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 height, 2–10 μm filtration, ≥98% efficiency at ≥5 μm, ~1.3 m² media area and roughly 2,000-hour service life. Export-ready with OEM/ODM support and full part-number 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 is mounted inside the air filter housing at the compressor intake, upstream of the inlet valve.
As the machine draws in ambient air, dust, sand, fibers, water mist and oil mist are intercepted by the media before reaching the airend. Surface filtration captures coarse particles; depth filtration retains fine particles. Only clean air is allowed into the rotor meshing zone.
Element condition directly affects airend service life. Unfiltered air accelerates rotor and bearing wear and contaminates the downstream separator element, oil filter and lubricant, shortening all three at once. A heavily loaded element reduces intake volume, lowering discharge capacity and raising energy consumption; in extreme cases oil carry-over can lead to airend seizure. Timely replacement is the lowest-cost protection available for the compressor.
Core Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 99273906 |
| Product name | Air Filter Element |
| Compatible machine | Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw compressor |
| Machine capacity | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Element outside 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 resistance | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Recommended replacement interval | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months, adjusted to operating conditions |
Technical Parameters
Filtration Performance
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Filtration rating | 2–10 μm |
| Filtration efficiency | ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm |
| Filter classification | HVAC classification (EN 779 G/M/F) does not apply; intake filters are characterised per ISO 5011 by efficiency, intake resistance and dust-holding capacity |
| Dust-holding capacity | Approx. 380 g |
Flow and Resistance
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Rated air flow | Matched to M37 capacity of 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Filtration 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 machine energy consumption by approximately 1% |
Pressure Drop and Energy Consumption
With M37 discharge pressure at 0.7 MPa (gauge) and atmospheric pressure at 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), machine energy consumption rises by roughly 6%. On a 37 kW machine running 6,000 hours per year, that represents continuous excess power draw in the latter part of the element's life. The saving from running a clogged element is far smaller than the electricity cost it creates.
Dimensions and Installation
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Outside 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 the M37 air filter assembly |
| Sealing | Face seal, axially compressed |
Procurement note: when cross-checking a replacement, 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 sizes differ greatly and the two are not interchangeable.
Material Construction
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Filter media | Imported wood-pulp filter paper (industry-typical US HV or Ahlstrom media) |
| Media grammage | Approx. 130 g/m² |
| Inner and outer support | Galvanised perforated steel, approx. 0.6 mm thick, open area ≥45% |
| End caps | Metal end caps (galvanised steel) with polyurethane bonding |
| Seal | NBR (nitrile rubber) seal ring |
| Bonding layer | Polyurethane (PU) hot-melt adhesive |
Operating Tolerance
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | −10 to +100 °C |
| Relative humidity | ≤80% RH, no condensation |
| Bursting strength | Media bursting 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-resistant specification is indicated for this model |
Service Life and Maintenance
| Parameter | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Service life | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months |
| Actual replacement interval | Reduce to under 1,000 hours in dusty, sandy or humid environments; follow the differential pressure alarm |
| Storage shelf life | Approx. 2–3 years, unopened, dry and ventilated conditions |
Applicable Standards
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Product standard | ISO 5011 (inlet air cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines and compressors — performance testing), evaluated on filtration efficiency, intake resistance and dust-holding capacity |
| Commonly cited test standards | ISO 2941 / 2942 / 2943 / 3723 / 3724 / 3968 |
| Note on applicability | The ISO 29xx / 37xx series are general test methods for hydraulic fluid power filter elements (collapse/burst, structural integrity, material compatibility, axial load, flow fatigue, pressure drop vs. flow). If a supplier can only provide hydraulic filter standards, request ISO 5011 data or the OEM specification sheet. |
Installation and Maintenance Steps
Single-person task; working time approximately 20–30 minutes.
Shut down, isolate and depressurise. Press the stop or emergency stop button, disconnect the main power supply and apply lockout/tagout. Open the receiver tank drain valve to release system pressure and wait until the separator tank gauge reads zero. Criterion: gauge at 0 with no residual air flow noise.
Locate and open the air filter housing. The M37 filter assembly sits at the intake end of the machine. Release the housing clamp or end-cap bolts and remove the cap. Criterion: cap not deformed, clamp not seized; treat a seized clamp before removal.
Remove the old element and inspect its condition. Pull the old element straight out and examine dust distribution and media condition. Criterion: replace immediately if the media is torn, perforated, the end cap is debonded or the seal face is flattened, even if the interval has not been reached. A black oily film on the outer surface indicates abnormal oil mist in the intake and requires upstream inspection.
Clean the housing interior thoroughly. Wipe the inner wall and base with a lint-free cloth. Never blow compressed air directly into the housing interior, as this drives dust into the intake passage. Criterion: no loose dust on the inner wall, seal face flat and free of debris.
Verify the new element. Compare old and new: 270 mm OD, 120 mm height, intact face seal with no gaps, undamaged media. Criterion: all three dimensions and the visual check pass; if any item fails, do not install and re-verify the part number.
