Ingersoll Rand 47701891001 Air Filter Element | Replaces 39903281

Product Overview

47701891001 is the inlet air filter element for Ingersoll Rand oil-lubricated screw compressors in the 90–160 kW range. The previous factory part number is 39903281 — both numbers refer to the same element, so old drawings and legacy spare-parts lists marked 39903281 can be supplied under this part number.

The element sits inside the external intake filter assembly, upstream of the airend inlet, and forms the first filtration stage on the air path. Dust, grit, fibers and airborne debris drawn in with ambient air are stopped before they reach the screw rotors. Once the element fails, unfiltered air enters the airend directly and accelerates wear on the rotors, bearings and lubricant.

This element fits Ingersoll Rand 90–160 kW screw compressors, typically M350-3S, 125S/150S/175S/200S, ML/MM/MH 90–160, MM90–110 and M90/M110. In the Ingersoll Rand range this power band belongs to the VPeX platform. Other 90–160 kW platforms such as NG R-Series, and larger models such as M250, use different air filter part numbers and are not interchangeable — see the cross-platform table below.

Key Specifications

• Part number: 47701891001
• Previous factory PN: 39903281
• Product: Air filter element
• Brand: Ingersoll Rand
• Power band: 90–160 kW
• Filtration rating: 5–10 μm
• Filtration efficiency: ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm
• Dimensions: approx. 380 mm OD × 178 mm overall height
• Recommended service interval: 2000 hours or 3 months

Technical Parameters

Filtration Performance

• Filtration rating: 5–10 μm
• Filtration efficiency: ≥98% for particles ≥5 μm
• Filter class: characterized to ISO 5011 by efficiency, restriction and dust holding capacity — HVAC classifications such as G4 or F7 do not apply
• Dust holding capacity: directly related to on-site dust concentration; no single nominal figure — use the intake differential pressure gauge reading as the change-out criterion

Rating and efficiency should be read together. An element with a high rating but small dust capacity builds restriction quickly and needs frequent replacement, raising whole-life cost. This element is built to hold sufficient dust volume at 5–10 μm for continuously running 90–160 kW compressors.

Flow and Restriction

• Rated air flow: must be no lower than the compressor's rated intake volume; 90–160 kW units typically draw in the region of 15–27 m³/min, sized from displacement with corrections for intake temperature and altitude
• Initial pressure drop: approx. 0.3–0.5 kPa with a clean element
• Operating differential: rises with dust load, typically 0.5–1.5 kPa in normal service
• Alarm / final restriction: typical change-out threshold approx. 1.5–2.5 kPa; the intake vacuum or differential gauge reading is the final criterion
• Restriction vs. energy: each 1 kPa of added intake restriction raises the compression ratio by about 1% and compressor energy use by about 1.0%

Restriction and energy relationship (theoretical, based on compression ratio at 0.85 MPa discharge gauge pressure):

• 0 kPa (new element): ratio 9.39 — baseline
• 0.5 kPa: ratio 9.44 — +0.5% energy
• 1.0 kPa: ratio 9.49 — +1.0% energy
• 1.5 kPa: ratio 9.53 — +1.5% energy
• 2.0 kPa: ratio 9.58 — +2.0% energy
• 2.5 kPa: ratio 9.63 — +2.5% energy

From installation to the change-out threshold, intake restriction climbs by more than 2 kPa and compressor energy use rises by roughly 2%. Machines such as the 125S–200S and M350-3S usually run continuously, so this energy gap typically exceeds the price of the element — running on restriction rather than on a calendar is not economical.

Dimensions and Installation

• Dimensions: approx. 380 mm OD × 178 mm overall height (verify against the old element before ordering)
• Effective filtration area: depends on pleat count and pleat depth — confirm by measuring the old element
• Pleat count / spacing: varies by production batch and media configuration — count on the old element
• Mounting: cylindrical insert type, located and compressed by the end cap once fitted into the intake filter assembly
• Sealing: face or radial seal, either molded into the end cap or fitted separately

Recommended measurements on the old element before ordering a replacement: outer diameter (media outer edge), inner diameter (center bore), overall height including end caps, seal face position and type (face or radial, plus seal cross-section), and mounting interface (clamp, bolt holes or quick-fit). Outer diameter, overall height and seal type directly determine fit and whether bypass occurs; the figures above are for initial comparison only.

Materials of Construction

• Filter media: cellulose (wood pulp fiber) paper, pleated construction, depth filtration that traps particles progressively through the fiber layers
• Media basis weight: approx. 130 g/m² — governs burst strength and dust holding space
• Inner and outer support: galvanized perforated steel, supporting both faces to prevent media collapse under vacuum
• End caps: metal or polyurethane, bonded to the media and carrying the seal
• Seal: polyurethane or NBR, preventing bypass between element and assembly
• Bonding: polyurethane adhesive fixing media to end caps and support

Operating Conditions

• Operating temperature: -10 °C to +80 °C
• Relative humidity: ≤90% RH, non-condensing
• Burst / collapse resistance: designed to withstand at least 5 kPa across the media without deformation
• Function: intake-stage filtration for high-power compressors; where site dust is heavy, a pre-filter layer can be added to extend main element life

In persistently humid, dusty or oil-mist-laden environments (textiles, foundries, food processing, cement), media loses strength when damp and oil mist cakes the surface — both shorten actual service life and call for shorter inspection intervals.

