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, and roughly 2,000-hour service life. Export-ready with OEM/ODM support and 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 sits inside the air filter housing at the compressor inlet, upstream of the inlet valve.
As the machine runs, ambient air is drawn in and dust, grit, fibres, water mist and oil mist are trapped by the media before reaching the airend. Surface filtration catches coarse particles; depth filtration holds the finer fraction. Only clean air is allowed into the rotor meshing zone.
Filter condition directly affects airend life. Unfiltered air lets hard particles accelerate rotor and bearing wear, and contaminates the downstream separator element, oil filter and lubricant so all three lose service life together. A heavily loaded element also restricts intake flow, cutting delivered capacity and raising energy use. Replacing the air filter on schedule is the lowest-cost protection you can give the airend.
Key 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 / final resistance | 6.0–6.5 kPa |
| Recommended replacement interval | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months, adjusted to site conditions |
Technical Parameters
Filtration performance
| Parameter | Value / note |
|---|---|
| Filtration rating | 2–10 μm |
| Filtration efficiency | ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm |
| Filter class | HVAC classifications such as EN 779 G/M/F do not apply. Air intake elements are characterised to 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 |
| 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 | Each 1 kPa of intake resistance adds roughly 1% to machine energy consumption. |
Pressure drop and energy use in figures
With the M37 at 0.7 MPa gauge and atmospheric pressure at 101.3 kPa, intake resistance raises the compression ratio:
| Intake resistance | Compression ratio | 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% |
Over the life of one element, from new to alarm (0 to 6 kPa), machine energy use climbs by roughly 6%. On a 37 kW machine running 6,000 hours a year, that is continuous extra power draw through the later part of the element's life. The saving from running a clogged element is far smaller than the electricity it costs.
Dimensions and installation
| Parameter | Value / note |
|---|---|
| Overall size | 270 mm OD × 120 mm H |
| Construction | Pleated (rolled pleated media) |
| Effective filtration area | Approx. 1.3 m² |
| Pleat count | Approx. 150 |
| Pleat spacing | Approx. 4.8 mm |
| Mounting interface | End-cap located, matched to the M37 air filter assembly |
| Sealing | Face seal, axial compression |
Buyer note: when cross-checking a replacement, the 270 mm outside diameter and 120 mm height are the two most direct dimensions to compare. The ML37 / MU37 machines in the same family use 39588777 (130 mm OD × 250 mm H) — a completely different size that will not interchange.
Materials
| Parameter | Value / note |
|---|---|
| Filter media | Imported wood-pulp filter paper (industry-common US HV or Ahlstrom media) |
| Media weight | Approx. 130 g/m² |
| Inner and outer support | Galvanised punched steel, approx. 0.6 mm thick, open area ≥45% |
| End caps | Metal end caps (galvanised steel) bonded with polyurethane adhesive |
| Seal | NBR rubber seal ring |
| Bonding | Polyurethane (PU) hot-melt adhesive |
Operating tolerance
| Parameter | Value / note |
|---|---|
| Operating temperature | −10 to +100 °C |
| Relative humidity | ≤80% RH, no condensation |
| Burst strength | Media burst strength approx. 200–400 kPa (to ISO 2758) |
| Collapse resistance | Element designed for differential pressure ≥10 kPa |
| Special features | No flame-retardant, anti-static or moisture-proof ratings are specified for this part number. |
Service life and storage
| Parameter | Value / note |
|---|---|
| Service life | Approx. 2,000 hours or 3 months |
| Actual replacement interval | Shorten to under 1,000 hours in dusty, gritty or humid conditions; follow the differential-pressure alarm |
| Storage life | Approx. 2–3 years unopened, dry and ventilated conditions |
Standards
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product standard | ISO 5011 (intake air filters for engines and compressors — performance testing), covering 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 are general test methods for hydraulic fluid power filter elements (burst, structural integrity, material compatibility, axial load, flow fatigue, pressure drop vs. flow). If a supplier can only offer hydraulic element standards, ask for ISO 5011 or the original manufacturer specification. |
Installation Steps
One person can complete the job in about 20–30 minutes.
Stop, isolate and depressurise. Press stop or emergency stop, switch off the main supply and apply lockout/tagout. Open the receiver drain valve to release system pressure and wait until the separator tank gauge reads zero. Check: gauge at 0 and no residual air flow noise.
Open the air filter housing. The M37 filter assembly is at the intake end. Release the housing clamp or end-cover bolts and remove the cover. Check: cover not deformed, clamp not seized. If the clamp is seized, free it before removal.
Remove the old element and inspect it. Pull the element straight out and look at the dust pattern and media condition. Check: replace immediately if the media is torn, perforated, de-bonded from the end cap or the seal face is flattened — even before the interval is due. Black oily sludge on the outer surface points to abnormal oil mist in the intake, so check the upstream environment.
Clean the housing thoroughly. Wipe the inner wall and base with a lint-free cloth. Never blast compressed air into the housing — it drives dust into the intake passage. Check: no loose dust inside, seal face flat and clear.
Verify the new element. Compare old and new: 270 mm OD, 120 mm height, seal strip complete with no gaps, media undamaged. Check: all three dimensions and the visual condition match. If any item does not match, do not install it — re-confirm the part number.
Fit the new element and refit the cover. Lower the element vertically into the housing, confirm it seats fully at the base and the seal face contacts without trapped material. Refit the cover and tighten the clamp or bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. Check: even gap between cover and housing, no visible skew.
