entering the screw airend accelerates wear on rotors and bearings, and simultaneously contaminates the downstream separator element, oil filter and lubricant — shortening the life of all three. A heavily clogged filter restricts intake volume, reducing discharge capacity and raising energy consumption; in extreme cases oil carryover can lead to airend seizure. Replacing the air filter on schedule is therefore the lowest-cost protection measure for the airend.
Key specifications at a glance
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 99273906 |
| Description | Air filter element |
| Machine application | Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw compressor |
| Unit FAD | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Element outer diameter | 270 mm |
| Element 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 differential pressure | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Recommended replacement interval | Approx. 2000 hours (adjust to operating conditions) |
Basic Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Part number | 99273906 |
| Brand | Ingersoll Rand |
| Product name | Air filter element |
| Product category | Intake filtration (air filter) |
| Compatible machine | M37 rotary screw air compressor (see Section 6) |
| Unit FAD | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Installation position | Inside intake air filter assembly, upstream of inlet valve |
| Replacement interval | Approx. 2000 hours |
Technical Specifications
1. Filtration performance (core indicators)
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration rating | 2–10 μm | Industry range (published figures vary between 2–10, 3–12, 5–10 and 10–15 μm; mainstream overlap used) |
| Filtration efficiency | ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm | Industry value |
| Filter class | HVAC filter classifications (EN 779 G/M/F) do not apply; air filter elements are characterised per ISO 5011 by filtration efficiency, intake restriction and dust holding capacity | Technical note |
| Dust holding capacity | Approx. 380 g | Estimated (effective area 1.3 m² × typical 300 g/m² for wood-pulp filter paper) |
| Beta ratio (β value) | Not applicable to air filter elements | Not applicable; see note below |
Note on the β value: The beta ratio is a hydraulic and lubricating oil filter metric determined by the ISO 16889 multi-pass test, describing the filtration ratio at a given particle size. Air filter elements are not characterised by β values; they are evaluated per ISO 5011 using filtration efficiency, intake restriction and dust holding capacity. A β value appearing in an air filter specification is typically copied in error from a hydraulic filter datasheet.
2. Flow and restriction parameters
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Rated air flow | Matched to M37 unit FAD of 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | Multiple sources (unit parameters) |
| Filtration face velocity | Approx. 0.077 m/s | Estimated (6 m³/min ÷ 1.3 m², within the typical 0.05–0.15 m/s air filter range) |
| Initial pressure drop | Approx. 0.5–1.0 kPa | Estimated (based on face velocity and wood-pulp paper resistance characteristics) |
| Operating differential pressure range | Approx. 1.0–6.0 kPa | Estimated (full progression from new element to alarm restriction) |
| Alarm / final restriction | 6.0–6.5 kPa | Estimated (per unit air filter differential pressure indicator setting; refer to the machine manual) |
| Restriction vs. energy consumption | Each 1 kPa increase in intake restriction raises unit energy consumption by approx. 1% | Estimated; calculation shown below |
Quantitative relationship between restriction and energy consumption (estimated)
Based on an M37 discharge pressure of 0.7 MPa (gauge) and atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa, intake restriction raises the compression ratio:
| Intake restriction | Compression ratio | Relative energy increase vs. baseline |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Engineering implication: As an element progresses from new to alarm condition (0 → 6 kPa), unit energy consumption rises by roughly 6% over the interval. For a 37 kW unit running 6000 hours per year, this represents sustained additional power draw during the latter part of the filter's life. The money saved by running a clogged element far exceeds the cost of a replacement filter — the engineering rationale behind the OEM differential pressure alarm setting.
