An air compressor system having a refrigerated dryer and a form of a filter is used between a compressor of the air compressor system and the refrigerated dryer. The filter can include a conical shape such as frustoconical, and includes an outer retainer having a plurality of openings and an inner mesh filter. The retainer and mesh filter can be made out of metal. An end cap and a flange can close off both ends of the conical shape, and a handle can extend from a flange to aid in ease of handling. The components extending between the ends (i.e. between the end cap and flange) may only include the retainer and the mesh filter.