Start-up check. Restore power and run the machine for 5–10 minutes. Check: no abnormal whistling or intake noise (unusual noise usually means the seal is not compressed or the element is not seated); the air filter differential-pressure indicator sits in the green zone.
The one hard rule: never start the machine before the element is seated. Running with no element, or with an uncompressed seal, sends 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 the ML37 / MU37 and measures 130 mm OD × 250 mm H; 99273906 is for the M37 at 270 mm OD × 120 mm H. The sizes differ by more than double, so they cannot fit the same housing. Always cross-check both machine model and part number when buying.
How often should it be replaced?
Under standard conditions, about 2,000 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first. That figure is not a hard deadline: in heavy dust (cement, foundry, woodworking, mining sites) shorten it to under 1,000 hours; in clean environments with low running hours it can be extended. The most reliable guide is the differential-pressure indicator — replace at the alarm point.
What happens if it is not replaced?
Failure propagates through the system and the economics are clear. As dust builds, intake resistance rises; based on compression-ratio theory, going from 0 to 6 kPa adds about 6.3% to energy use. Once the media tears or the seal fails, unfiltered air reaches the airend and dust contaminates the rotors, bearings, separator element, oil filter and lubricant at the same time — turning a filter-price repair into an airend-overhaul-scale cost.
How do I know it needs changing?
Three signals: the differential-pressure indicator enters the alarm zone (about 6.0–6.5 kPa); a visual check after shutdown shows the media fully covered in dust with no visible pleats; or the machine shows falling delivered capacity with rising current or energy use. Any one of these means replace it.
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 inside out only removes surface dust; fine particles trapped in the depth of the media stay. The air pressure also easily breaks fibres or distorts pleat spacing, creating invisible paths that let unfiltered air straight through. A cleaned element can look fine while actually being failed — the risk outweighs any saving.
What else should be checked when changing the air filter?
Check the differential-pressure indicator for correct response (it should return after being pressed to reset), the intake hose for cracks or looseness, the housing seal ring for ageing, and the inlet valve for correct operation. These parts work with the filter, and changing the element without checking them can quickly bring back an intake problem.
Is this a genuine part?
The 99273906 described here is an Ingersoll Rand original part number. Buy against the part number itself — it is the one identifier that cannot be confused. Do not order on the basis of "fits M37" or a similar appearance alone.
Do all M-series machines 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 — check each machine model individually.
What is the most common installation mistake?
Two things: trapping material on the seal face or tightening the cover before the element is fully seated, which causes leakage; and tightening cover bolts in a one-sided sequence, which skews the cover and loads it unevenly. The correct method is to confirm seating first, then tighten evenly in a diagonal sequence in stages.
Are there storage requirements for new elements?
Yes. Moisture makes the paper swell and deform, reducing efficiency, and rusts the metal support. Store on indoor shelving in a dry, ventilated area, off the floor and away from walls, and away from water and oil. Use unopened stock within about 2–3 years and follow first-in, first-out. Long-term stockpiling is not advised.
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 covers row 1, the M37. The other rows are included only as a same-series comparison to help you avoid a wrong purchase.
- Row 4, ML37 / MU37, has the same machine capacity as row 1, M37, but a completely different air filter size. Equal capacity does not mean an interchangeable element — this is the most confusing point in the series.
- If your machine's nameplate model is not listed, send us a photo of the nameplate and the full model number. We will confirm by part number before you order.
Note on machine generations
The Ingersoll Rand M37 was built in more than one production generation. The product described here is the intake element for earlier M37 machines. Newer M37-75 series machines (covered by the SL/SM37-75KW operation and parts manual) use a different part-number system in their parts manual. If your machine is a recent build, check against the parts manual supplied with it, or contact us with the machine serial number. In practice, the safest confirmation is still to read the part number from the old element itself.
Related Parts
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. For specific part numbers, refer to the machine parts manual.
| Component | Location | Function | Inspection point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil filter element | Main oil circuit, between cooler and airend | Removes wear debris and sludge from the lubricant, protecting bearings and rotors | Change together with the air filter; after fitting, check the housing seal face for oil seepage |
| 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 at the same time — poor return directly raises oil carry-over |
| Air filter differential-pressure indicator | On the air filter assembly | Shows element loading and indicates when to replace | Should return correctly after being pressed to reset; if the reading never moves it has failed and should be replaced |
| Coolant filter element | Coolant circuit, between cooler and filter | Keeps coolant clean and prevents scale and debris build-up | Change together with the oil filter |
| Thermostatic control valve element | Between cooler and filter | Controls coolant flow through the cooler to maintain airend operating temperature | If the machine runs cold or gives high-temperature alarms, check the thermostatic valve first |
| Breather filter | On the separator tank | Balances tank pressure and stops external dust entering the oil circuit here | Inspect on the same cycle as the air filter; shorten the interval in dusty conditions |
| Intake hose and housing seal ring | Between the air filter assembly and the airend | Keeps the intake path leak-free with no unfiltered air bypass | Check for cracks, ageing and loose clamps; bypass leakage is as damaging as running with no element |
Matching replacement advice: in dusty sites, change the air filter, oil filter and separator element together to avoid staggered maintenance intervals and repeated downtime. Schedule the coolant filter and thermostatic valve element on their own cycles.
Procurement and OEM Support
We supply the 99273906 air filter element to importers, distributors and compressor service companies, with OEM/ODM support for private-label and packaging programmes. Please confirm the part number, required quantity and destination port when requesting a quote, and we will reply with packing details, lead time and shipping options by sea or air.