3. Dimensions and installation parameters
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 270 mm OD × 120 mm H | Consistent across multiple sources |
| Construction | Pleated (wound pleated filter paper) | Industry standard |
| Effective filtration area | Approx. 1.3 m² | Estimated (based on 270 mm OD / 200 mm ID / 35 mm pleat depth / approx. 154 pleats; approx. 1.7 m² if ID is 165 mm) |
| Pleat count | Approx. 150 pleats | Estimated |
| Pleat spacing | Approx. 4.8 mm | Estimated (average circumference 738 mm ÷ 150 pleats) |
| Mounting interface | End-cap located, matched to M37 air filter assembly | Based on machine compatibility |
| Sealing method | Face seal (axial compression) | Estimated (common for this element type; verify against actual part) |
Procurement tip: When cross-checking a replacement, 270 mm OD and 120 mm height are the two most direct dimensions to compare. The ML37 / MU37 models in the same series use 39588777 (130 mm OD × 250 mm H); the dimensional difference is substantial and the two parts are not interchangeable.
4. Material composition
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Filter media | Imported wood-pulp filter paper (industry commonly uses US HV or Korean Ahlstrom media) | Industry standard |
| Media basis weight | Approx. 130 g/m² | Estimated (midpoint of the typical 100–150 g/m² range for air filter paper) |
| Inner / outer support | Galvanised steel perforated support, approx. 0.6 mm thickness, open area ≥45% | Estimated (standard practice for comparable products) |
| End caps | Metal end caps (galvanised steel) with polyurethane adhesive | Estimated (no plastic end cap specified for this series) |
| Seal | Nitrile rubber (NBR) seal ring | Estimated (standard material for compressor intake components; oil and temperature resistant, −30 to +100 °C) |
| Bonding layer | Polyurethane (PU) hot-melt adhesive | Estimated (standard process for bonding media to end caps and support) |
5. Operating condition tolerances
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Operating temperature | −10 to +100 °C | Industry value |
| Relative humidity | ≤80% RH, no condensation | Estimated (wood-pulp media loses strength and efficiency when damp; condensation conditions require upstream moisture removal) |
| Burst strength | Media burst strength approx. 200–400 kPa (per ISO 2758 paper burst test) | Estimated (typical range for air filter paper) |
| Collapse resistance | Element designed for differential pressure ≥10 kPa | Estimated (approx. 50% safety margin over the 6.5 kPa alarm value) |
| Special functions | No flame-retardant, anti-static or moisture-proof specification indicated for this model | — |
6. Service life and maintenance parameters
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data basis |
|---|---|---|
| Service life | Approx. 2000 hours | Industry value (consistent across sources) |
| Actual replacement interval | Shorten to under 1000 hours in dusty, sandy or humid environments; follow the differential pressure alarm | Engineering recommendation |
| Storage shelf life | Approx. 2–3 years (unopened, dry and ventilated conditions) | Estimated (typical validity for filter paper and adhesives under controlled storage; moisture or direct sunlight significantly shortens it) |
7. Applicable standards
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product standard | ISO 5011 (inlet air cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines and compressors — performance testing); evaluated on filtration efficiency, intake restriction and dust holding capacity |
| Commonly cited test standards | ISO 2941 / 2942 / 2943 / 3723 / 3724 / 3968 |
| Note on standard applicability | The ISO 29xx / 37xx series above are in fact general test methods for hydraulic fluid power filter elements (burst pressure, structural integrity, material compatibility, axial load, flow fatigue, pressure drop vs. flow). Where a supplier can only provide hydraulic filter standards, request ISO 5011 data or the OEM specification sheet. |
Standard Maintenance and Installation Procedure
Single-person operation; working time approximately 20–30 minutes.