Service Life and Maintenance

• Service life: 2000 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first
• High-dust environments: reduce hours accordingly (for example to about 1500 hours) and bring the calendar limit forward
• Storage shelf life: use within 24 months; store dry, ventilated and out of direct light, protected from moisture and crushing
• Change-out criteria: intake differential gauge reading over limit, or media damage, adhesive separation or a flattened seal face

The 2000-hour and 3-month limits both apply, whichever comes first. The calendar limit exists because media absorbs moisture and ages over time — even if running hours are low, machines on standby or intermittent duty still need scheduled replacement.

Applicable Standards

• ISO 5011 — test method for intake filter efficiency and dust holding capacity; the basis for performance characterization of this class of air filter
• GB/T 14295 — national air filter standard, often referenced for domestic purchasing and acceptance
• ISO 8573-1 — compressed air quality classes, used to describe the machine's overall air supply grade
• Note: ISO 2941 / 2942 / 2943 / 3723 / 3724 and ISO 16889 (multi-pass) apply to hydraulic and liquid filtration, not air filters, and should not be cited as air filter performance evidence

Installation and Maintenance Steps

1. Confirm machine and part. Check the nameplate model and power rating, and confirm the new element matches the old part number. Have the element, lint-free cloths and tools ready.
2. Shut down, depressurize, isolate. Follow the shutdown procedure and allow full depressurization. Switch off the main supply and apply lockout/tagout. This step is mandatory.
3. Verify the old part before dismantling. Read the part number stamped on the old element's end cap or support and note its position before opening the intake filter assembly. Multiple intake configurations exist in the same power band — this is the key error-prevention step.
4. Remove and assess the old element. Lift it out vertically and inspect dust distribution and media condition. Replace immediately if the media is torn, perforated, the end cap has separated or the seal face is flattened — even before the interval is due. Black oily sludge on the surface indicates abnormal oil mist in the intake and the upstream environment should be checked.
5. Clean the assembly interior. Wipe the inner walls and base with a lint-free cloth. Do not blow compressed air into the assembly — this drives dust into the intake passage. The interior should be free of loose dust with a clean, flat seal face.
6. Fit the new element. Install in the same orientation and position as the old one, paying attention to seal face direction and compression. The element should sit without movement and the seal should be evenly compressed around its circumference.
7. Refit and confirm sealing. Replace the cover or clamp and tighten evenly as specified. Check that the intake vacuum gauge impulse line is clear — a blocked line gives a falsely clean reading, a common source of misjudgment.
8. Test run and record. Reset the service timer, start the compressor unloaded and observe the intake vacuum reading and running sound. The gauge should hold steady within the machine's allowed range with no abnormal whistling (whistling usually indicates seal bypass). Record the running hours as the start of the next cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are 47701891001 and 39903281 the same part?

Yes. 39903281 is the previous factory number for this part. Ingersoll Rand moved a batch of M-series air filters from legacy numbers to 11-digit numbers, and 39903281 became 47701891001. Old drawings and spare-parts lists showing 39903281 can be ordered under this part number.

Q2: Can 47701890001 and 47701891001 be used interchangeably?

No. Both belong to the same renumbering batch and share the same product name, but they serve different intake configurations. Check the stamped part number on the old element individually — do not order based on a similar name. If the number is illegible, send a photo of the end cap and the machine nameplate and we will trace it by part number.

Q3: How many elements does each machine use?

This depends on the intake assembly: the 125S–200S series uses 2 elements per machine, while MM90–110 uses 1. Different production batches of the same model can also vary. Confirm quantities from the machine's parts diagram or by counting the old elements rather than assuming one per machine.

Q4: What is the replacement interval?

The standard interval is 2000 hours or 3 months, whichever comes first. In high-dust environments (cement, quarrying, mining, metalworking) reduce this to about 1500 hours. The intake differential gauge reading is the final criterion — replace when it exceeds the limit regardless of running hours.

Q5: Why are dimensions given only as approximate values?

Dimensions vary slightly by production batch and media configuration, and multiple intake assembly configurations exist within the same power band. The approx. 380 mm OD and 178 mm height are for initial comparison. Before ordering, measure the old element's OD, ID, overall height and seal type, or send photos of the old element and the machine nameplate for verification by part number.

Q6: What happens when intake restriction rises?

Energy use increases — each 1 kPa of added restriction raises the compression ratio by about 1% and energy use by about 1% — and intake volume falls, reducing compressor output. Running past the change-out threshold costs more in electricity than the element saves. The larger the machine, the greater the difference.

