The EKF329-5 is a genuine OEM replacement filter element for Arrow Pneumatic compressed air filter equipment — specifically a 5-micron interceptor/filter element. Arrow Pneumatic is a long-established manufacturer of compressed air treatment equipment; their interceptor-style filters are common in automotive shop environments for point-of-use filtration at paint guns, air tools, and spray booths. When the original element inside an Arrow Pneumatic filter body reaches its filtration capacity, the EKF329-5 is the correct OEM replacement to restore performance.
What "5 Micron" Means for Your Shop
A 5-micron filter element captures particles down to 5 micrometers in diameter. In a compressed air system, those particles include:
- Rust and scale: From aging steel distribution piping and tanks
- Metal wear particles: From compressor internal components (cylinders, pistons, valves)
- Bulk liquid water: Water droplets carried in the air stream that weren't fully drained at the tank
- Coarse oil aerosols: Larger oil particles that got past the compressor's oil separator
Five microns is a general-purpose particulate filtration rating — appropriate for most air tools, tire inflation, general blowing, and standard spray applications. For fine finishing work (automotive basecoat, clearcoat, high-end HVLP finishing), you may want to follow the 5-micron pre-filter with a coalescing filter rated at 0.01 micron to remove fine oil aerosols that a 5-micron element won't catch.
Product Specifications
- Part number: EKF329-5
- Filtration rating: 5 micron
- Type: Interceptor/particulate filter element
- OEM application: Arrow Pneumatic filter bodies
- Condition: Genuine OEM part (not aftermarket)
Note: Specific Arrow Pneumatic model numbers compatible with the EKF329-5 are not confirmed in our current data. Contact us with your Arrow Pneumatic filter model number and we can confirm compatibility before you order. Installing the wrong element risks bypass or improper seating in the bowl.
Why OEM Elements Matter
Aftermarket filter elements for compressed air applications are widely available and often cheaper than OEM. There's one reason to pay the OEM premium: fit. A filter element that doesn't seal perfectly against the bowl creates a bypass path — unfiltered air passes around the element rather than through it. You get the pressure drop of having a filter in line with none of the filtration benefit. With an OEM element from the original manufacturer, you know the bypass seal geometry is correct for the housing.
When to Replace the EKF329-5
- Increased pressure drop: Higher drop across the filter at normal flow rates indicates a loaded element. If you have gauges before and after the filter, watch for more than 5 PSI differential at normal operating flow.
- Visible contamination in the bowl: Water accumulation or particulate visible in the filter bowl suggests the element is working, but it also means the upstream system has a high particulate or moisture load. Replace the element and consider whether the upstream system needs additional treatment.
- Regular maintenance intervals: For shop environments, a good baseline is element inspection every 3–6 months. High-use, high-contamination environments need more frequent changes.
- Before critical finishing work: For automotive painters, installing a fresh element before a major refinish job is cheap insurance against fish-eye contamination from oil passing through a loaded element.
What's in the Box
- One (1) EKF329-5 replacement filter element (5 micron)
Positioning in a Complete Air Treatment System
In a properly designed shop air system, the EKF329-5 / Arrow Pneumatic filter would sit as a point-of-use filter near your spray gun or air tool drops. The upstream system should include a tank with drain, an aftercooler or refrigerated dryer for bulk moisture removal, and possibly a main line filter. The point-of-use filter is the last line of defense before the air reaches your equipment.
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
- Specialist since 2016 — we stock OEM filter elements and can help you identify the correct part for your equipment
- Free shipping on qualifying orders
- Free tech support at 866-217-0063 — call us with your Arrow Pneumatic model number and we'll confirm compatibility
- Genuine OEM parts — not aftermarket substitutes
- Honest guidance — if you need a 0.01-micron coalescing element instead of or in addition to a 5-micron element, we'll tell you
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