Shut down, isolate power and release pressure
Press the emergency stop or stop button, disconnect the main power supply 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-cap bolts and remove the end cap. Criterion: end cap is not deformed and the clamp is not seized; if the clamp is seized, address this 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, punctured, the end cap is debonded, or the sealing face is flattened, replace immediately even if the interval has not been reached. If the outer surface carries black oil sludge, intake oil mist is abnormal and the upstream environment should be checked.Thoroughly clean the housing interior
Wipe the housing interior and base with a lint-free cloth. Do not blow compressed air forcefully into the housing — this drives dust into the intake passage. Criterion: no loose dust on the interior walls and a flat, debris-free sealing face.Verify the new element
Compare the old and new parts: 270 mm OD, 120 mm height, complete face seal without gaps, undamaged media. Criterion: all three dimensions and the visual check must match; if any item does not match, do not install — re-verify the part number.Fit the new element and reassemble the end cap
Place the new element vertically into the housing, confirming it is fully seated at the base and the sealing face is in contact with no trapped material. Refit the end cap and tighten the clamp or bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. Criterion: uniform gap between end cap and housing, with no visible skew.Start-up check
Restore power and run the unit for 5–10 minutes. Criterion: no abnormal whistling or intake air noise at the intake (unusual noise usually indicates the seal is not compressed or the element is not seated); the air filter differential pressure indicator remains in the green zone.
The single most important rule: Never start the unit before the element is correctly seated. Starting with no element, or with an uncompressed seal, allows unfiltered air directly into the airend and can cause irreversible wear within a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 99273906 and 39588777 interchangeable?
No. 39588777 is for the ML37 / MU37 models with a 130 mm OD × 250 mm H element; 99273906 is for the M37 with a 270 mm OD × 120 mm H element. The dimensions differ by more than a factor of two and the parts cannot physically fit the same housing. Always verify by both machine model and part number.
How often should the element be replaced?
Approximately 2000 hours under standard conditions. This is not a fixed deadline: in high-dust environments (cement, foundry, woodworking, mining sites) shorten to under 1000 hours; in clean environments with low 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 and has a clear economic cost. As dust accumulates, intake restriction rises; based on the compression ratio calculation, going from 0 to 6 kPa increases unit energy consumption by approximately 6.3%. Once the media ruptures or the seal fails, unfiltered air enters the airend directly and dust contaminates the screw rotors, bearings, separator element, oil filter and lubricant simultaneously — repair cost escalates from the price of one filter to the scale of an airend overhaul.
How do I know when to replace it?
Three signals: first, the differential pressure indicator enters the alarm zone (approx. 6.0–6.5 kPa); second, after shutdown the element shows a surface fully covered with dust with no visible pleat pattern; third, the unit shows reduced discharge capacity with rising current and energy consumption. Any one signal calls for replacement.
Can the element be cleaned and reused?
Not recommended. This is a pleated paper element designed as a single-use part. Blowing compressed air from the inside out only removes surface dust; fine particles trapped in the depth of the media cannot be removed, and the blow-off pressure can easily fracture the media fibers or deform the pleat spacing, creating invisible channels that let unfiltered air pass. Reusing a cleaned element means it looks clean but has actually failed — the risk outweighs any benefit.
What else should be checked when changing the air filter?
Also check: whether the air filter differential pressure indicator still responds correctly (whether it returns properly after a reset press), whether the intake hose is cracked or loose, whether the housing seal ring is aged, and whether the inlet valve operates correctly. These components work together with the air filter; replacing only the element without checking the surrounding parts often leads to renewed intake problems shortly afterwards.
Is this element a genuine OEM part?
The 99273906 described on this page is an Ingersoll Rand OEM part number. When purchasing, verify by the part number itself — the part number is the only identifier that cannot be confused. Do not order on the basis of "fits M37" or visual similarity alone.
Do M37 and other M-series models use the same air filter?
No. Air filter specifications differ across the Ingersoll Rand M series: M22 uses 39588470 (130 mm OD), M37 uses 99273906 (270 mm OD), M55 uses 39708466 (278 mm OD) and ML37 uses 39588777. The same series does not mean the same element; verify model by model.
What are the most common installation errors?
Two: first, compressing the end cap with material trapped at the sealing face or with the element not fully seated, causing leakage; second, tightening end-cap bolts in a one-sided sequence, causing uneven loading and skew. The correct approach is to confirm seating, then tighten evenly in a diagonal cross pattern in stages.
