Product
Ingersoll Rand 99273906 Air Filter Element | M37 Compressor Intake
Genuine Ingersoll Rand 99273906 air filter element for M37 rotary screw compressors. 270 mm OD x 120 mm H, 2–10 µm filtration, approx. 1.3 m² media area, 2000-hour service interval. Export-ready with OEM traceability.
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Ingersoll Rand M37 Air Filter Element 99273906
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 compressor intake, upstream of the inlet valve, forming the first filtration barrier of the entire compression 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 large particles while depth filtration retains finer contaminants. Only clean air is allowed into the rotor meshing zone.
The condition of this element directly affects airend service life. Unfiltered air entering the screw airend accelerates rotor and bearing wear and contaminates the downstream separator element, oil filter and lubricant, shortening all three at once. Severe blockage reduces intake volume, lowering discharge output and raising energy consumption; in extreme cases oil carry-over can cause airend seizure. Replacing the air filter on schedule is therefore the lowest-cost protection available for the airend.
Key Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 99273906 |
| Description | Air Filter Element |
| Application | Ingersoll Rand M37 rotary screw compressor |
| Unit FAD | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Element Outside Diameter | 270 mm |
| Element Height | 120 mm |
| Effective Filter 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 Pressure Drop | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Recommended Change Interval | Approx. 2000 hours (adjust to operating conditions) |
Basic Parameters
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 99273906 |
| Brand | Ingersoll Rand |
| Product Name | Air Filter Element |
| Product Category | Intake filtration (air filter) |
| Compatible Model | M37 rotary screw air compressor (see Section 6) |
| Unit FAD | 6 m³/min @ 0.7 MPa |
| Installation Position | Inside the intake air filter assembly, upstream of the inlet valve |
| Change Interval | Approx. 2000 hours |
Technical Specifications
1. Filtration Performance (Core Metrics)
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration Rating | 2–10 µm | Industry range (sources cite 2–10, 3–12, 5–10 and 10–15 µm; mainstream overlapping range shown) |
| 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 characterized per ISO 5011 by efficiency, intake resistance and dust holding capacity | Technical note |
| Dust Holding Capacity | Approx. 380 g | Estimated (effective area 1.3 m² × typical wood-pulp media capacity of 300 g/m²) |
| Beta Ratio (β) | Not applicable to air filter elements | Not applicable — see note below |
About the beta ratio: β values are a hydraulic and lubricating oil filter metric determined by the ISO 16889 multi-pass test, expressing the filtration ratio at a given particle size. Air filter elements are not characterized by β values; they are evaluated per ISO 5011 using filtration efficiency + intake resistance + dust holding capacity. A β value appearing in an air filter specification is usually copied by mistake from a hydraulic filter datasheet.
2. Flow and Resistance 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) |
| Filter 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 media resistance characteristics) |
| Operating Differential Range | Approx. 1.0–6.0 kPa | Estimated (full span from new-element initial resistance to alarm resistance) |
| Alarm / Final Resistance | 6.0–6.5 kPa | Estimated (per the unit's air filter differential indicator alarm setting; refer to the machine for the exact value) |
| Pressure Drop vs. Energy | Each 1 kPa rise in intake resistance increases unit energy consumption by approx. 1% | Estimated — calculation below |
Quantitative relationship between pressure drop and energy (estimated)
Using an M37 discharge pressure of 0.7 MPa (gauge) and atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa as the baseline, 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% |
Engineering implication: as an element runs from new to alarm condition (0 → 6 kPa), unit energy consumption rises by roughly 6%. On a 37 kW unit running 6000 hours per year, this represents sustained excess power draw during the latter part of the element's life. The money saved by running a clogged element is far less than the extra electricity paid for — this is the engineering rationale behind the factory differential alarm setting.
3. Dimensions and Installation Parameters
| Parameter | Value / Notes | Data Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Dimensions | 270 mm OD × 120 mm H | Consistent across sources |
| Construction | Pleated (folded media wrap) | Industry value |
| Effective Filter 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 Pitch | Approx. 4.8 mm | Estimated (mean circumference 738 mm ÷ 150 pleats) |
| Mounting Interface | End-cap located, matched to the M37 air filter assembly | Based on model compatibility |
| Sealing Method | Face seal (axial compression) | Estimated (standard for this element type; confirm against the actual part) |
Procurement note: when cross-checking a replacement, 270 mm OD and 120 mm height are the two most direct dimensions to compare. The related ML37 / MU37 models use 39588777 (130 mm OD × 250 mm H) — the size difference is substantial and the two 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 value |
| Media Basis Weight | Approx. 130 g/m² | Estimated (midpoint of the typical 100–150 g/m² range for air filter paper) |
| Inner / Outer Support | Galvanized steel perforated cage, approx. 0.6 mm thickness, ≥45% open area | Estimated (common practice for comparable products) |
| End Caps | Metal end caps (galvanized steel) + polyurethane adhesive | Estimated (no plastic end caps specified for this series) |
| Seal | NBR (nitrile rubber) sealing ring | Estimated (standard material for compressor intake parts; 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 cage) |
5. Operating Condition Tolerance
| 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) |
| Bursting Strength | Media bursting strength approx. 200–400 kPa (per ISO 2758 paper bursting strength 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 features specified 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 Change Interval | Shorten to under 1000 hours in dusty, sandy or humid environments; follow the differential alarm | Engineering recommendation |
| Shelf Life | Approx. 2–3 years (unopened, dry and ventilated storage) | Estimated (normal validity for media and adhesives under controlled storage; moisture or direct sunlight will shorten it significantly) |
7. Applicable Standards
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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 Cited Test Standards | ISO 2941 / 2942 / 2943 / 3723 / 3724 / 3968 |
| Standard Applicability Note | The ISO 29xx / 37xx series above are in fact general test methods for hydraulic fluid power filter elements (collapse/burst rating, construction 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. |
Standard Maintenance and Installation Steps
Single-person operation, approximately 20–30 minutes.
