Instrument air sources shall be filtered with what type of filters located upstream of the final line regulators?

Instrument air sources must be filtered with activated carbon filters located upstream of the final line regulators to ensure the quality and purity of the air being supplied. Activated carbon filters are specifically designed to remove contaminants such as moisture, oil, particulate matter, and other impurities that can affect the functioning of sensitive instruments and equipment in a medical gas system. The adsorption properties of activated carbon make it effective for capturing these unwanted substances, which is critical to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the instruments that depend on clean air.

Other types of filters, such as duplexed, cloth, or membrane filters, may serve different purposes or be suitable for other applications, but activated carbon filters are particularly valued in the context of instrument air due to their comprehensive capability to address the range of contaminants typically found. Ensuring that clean, dry air is supplied is key in preventing damage to devices and maintaining accurate readings and performance.