Are there storage requirements for new elements?
Yes. Damp filter paper swells and deforms, reducing filtration efficiency, and the metal support corrodes when damp. Store on indoor shelving in a dry, ventilated area, away from walls and floors, and away from water and oil contamination. Use within 2–3 years in unopened packaging. Follow first-in-first-out for unopened stock and avoid long-term stockpiling.
Compatible Machine Models
| No. | Model | Unit FAD | Air filter part no. | Element OD × H |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M37 | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 99273906 | 270 mm × 120 mm |
| 2 | M22 | 3 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 39588470 | 130 mm × 151 mm |
| 3 | M55 | 10 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 39708466 | 278 mm × 125 mm |
| 4 | ML37 / MU37 | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 39588777 | 130 mm × 250 mm |
| 5 | 30S | 3 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 42855429 | 130 mm × 123 mm |
| 6 | 50S | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 42855411 | 216 mm × 318 mm |
| 7 | 75S | 10 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa | 42855403 | 278 mm × 251 mm |
How to read this table
- The product on this page, 99273906, corresponds to row 1, M37. The other rows are included as same-series references to help you avoid mis-purchase.
- Row 4 (ML37 / MU37) and row 1 (M37) both have a 6 m³/min FAD, but the air filter part numbers and dimensions are completely different — identical FAD does not mean a common element. This is the most easily confused point in the series.
- If your unit's nameplate model is not listed above, provide a photo of the nameplate and the full model number, and we will confirm by reverse part number lookup before ordering.
Note on machine generations
The Ingersoll Rand M37 exists in different production generations. The 99273906 described here is the intake filter element for earlier M37 machines. Newer M37-75 series units (corresponding to the SL/SM37-75KW operation parts manual) use a different part number system in their parts manuals. If your unit is a recent build, verify against the parts manual supplied with the machine or contact us to confirm by unit serial number. In practice, the most reliable confirmation is still to read the part number from the old element itself.
Related Components
Seven components in the M37 intake and lubrication system share the same maintenance cycle as the air filter. They are listed below by location, function and inspection point; refer to the unit parts manual for specific part numbers.
| Component | Location | Function | Inspection point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filter element | Main oil circuit, between cooler and airend | Removes wear debris and sludge from lubricant, protecting bearings and rotors | Replace together with the air filter; after replacement check the housing sealing face for oil seepage |
| Separator element | Inside the separator tank | Separates oil mist from compressed air and returns oil, controlling oil carryover | Check the oil return line for blockage at the same time (poor return flow directly causes excessive oil carryover) |
| Air filter differential pressure indicator | On the air filter assembly | Indicates element clogging and signals replacement timing | Should return correctly after a reset press; a reading that never moves indicates failure and requires replacement |
| Coolant filter element | Coolant circuit, between cooler and filter | Keeps coolant clean and prevents scale and debris deposits | Replace together with the oil filter element |
| Thermostatic control valve element | Between cooler and filter | Controls whether coolant passes through the cooler, maintaining airend operating temperature | If the unit runs cold long-term or triggers a high-temperature alarm, check the thermostatic valve first |
| Breather filter | On the separator tank | Balances tank pressure and prevents external dust entering the oil circuit at this point | Inspect on the same cycle as the air filter; shorten the interval in dusty environments |
| Intake hose and housing seal ring | Between the air filter assembly and the airend | Ensures the intake path is leak-free with no unfiltered air bypass | Check for cracks, ageing and loose clamps — bypass leakage is as harmful as running without an element |
Recommended kit replacement: In dusty sites, replace the air filter, oil filter element and separator element as a set to avoid staggered maintenance cycles and repeated downtime. The coolant filter element and thermostatic valve element follow their own separate schedules.
For quotations, datasheets or sample requests, contact our export team with your machine model, part number and required quantity.