Q7: Can alternative parts be used?

Yes, but three points must be verified: filtration rating, end cap seal type and dimensions. If an alternative's seal type does not match the original, bypass occurs, sending unfiltered air to the airend and accelerating rotor and bearing wear. When sourcing alternatives, provide a photo of the old element and this part number.

Q8: What should I do if there is abnormal whistling after installation?

Whistling usually indicates seal bypass — the element is not fully seated, the seal face is deformed or the seal is missing. Stop the machine immediately and recheck seating and seal condition. Also check the intake vacuum gauge impulse line for blockage to avoid a false diagnosis.

Q9: How do I replace elements on a two-stage intake?

If the intake assembly is two-stage (main filter plus safety filter), the two stages use different part numbers and positions and are not interchangeable. Replace outside-in and verify each stage against its own part number. The safety element is a backstop if the main element fails and should not be left in service indefinitely just because it looks clean.

Q10: How should spare elements be stored?

Store dry, ventilated and out of direct light, protected from moisture, rain and crushing. Damp media loses strength and deformation damages the seal fit. Use within 24 months.

Q11: How do I know the element is installed correctly?

Check two things after installation: the intake differential gauge reading should drop and stabilize in the low range, and there should be no abnormal whistling or loss of discharge volume. A high reading or whistling indicates a sealing or installation problem and the machine should be stopped and rechecked.

Compatible Models

This element fits Ingersoll Rand oil-lubricated screw compressors in the 90–160 kW band, which belongs to the VPeX platform.

• Machine type: oil-lubricated screw air compressor
• Platform: VPeX (90–160 kW band)
• Power band: 90–160 kW
• Typical models: M350-3S, 125S / 150S / 175S / 200S, ML/MM/MH 90–160, MM90–110, M90 / M110
• Quantity per machine: 2 for the 125S–200S series; 1 for MM90–110
• Confirmation: check the machine nameplate model and power rating, and use the old element's part number as the primary reference
• Typical applications: manufacturing, textiles, chemicals, building materials, pneumatic conveying and other continuous air-demand operations

Cross-platform reference for the same power band (other platforms — not interchangeable with this part):

• ML/MM/MH/MU 90–160 (90–160 kW): air filter 39903291 — same power band, different intake platform
• M250 / ML250 (approx. 40 m³/min): 39903265 / 42852129 — larger machine platform, not interchangeable
• ML/MM/MH/MU 55–75 (55–75 kW): 39708466 — lower power band, different part number
• NG R-Series 90–160 kW: order by model — new-generation R platform with its own air filter numbers

Why selection must be by part number, not by machine model: Ingersoll Rand machines in the same power band have multiple intake filter configurations. Different platforms, production batches and pre-filter options all change the intake assembly interface and element dimensions. A single machine may also use two elements with different part numbers (see FAQ 9). Select by the part number on the old element first, the machine nameplate second and the installation position third.

Three-step verification:

1. Read the part number stamped on the old element's end cap or support and compare it with the ordered number (the legacy number and this number are the same part);
2. Read the model and power on the machine nameplate and confirm it falls in the 90–160 kW band;
3. Confirm the old element's position (single or two-stage, main or safety filter) and quantity per machine.

If these three steps are inconclusive, send a photo of the machine nameplate, photos of the old element including the stamped number, and a note on installation position, and we will trace it by part number.

Related Parts

Components maintained on the same cycle within the intake and lubrication system:

• Air filter element, same batch (47701890001): same name, different part number, for another configuration in the same series — verify separately, not interchangeable
• Air filter housing assembly: carries and locates the intake element — check clamps, seal faces and outlet for deformation or corrosion
• Safety element (two-stage intake): backstop if the main element fails — inspect on the same schedule; do not leave in service just because it looks clean
• Intake differential / vacuum gauge: shows intake restriction and is the final change-out criterion — check the impulse line regularly, as blockage gives a falsely clean reading
• Seals: prevent bypass between element and assembly — inspect with the element and replace if flattened, hardened or missing
• Oil filter: removes wear debris and sludge from lubricant, protecting rotors and bearings — inspect on the same schedule and replace per the machine manual
• Oil separator element: separates oil mist from compressed air and returns oil, controlling oil carryover — check the return line for blockage when replacing
• Lubricant (Ultra Coolant, 38459582): standard Ingersoll Rand screw compressor coolant for lubrication and sealing — test as specified and avoid mixing with other grades

Recommended combined replacement: air filter, oil filter and oil separator share the 2000-hour interval and are best replaced together to keep maintenance cycles aligned. In dusty locations, add a high-dust pre-filter layer first — pre-filters cost far less than the main element and are quicker to change.

For specific part numbers not listed here, refer to the machine's parts manual. The 90–160 kW band uses different accessory numbers by model, so parts should match the specific machine rather than being applied across power bands.