Fit the new element and refit the cap. Place the new element vertically into the housing, confirm it is fully seated at the base and the seal face is in contact with no trapped material. Refit the cap and tighten the clamp or bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. Criterion: even gap between cap and housing, no visible skew.
Start-up check. Restore power and run the machine 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); air filter differential pressure indicator in the green zone.
The one iron rule: never start the machine before the element is seated. Running with no element or an uncompressed seal allows completely unfiltered air into the airend and can cause irreversible wear in a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 99273906 and 39588777 interchangeable?
No. 39588777 is for the ML37 / MU37 models, with a 130 mm OD and 250 mm height; 99273906 is for the M37, with a 270 mm OD and 120 mm height. The sizes differ by more than a factor of two and the elements cannot physically fit the same housing. Verify both machine model and part number when ordering.
How often should it be replaced?
Under standard conditions, approximately 2,000 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first. This is not a hard limit: reduce to under 1,000 hours in high-dust environments such as cement, foundry, woodworking or mining sites; extend moderately in clean environments with low running hours. 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 the element loads with dust, intake resistance rises; based on compression ratio theory, resistance rising from 0 to 6 kPa increases machine energy consumption by about 6.3%. Once the media tears or the seal fails, unfiltered air enters the airend directly and dust contaminates the screw rotors, bearings, separator element, oil filter and lubricant together — turning a filter-element cost into an airend overhaul cost.
How do I know it is time to replace?
Three signals: the differential pressure indicator enters the alarm zone (about 6.0–6.5 kPa); on visual inspection after shutdown the media surface is fully covered with dust with no visible pleat pattern; or the machine shows reduced discharge capacity with rising current or energy consumption. Any one signal warrants replacement.
Can the element be cleaned and reused?
Not recommended. This is a pleated paper element designed as a single-use part. Back-blowing with compressed air only removes surface dust; fine particles trapped in the depth of the media cannot be cleared, and the blow pressure readily fractures media fibers or distorts pleat spacing, creating invisible channels that let unfiltered air pass. A cleaned element is effectively "looks clean, actually failed" — the risk outweighs the benefit.
What else should be checked when changing the air filter?
Check the air filter differential pressure indicator for responsiveness (does it return correctly after reset), the intake hose for cracks or looseness, the housing seal ring for ageing, and inlet valve operation. These parts work together with the element; replacing only the element without checking the surroundings often leads to recurring intake faults in a short time.
Is this a genuine part?
99273906 is the Ingersoll Rand original part number described on this page. Always order by the part number itself — it is the only unambiguous identifier. Do not order based only on "fits M37" or visual similarity.
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. Being in the same series does not mean the same element; verify each model individually.
What is the most common installation error?
Two: trapping material on the seal face or tightening the cap before the element is fully seated, causing leakage; and tightening cap bolts in a one-sided sequence, causing uneven loading 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 and reduces filtration efficiency, while the metal support can corrode. Store on indoor shelving in a dry, ventilated area, off the floor and away from walls, water and oil. Use unopened stock within 2–3 years, following first-in-first-out; long-term stockpiling is not recommended.
Compatible Machine Models
| No. | Model | Machine 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. The other rows are for same-series comparison only, to help you rule out mis-purchase.
- Row 4, ML37 / MU37, has the same machine capacity as row 1, M37, but uses a completely different element size. Equal capacity does not mean a shared element — this is the most easily confused point in the series.
- If your machine's nameplate model is not listed, provide a nameplate photo and full model number; we will reverse-look-up by part number and confirm before ordering.
Note on Model Generations
Ingersoll Rand M37 compressors exist in different production generations. The product described here is the intake element for earlier M37 models. Newer M37-75 series machines (corresponding to the SL/SM37-75KW operation and parts manual) use a different part-number system in their parts manuals. If your machine is a recent build, verify against the parts manual supplied with it or contact us with the machine 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 are maintained on a similar cycle to the air filter. They are listed below by location, function and inspection point; request specific part numbers against the machine's parts manual.
| 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; check the housing seal face for oil seepage after replacement |
| Separator element | Inside the separator tank | Separates oil mist from compressed air and returns oil, controlling oil carry-over | Check the oil return line for blockage during replacement; poor return flow directly causes excessive oil carry-over |
| Air filter differential pressure indicator | On the air filter assembly | Indicates element loading and signals replacement timing | Should return correctly after reset; a reading that never moves indicates failure and the indicator should be replaced |
| Coolant filter element | Coolant circuit, between cooler and filter | Keeps coolant clean, preventing scale and wear-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 machine runs cold long-term or raises high-temperature alarms, check the thermostatic valve first |
| Breather filter | On the separator tank | Balances tank pressure and prevents external dust entering the oil circuit | 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 grouping: on dusty sites, replace the air filter, oil filter element and separator element in the same service to avoid staggered maintenance intervals and repeated downtime. Schedule the coolant filter element and thermostatic valve element on their own cycles.
Procurement and Supply
This element is supplied for export with OEM/ODM support for distributors and brand owners. Please confirm machine model and part number when requesting a quotation; we verify against the part number before dispatch. Datasheets and packing lists are available on request. Sampling, private-label options, MOQ and lead time are confirmed per order.