Everything you need to know about Sporlan Catch-All Filter Driers

in , ,
Sporlan Catch-All Filter Driers

Introduction: Why Filter Driers matter in HVAC & refrigeration

In HVAC and refrigeration systems, moisture, acids, sludge, and solid debris can all lead to serious performance issues, higher maintenance costs, and even total equipment failure. The Sporlan Catch-All® Filter Driers are designed for liquid and suction lines in systems up to 20 tons. These sealed model filter-driers provide a powerful first line of defense against the most damaging contaminants.

If you’re looking for long-term reliability, efficiency, and protection for your HVACR systems, the Sporlan Catch-All is a filter drier you should know inside and out.

What is the Sporlan Catch-All Filter Drier?

The Sporlan Catch-All is a high-performance sealed model filter-drier used in air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. It’s built to remove four major categories of contaminants:

  1. Moisture
  2. Acids
  3. Sludge & Varnish
  4. Solid Debris (dirt, flux, metal particles, etc.)

These filter driers are built with a unique molded core that combines high-capacity desiccants with excellent filtration media, all encased in a sealed, pressure-tested shell.

Key features of the Sporlan Catch-All series

  1. Total contaminant control

The Catch-All is designed to trap virtually everything harmful in a refrigeration system:

  • Water (moisture)
  • Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids
  • Solid debris
  • Sludge and varnish

This helps to prevent common failures in expansion valves, compressors, and capillary tubes.

  1. High-performance desiccant core

The core is a mix of molecular sieve (for moisture removal) and activated alumina (for acid removal). This blend ensures that the Catch-All offers high water capacity and exceptional acid absorption, even under heavy system contamination.

  1. Versatile sizes and configurations

  • Cubic sizes range from 3 cu. in. to 60 cu. in.
  • Line sizes from 1/4” to 1-1/8”
  • Available in both SAE flare and copper ODF solder fittings

  1. High pressure rating

Rated for up to 650 psig, making them suitable for modern refrigerants like R-410A, R-448A, R-449A, and even sub-critical CO2 systems.

How the Sporlan Catch-All works

  1. Moisture removal

Moisture leads to acid formation, corrosion, and freeze-ups. The Catch-All traps moisture deep within its desiccant granules, ensuring long-lasting protection and reducing the risk of ice formation at expansion valves.

  1. Acid neutralization

Acids can form through chemical breakdown or when refrigerants react with moisture. These acids corrode system metals and damage compressors. The Catch-All captures these acids before they circulate, improving system longevity.

  1. Filtration of solid debris

Solid contaminants like metal shavings, scale, and flux can clog expansion valves and damage compressors. The molded core filters out even microscopic particles in one pass, thanks to its large surface area and uniform porosity.

  1. Sludge and varnish removal

In systems experiencing high discharge temperatures or oil breakdown, varnish and sludge can accumulate. The HH core models with activated charcoal remove these substances effectively, making them ideal for system clean-up jobs.

Applications of the Catch-All Filter Drier

Sporlan Catch-All filter-driers are used in a wide range of systems, including:

  • Residential HVAC
  • Commercial air conditioning
  • Food service & commercial refrigeration
  • Transportation cooling systems
  • Ultra-low temp and specialty refrigeration

They’re especially important during:

  • System startups
  • After compressor burnouts
  • Routine maintenance
  • System cleanups

Where to install the Catch-All?

The Catch-All is most commonly installed in the liquid line, directly before key components like:

  • Expansion valves
  • Solenoid valves
  • Moisture indicators

It may also be installed in the suction line, especially for system clean-up or during compressor burnouts. However, suction line use requires a larger size due to reduced refrigerant velocity and the need to minimize pressure drop.

Note: Sporlan Catch-All filter driers are not recommended for use in the discharge line due to reduced efficiency at high temperatures.

Trusted brand with 80+ years of excellence

Manufactured by Parker Hannifin’s Sporlan Division, Catch-All filter driers have been an industry standard for over eight decades. Their consistent innovation, strict quality control, and deep understanding of HVACR systems make them a top choice among technicians, OEMs, and contractors.

Compliance and certifications

Sporlan Catch-All driers meet or exceed multiple international standards:

  • UL listed
  • AHRI standard 710
  • RoHS & REACH compliant
  • ATEX certified for Explosive Atmospheres

This ensures the products are not only efficient and reliable but also safe and environmentally responsible.

Final Thoughts

When you’re installing, servicing, or cleaning up HVAC or refrigeration systems, don’t overlook your filter drier. With their high contaminant capacity, versatile options, and proven track record, Catch-All filter-driers are the go-to solution for residential, commercial, and specialty HVACR systems.

Contact us today for product recommendations, technical support, or bulk purchase inquiries, we’re here to help!