SMC AW20-N02CE-Z-D Filter Regulator, 1/4" NPT, 5 Micron, Auto Drain, Embedded Gauge
SMCThe SMC AW20-N02CE-Z-D is a modular filter regulator from SMC's current AW-D series, combining a 5 micron air filter and a relieving-type pressure regulator in a single body-size 20 unit. It ships with 1/4" NPT ports, a normally-closed float-type auto drain, and a square embedded pressure gauge with limit indicator. Set pressure range is 0.05 to 0.85 MPa (7.25 to 123 psi). Integrating filtration and regulation into one unit cuts a fitting and a run of pipe out of the air-prep line, which is why the AW series shows up on so many machine inlets.
Replacing an older -B unit? The AW20-N02CE-Z-D is the current-generation successor to the AW20-N02CE-Z-B. If you are replacing the reverse-flow AW20-N02CE-RZ-B, read the flow-direction note in "Replacing the AW-B Series" below before ordering.
Note on this configuration: AW20-N02CE (no "K" in the model) is the standard build without the backflow function. If your application needs downstream air exhausted back through the unit when it depressurizes, you want the AWxxK variant instead.
Part Number Breakdown
| AW20 | AW series filter regulator, body size 20 |
| N | NPT pipe thread |
| 02 | 1/4" port size |
| C | Float-type auto drain, N.C. (normally closed - drain port stays closed when the unit is not pressurized) |
| E | Square embedded pressure gauge with limit indicator |
| Z | Units: psi and degrees F on the product label; gauge reads MPa/psi dual scale |
| D | Current AW-D generation |
Specifications
| Specification | AW20-N02CE-Z-D |
|---|---|
| Series | AW-D (modular filter regulator) |
| Body size | 20 |
| Port size / thread | 1/4" NPT |
| Filtration rating | 5 micron |
| Set pressure range | 0.05 to 0.85 MPa (7.25 to 123 psi) |
| Regulator type | Relieving type |
| Drain | Float-type auto drain, N.C. (with drain cock) |
| Pressure gauge | Square embedded, with limit indicator, MPa/psi dual scale |
| Bowl | Polycarbonate with 2-layer transparent bowl guard (360 degree visibility) |
| Flow direction | Left to right |
| Backflow function | Without (standard build) |
| Bracket | Without (order bracket separately) |
| Ambient / fluid temp | -5 to 60 degrees C (AW series standard) |
| Max operating pressure | 1.0 MPa (AW series standard) |
Why Engineers Spec the AW-D
- One unit, less plumbing. Filter and regulator share a body, so you drop a coupling and a length of pipe versus separate F + R units.
- Push-to-lock adjustment. The relieving regulator locks by pushing the knob down, so a set point does not walk off from vibration or a bumped knob.
- 2-layer bowl guard. The polycarbonate bowl sits inside a transparent guard, giving 360 degree sight of the drain level while adding impact and environmental protection.
- N.C. auto drain. Condensate clears on its own and the drain port stays shut when the line is depressurized, so you are not manually cracking a drain cock every shift.
- Panel-mount interchangeability. Mounting pitch is interchangeable between AR(K)/AR(K)-B and AW(K)/AW(K)-B, and brackets and set nuts carry over from existing product, so a retrofit into an existing panel cutout is straightforward.
Specifying in a New Design
Mount the AW20-N02CE-Z-D at the machine air inlet, downstream of the main shutoff and upstream of directional valves and actuators. The 1/4" NPT ports suit body-size-20 flow ranges typical of small to mid pneumatic circuits. Because the bracket is not included in this configuration, add a mounting bracket if you are wall or frame mounting rather than inline-supporting the unit on the piping.
Set point is field-adjustable across 0.05 to 0.85 MPa. The embedded gauge reads MPa and psi, so it drops into either unit convention without a swap. For downstream lubrication, pair with a matching body-size-20 lubricator to complete an F.R.L. set.
Replacing the AW-B Series
The AW20-N02CE-Z-D is the current AW-D generation of the discontinued AW-B filter regulator. It keeps the same 1/4" NPT porting, 5 micron filtration, N.C. float-type auto drain, square embedded gauge, and 0.05 to 0.85 MPa set range, and adds the AW-D 2-layer bowl guard while holding panel-mount pitch interchangeability with the earlier AW and AW-B units.
Replacing AW20-N02CE-Z-B (left-to-right flow): direct replacement. The -Z-D matches the port orientation and configuration one for one.
Replacing AW20-N02CE-RZ-B (right-to-left flow): the "R" denotes reverse flow. This -Z-D unit flows left to right. If your piping requires right-to-left flow, order the reverse-flow AW-D equivalent, AW20-N02CE-RZ-D, or re-orient the connections. Confirm IN/OUT direction against the arrows on the body before installing.
Maintenance and Companion Parts
Replacement filter element for this unit: SMC AF20P-060S filter element. SMC also lists these serviceable parts for the AW20-D: pressure gauge GC3-10AS-D / GC3-4AS-D, bowl O-ring C2SFP-260S, bowl assembly AD27-D, diaphragm assembly AR24P-150AS, and valve assembly AW24P-060AS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AW20-N02CE-Z-D include a pressure gauge?
Yes. The "E" option is a square embedded pressure gauge with a limit indicator, reading MPa and psi on a dual scale.
What type of drain does it have?
A float-type automatic drain, normally closed. It expels condensate on its own, and the drain port stays closed when the unit is not under pressure.
What is the filtration rating?
5 micron.
Does this model have the backflow function?
No. AW20-N02CE-Z-D is the standard build without backflow. The backflow-capable version carries a "K" in the model (AW20K-...).
Does the AW20-N02CE-Z-D replace the AW20-N02CE-Z-B?
Yes. The -Z-D is the current AW-D generation successor to the discontinued AW-B unit, with the same 1/4" NPT porting, 5 micron filtration, N.C. auto drain, embedded gauge, and set pressure range.
Does it replace the AW20-N02CE-RZ-B?
The AW20-N02CE-RZ-B is the reverse-flow (right-to-left) version. The AW20-N02CE-Z-D flows left to right. For a like-for-like reverse-flow replacement, order the AW20-N02CE-RZ-D instead, or re-orient the piping.
What is the set pressure range?
0.05 to 0.85 MPa, or roughly 7.25 to 123 psi.
Which replacement filter element does it use?
The SMC AF20P-060S 5 micron element.
Order the SMC AW20-N02CE-Z-D from Automation Distribution
As an authorized SMC distributor, Automation Distribution supports the full AW-D modular filter regulator line along with elements, gauges, and F.R.L. accessories. Need a different port size, drain, or gauge option? Our team can spec the right AW-D configuration for your air-prep line.