Pneumatic systems in modern automation rely on clean, dry compressed air — and the filter elements inside Festo MS-LFM and Norgren Excelon housings are the first line of defence. When those elements reach end-of-life, procurement teams face a familiar dilemma: pay OEM prices for branded replacements, or find a compatible alternative that meets the same technical specification without compromising system reliability.
This guide provides a practical cross-reference for the most common Festo and Norgren filter element sizes, explains how to match replacements by dimension and filtration grade, and shows how R+F FilterElements can supply drop-in compatible elements for both series.
Why Replacement Elements Matter in Pneumatic Systems
Festo MS-LFM filter-regulator units and Norgren Excelon modular service units are installed in their millions across automotive assembly lines, food packaging machinery, pharmaceutical filling equipment, and general factory automation. Both product families use replaceable filter elements housed in transparent polycarbonate or metal bowls, and both are rated for standard compressed air service up to 10–16 bar.
Neglecting element replacement leads to pressure drop across the filter, reduced actuator speed, and — in coalescing stages — carryover of oil aerosol into downstream pneumatic valves and cylinders. A blocked element that is not replaced can also crack under pressure cycling, introducing contamination directly into the air line.
The good news: because both Festo and Norgren publish element dimensions in their catalogues, sourcing a compatible replacement is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Festo MS-LFM Series — Element Identification
The Festo MS-LFM range covers sizes MS4, MS6, MS9, and MS12, corresponding to nominal flow rates from roughly 700 Nm³/h up to 3,500 Nm³/h at 6 bar. Each size uses a cylindrical element with a defined inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and length. Festo offers two grades:
- 5 µm particulate — standard grade, removes solid particles and bulk liquid water
- 0.01 µm coalescing — high-efficiency grade, removes oil aerosol and sub-micron particles
When ordering a Festo replacement element, the part number encodes the size and grade. For cross-referencing purposes, the physical dimensions are the critical data — not the Festo part number itself.
Norgren Excelon Series — Element Identification
The Norgren Excelon range (B07, B17, B27, B37, B47, B57, B67, B74, B84) follows a similar modular philosophy. Elements are available in 5 µm and 0.01 µm grades, and the housings accept standard cylindrical elements. Norgren also offers a 40 µm coarse grade for high-flow pre-filtration applications.
One important note: Norgren Excelon B07 and B17 units use smaller-diameter elements than the larger B47–B84 units. Always verify the element OD before ordering a replacement.
Need help selecting the right replacement element?
Cross-Reference: Festo and Norgren Elements vs R+F Equivalents
The table below maps the most common Festo MS-LFM and Norgren Excelon element sizes to their R+F FilterElements equivalents. R+F elements are manufactured to the same dimensional tolerances and use borosilicate glass microfibre media for coalescing grades, achieving 99.99% efficiency at ≥ 0.1 µm — meeting or exceeding the OEM specification.
| OEM Reference | Series / Size | Grade | R+F Equivalent | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festo MS4-LFM | MS4 | 5 µm particulate | RF-P-12032 | 99.99% ≥ 0.3 µm |
| Festo MS4-LFM-C | MS4 | 0.01 µm coalescing | RF-C-12032 | 99.99% ≥ 0.1 µm |
| Festo MS6-LFM | MS6 | 5 µm particulate | RF-P-12057 | 99.99% ≥ 0.3 µm |
| Festo MS6-LFM-C | MS6 | 0.01 µm coalescing | RF-C-12057 | 99.99% ≥ 0.1 µm |
| Norgren B07 | Excelon B07 | 5 µm particulate | RF-P-12032 | 99.99% ≥ 0.3 µm |
| Norgren B17 | Excelon B17 | 5 µm particulate | RF-P-25064 | 99.99% ≥ 0.3 µm |
| Norgren B47 | Excelon B47 | 0.01 µm coalescing | RF-C-25178 | 99.99% ≥ 0.1 µm |
| Norgren B74 | Excelon B74 | 0.01 µm coalescing | RF-C-51230 | 99.99% ≥ 0.1 µm |
For sizes not listed above, or for Norgren B84 and larger units, contact R+F FilterElements with the element OD, ID, and length — a compatible element can typically be identified within one working day.
Use our free Engineering Tool to get a filtration recommendation for your specific application in under 2 minutes.
Key Performance Data
How to Identify the Correct Replacement Element
If you have the OEM part number, use the cross-reference table above or the R+F Engineering Sizing Tool to find the matching element. If the part number is not available, follow these steps:
- Remove the element from the housing and measure the outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), and overall length in millimetres.
- Identify the grade — particulate elements are typically white or grey with a pleated or wound appearance; coalescing elements are usually white borosilicate glass microfibre with a smooth outer surface.
- Check the end-cap configuration — most Festo and Norgren elements use a flat top cap and a flat or spigot bottom cap. Note whether the bottom cap has a central spigot or is flat.
- Match to the R+F range — the RF-C and RF-P element series covers the most common sizes used in Festo MS-LFM and Norgren Excelon housings.
For compressed air quality requirements, refer to our ISO 8573-1 guide to confirm which filtration grade your application demands. Automotive paint booths and pharmaceutical filling lines typically require Class 1 oil content (≤ 0.01 mg/m³), which means a coalescing element is mandatory.
Replacement Intervals and Maintenance
Both Festo and Norgren recommend annual element replacement under normal operating conditions, or when the differential pressure indicator shows red. In practice, elements in high-humidity environments or systems with poorly maintained upstream compressors may need replacement every six months.
R+F FilterElements are available in single units or in packs of 5 and 10, making it straightforward to hold a small stock for planned maintenance shutdowns. For larger installations with multiple filter stations, the R+F compressed air filter range also includes complete housing and element assemblies if a full upgrade is preferred.
For applications requiring activated carbon adsorption to remove odour or hydrocarbon vapour downstream of the coalescing stage, the RF-DIL and RF-DIA inline filter range provides point-of-use adsorption without requiring a separate housing.
- Festo MS-LFM filter-regulator units and Norgren Excelon modular service units are installed in their millions across automotive assembly lines, food packaging machinery, pharmaceutical filling equipment, and general factory automation.
- The Festo MS-LFM range covers sizes MS4, MS6, MS9, and MS12, corresponding to nominal flow rates from roughly 700 Nm³/h up to 3,500 Nm³/h at 6 bar.
- The Norgren Excelon range (B07, B17, B27, B37, B47, B57, B67, B74, B84) follows a similar modular philosophy.
- The table below maps the most common Festo MS-LFM and Norgren Excelon element sizes to their R+F FilterElements equivalents.
Related Reading
- Coalescing vs Particulate Filter Elements — Which Do You Need?
- ISO 8573-1 Compressed Air Quality Classes Explained
- Crankcase Ventilation Filtration — Protecting Your Compressor
Try our Engineering Sizing Tool → or discuss your requirements with our team.