Stop the machine, isolate power and release pressure
Press the emergency stop or shutdown 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-cover bolts and remove the cover. Criterion: cover is not deformed and the clamp is not seized; if the clamp is seized, address it before removal.Remove the old element and inspect its condition
Pull the old element straight out and examine dust distribution and media condition. Criterion: if the media shows tears, holes, end-cap debonding or a flattened sealing face, replace it immediately even if the interval has not been reached; a black oily sludge on the outer surface indicates abnormal oil mist in the intake and calls for an upstream environment check.Thoroughly clean the housing interior
Wipe the housing walls and base with a lint-free cloth. Never blow compressed air directly into the housing interior (this drives dust into the intake passage). Criterion: no loose dust on the walls, sealing face flat and free of debris.Verify the new element
Compare old and new parts: 270 mm OD, 120 mm height, intact 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-check the part number.Fit the new element and refit the cover
Place the new element vertically into the housing, confirming it seats fully at the base and the sealing face contacts without trapped material. Refit the cover and tighten the clamp or bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. Criterion: even gap between cover and housing, no visible skew.Start-up check
Restore power and run the unit 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 indicator sits in the green zone.
The single iron rule of installation: never start the unit before the element is seated. Starting with no element or an uncompressed seal allows completely unfiltered air straight into the airend and can cause irreversible wear in a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 99273906 and 39588777 interchangeable?
No. 39588777 fits the ML37 / MU37 models with a 130 mm OD and 250 mm height; 99273906 fits the M37 with a 270 mm OD and 120 mm height. The sizes differ by more than double and will not physically fit the same housing. Always cross-check both model and part number when ordering.
How often should it be replaced?
Approx. 2000 hours under standard conditions. This is not a hard deadline: in high-dust environments (cement, foundry, woodworking, mining) shorten to under 1000 hours; in clean environments with low running hours it may be extended. The most reliable practice is to follow the air filter differential indicator and replace at the alarm point.
What happens if it is not replaced?
Failure propagates through the system and carries a clear economic cost. As dust accumulates, intake resistance rises — based on compression ratio, resistance increasing from 0 to 6 kPa raises unit 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 at the same time, escalating repair cost from the price of one element to the scale of an airend overhaul.
How do I know it needs replacing?
Three signals: the differential indicator enters the alarm zone (approx. 6.0–6.5 kPa); after shutdown, a visual check shows the media surface fully covered in dust with no visible pleat pattern; or the unit shows reduced discharge volume with rising current/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. Back-blowing with compressed air only removes surface dust; deeply trapped fine particles cannot be cleared, and back-blow pressure easily fractures media fibers or deforms the pleat spacing, creating invisible channels that let unfiltered air pass. A cleaned element is effectively "looks clean, functions failed" — the risk outweighs the benefit.
What else should be checked when replacing the air filter?
Recommended checks: whether the differential indicator still responds (does it reset normally after being pressed), whether the intake hose is cracked or loose, whether the housing seal ring is aged, and whether the inlet valve operates correctly. These parts work together with the air filter; replacing only the element without checking the surroundings often leads to intake problems recurring shortly after.
Is this a genuine OEM part?
The 99273906 described on this page is an Ingersoll Rand OEM part number. When ordering, refer to the part number itself — it is the only identification that cannot be confused. Do not order based solely 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. The same series does not mean the same element — verify model by model.
What are the most common installation mistakes?
Two: trapping material on the sealing face or tightening the cover before the element is fully seated, causing a leak; and tightening cover bolts in a one-sided sequence, causing uneven loading and skew. The correct method is to confirm seating first, then tighten evenly in a diagonal cross pattern in stages.
Are there storage requirements for new elements?
Yes. Damp media swells and deforms, reducing filtration efficiency, and the metal cage will corrode. Store on indoor shelving in a dry, ventilated area, off the floor and away from walls, water sources and oil contamination. Use unopened stock within 2–3 years, following first-in-first-out; long-term stockpiling is not recommended.
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. All other rows are provided only as same-series reference to help you rule out mis-purchase.
- Row 4 (ML37 / MU37) and row 1 (M37) both have a 6 m³/min FAD, yet their air filter part numbers and dimensions are completely different — identical FAD does not mean a common element, which is the most easily confused point in this series.
- If your unit's nameplate model is not listed above, provide a photo of the nameplate and the full model number; we will confirm by reverse lookup from the part number before you order.
Note on machine generations
The Ingersoll Rand M37 exists in different production generations. The 99273906 described here is the intake filter for earlier M37 machines. Newer M37-75 series units (covered by the SL/SM37-75KW operation and 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 are maintained on the same cycle as the air filter. They are listed below by location, function and inspection point; for specific part numbers, refer to the unit'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; 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 carry-over | On replacement, also check the oil return line for blockage (poor return directly causes excessive oil carry-over) |
| Air Filter Differential Indicator | On the air filter assembly | Indicates element blockage and signals replacement timing | Should reset normally when pressed; a reading that never moves indicates failure and calls for replacement |
| Coolant Filter Element | Coolant return 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 coolant flow through the cooler to maintain airend operating temperature | If the unit runs cold for long periods or triggers 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, aging and loose clamps — bypass leakage is as harmful as no element at all |
Recommended kit replacement: at dusty sites, replace the air filter, oil filter element and separator element together to avoid staggered maintenance cycles and repeated shutdowns. Schedule the coolant filter element and thermostatic valve element on their own intervals.