TL Series — Filter Replacement & Preventive Maintenance – South-Tek Systems

Applies to: N2-GEN Arc Suppression — TL Series · TL-450 · TL-1050 · TL-450-Plus · TL-1050-Plus · TL-1825 · TL-1725

Routine filter replacement is the main upkeep for a TL Series generator. Clean filter elements keep the system performing to specification and protect the adsorbent media. Always use the filter elements specified by South-Tek Systems; other filters can cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.

Maintenance schedule

The schedule depends on whether your unit has an integral compressor or runs on an external air supply.

Model	Annual Filter Kit	Filters and Interval
TL-450, TL-1050, TL-450-Plus, TL-1050-Plus	FRP-007	Air intake pre-filter, particulate, and coalescing — all once per year or every 1,000 hours, whichever comes first
TL-1825	FRP-1-1	Particulate every 3 months, coalescing every 6 months, adsorber every 12 months
TL-1725	Contact South-Tek Systems	Particulate every 3 months, coalescing every 6 months, adsorber every 12 months

In dirty environments, filters may need changing more often. If an element is excessively dirty at replacement, shorten the interval.

ℹ Between filter changes Periodically verify the filter auto-drains are working. Each drain should pulse and expel condensate rather than run continuously or sit dry with liquid standing in the bowl. A drain stuck closed lets water and oil carry over into the adsorbent media and cause permanent damage; a drain stuck open bleeds air and looks like a leak. Keep the drains and drain lines clear.

Before you start

Power down the system before any maintenance, and make sure the filter bowls are fully depressurized. On integral-compressor units, the gauge after the filter bowl should read 0 PSIG. On external-air units, valve off the incoming air supply and relieve system pressure by opening the wedge valve after the filters, then confirm the air-supply gauge reads 0 PSIG.

▲ Warning Do not remove a filter bowl until its gauge clearly reads 0 PSIG. Removing a bowl under pressure can cause injury.

Integral-compressor units (TL-450, TL-1050, TL-450-Plus, TL-1050-Plus)

Power down the unit and remove the front cover to reach the filters.

Air intake pre-filter

The integral compressor has an air intake pre-filter that keeps particles out of the compressor. Remove the pre-compressor filter cap by twisting it clockwise, remove the old element, wipe the bowl with a clean dry cloth, and install the new element in reverse order.

Particulate and coalescing filters

Confirm there is no pressure on the bowls. The gauge after the filter bowl should read 0 PSIG.
Unscrew the filter bowls by turning them counter-clockwise.
Rinse any debris from the bowls with warm water, dry them with a clean cloth, and replace the old O-rings with the ones in the kit.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the particulate element and replace it.
Remove the coalescing element by turning it counter-clockwise by hand, then install the new element in reverse order.
Screw the bowls back into their housings.
Reset the filter timer (see Resetting the filter timer), replace the front cover, and power the unit up. Confirm the compressor runs and the unit produces nitrogen, and check the bowls for leaks.

TL-1050 filter locations — particulate/coalescing filter and air intake filter housing

Compressor replacement

The integral compressor is a wear item. Plan to replace it every 6,000 to 8,000 hours, depending on operating conditions. Contact South-Tek Systems to order the correct compressor for your unit and to schedule the replacement.

External-air units (TL-1825, TL-1725)

These units use a three-stage incoming-air filter set: particulate, coalescing, and adsorber. After valving off the incoming air and relieving pressure, replace the elements as follows.

Disconnect the tubes from the bottom of the bowls if they are tied into a condensate drain system.
Remove the bowls. Depending on the bowl style, push the bowl latch down and rotate the bowl while pulling down, or remove the screws securing the bowl and pull it off.
Inspect the bowls. If the drains are working, the bowls should not be full of water.
Unscrew the filter element and inspect it. If it is excessively dirty, plan to change filters more often.
Wash the bowls in soapy water and rinse, or use a light air gun to clear debris, then dry with a clean cloth.
Install the new element and replace O-rings as needed.
Reinstall the bowl, seated correctly, and reconnect the drain tubes.
Slowly open the air inlet valve to pressurize the bowls, then check for leaks.

▲ Attention A plugged drain system lets water and oil carry over into the adsorber, which permanently damages the media inside the generator. This damage is not covered by the warranty. Keep the drains clear and use only South-Tek Systems specified filters.

Resetting the filter timer

After replacing the elements, reset the filter change timer:

TL-450 and TL-1050 (PLC): press and hold the filter reset button (button 0) for 7 seconds. An audible beep confirms the 1,000-hour timer and filter alarm have reset.
Plus, TL-1825, and TL-1725 (HMI): use the filter replacement frequency (FRP Freq) and Filter History screens, reached from the menu, to confirm intervals and clear the filter status.

Filter reset button location (TL-450 / TL-1050)

Process valve rebuild (TL-1725)

On the TL-1725, South-Tek Systems recommends rebuilding all process valves every 5 years or 15,000 hours. Contact South-Tek Systems for the specific rebuild kit and instructions.

Need help? South-Tek Systems Service — Phone: (910) 415-1880 · Open a support ticket at support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com or through the Help Center.