I just purchased the Alpha filter for use with the Shoebox F-10 compressor. Before purchasing the filter I was told that one should change the filter when more then the usual amount of moisture comes out of the escape valve after a normal fill. I’ve run the compressor many times but there is never any moisture escaping the check valve. I called Joe and he said this is normal. Quite confused as I was expecting some moisture to come out of the valve. What has been your experience when releasing the pressure from the Alpha after a fill?
Alpha Filter
- Thread starter secondditch
- Start date
I’m using the filter with a Carette compressor. Some moister usually dampens the floor below the filter when I release the pressure. I got over 20 hours on the current filter cartridge the cartrige has a strip that Changes color when it’s time to change cartridge that’s what you should go by. I get my replacement cartridges from this place
https://www.filtertechs.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=96_20_130&products_id=394&osCsid=4322f7255261ddcb72c30977a1896d44
They are $5.00 less and no BS with no credit card usage charge
https://www.filtertechs.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=96_20_130&products_id=394&osCsid=4322f7255261ddcb72c30977a1896d44
They are $5.00 less and no BS with no credit card usage charge
Upvote 0
Brian10956...I like the strip indicator on the replacemeny cartridge you suggested. Wonder why I don’t get any moisture from my Alpha. Perhaps it’s because I fill to a small Guppy tank so the compressor doesn’t run a long time before hitting 4,500 psi. Thanks for responding.
Upvote 0
I noticed the link you posted does not include the Alpha filter as one that it fits. Are you using the X156712 filter on your Alpha? Just want to make sure I dont buy the wrong one. Thank you.
Upvote 0
It fits, the Alpha is a proprietary brand only sold by Joe b companies that’s why it’s not mentioned . It fits no problem and it is a better deal. It’s a brand sold nationally for that particular size filter the one Joe b sells appears to be a generic copy which should be less expensive but it’s not. Just measure the cartrige in your Alpha and you’ll see if it fits .
Upvote 0
The amount of moisture exiting your compressor is directly proportionate to the amount of moisture in the air you are compressing. When you use the compressor in 95% humidity vs using it in 40% humidity there will be a big difference in the moisture you will see.
Upvote 0
My compressor has 3 drain valves plus an automatic drain that I have set to open every 10 minutes while it’s running. (Carette compressor) when I’m finished filling my tanks I open the 3 valves and let the compressor run under no load for 5 minutes to blow out and residual moister.
Upvote 0
You responses are appreciated. I finally got something out of the Alpha’s pressure release port. Prior to this I would gently release the pressure. I was told I needed to gently release the pressure so that the moisture would have a chance to escape with the air. Today, I let the air out with a lot of force. Instead of moisture though I got gray oily sluge. The consistency was like light weight oil. I was expecting moisture, not this. Is this normal? Could anyone suggest how this may have gotten into the F-10? I do apply lithium grease on the rod and silicone oil on the felt pads per the Shoebox’s instruction.
Upvote 0
I'd be interested to hear more on this too. I have a Shoebox F10 and Alpha filter / Joe B filter on order which will arrive this week.
Upvote 0
Remember when you get the Alpha to work properly it must be kept upright. That way any water that collects will collect in the empty space on the bottom (where the spring is) where it can be drained off rather than soaking into filter.
With the problem with the Shoebox blowing oil with its air output you should first check if that’s normal, if not see how to fix or minimize it. You could possibly put one of those $99 Chinese filters in between compressor and Alpha fill the filter with Kotex material to absorb oil. Because it will also retain moisture I think the wadding will need to be changed frequently.
this link has the type of filter I’m talking about it’s more than $99 but if you shop you can find it for less.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/30MPA-high-Pressure-Pump-Water-Separator-Filtration-Air-Pump-Scuba-Diving-Filter/263232049700?epid=2267142877&hash=item3d49da5224:g:fcYAAOSwhJtZy1A1
With the problem with the Shoebox blowing oil with its air output you should first check if that’s normal, if not see how to fix or minimize it. You could possibly put one of those $99 Chinese filters in between compressor and Alpha fill the filter with Kotex material to absorb oil. Because it will also retain moisture I think the wadding will need to be changed frequently.
this link has the type of filter I’m talking about it’s more than $99 but if you shop you can find it for less.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/30MPA-high-Pressure-Pump-Water-Separator-Filtration-Air-Pump-Scuba-Diving-Filter/263232049700?epid=2267142877&hash=item3d49da5224:g:fcYAAOSwhJtZy1A1
Upvote 0
Secondditch, the sludge is an indication that you are applying too much lithium grease and/or are applying grease more often than necessary. This is frequently mentioned on the Shoebox owner forums. Less lithium lube less often is the answer. The gray sludge is the white lithium grease turned gray by friction while lubing the piston rods. You don’t need another output filter. Two output filters add a lot more pressurized air which gets bled off. It would significantly add to the fill time given the miniscule output of a Shoebox. If gray sludge has reached your filter you will find that your check valves in the two stages of your Shoebox are caked with sludge as well. I sold my Shoebox before the self lubricating pads were offered. I believe the silicone oiler pads were added to replace the need for lithium grease on the rods rather than in addition to it.
Upvote 0