Various industries use cartridge filters. The application of these filters includes water treatment, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. They are easy to install and maintain. They offer a high level of filtration efficiency.
Cartridge filters come in various sizes, shapes, and materials to meet the specific needs of different applications. They are commonly used as a pre-filter to protect downstream equipment or as a final filtration step to ensure the purity of the product.
Here you will find a complete guide about cartridge filters. So, let’s dive into the details.
What Is a Cartridge Filter?
A cartridge filter is a type of filter used to remove impurities and particles from liquids or gases. It consists of a cylindrical or pleated filter element housed in a casing of various materials, such as paper, polyester, or cotton.
A specific micron rating is vital while designing the cartridge. It determines the size of particles that the filter can capture. The fluid to be filtered is passed through the filter element, which traps and holds the impurities, allowing only the clean liquid to pass through.
Principle of Working of Cartridge Filter
The principle of working a cartridge filter is based on the physical process of filtration. It involves the separation of solids from liquids or gases by passing them through a porous medium.
In a cartridge filter, the porous medium is the filter element, typically made of materials like paper, cloth, or synthetic fibers.
Mechanical Filtration
When contaminated liquid or gas flows into the cartridge filter, it enters the filter housing through an inlet port and then passes through the filter element.
The liquid or gas flows through the pores of the filter element. The filter traps the solid particles larger than the component’s pore size on the surface. The other way is trapping within the fibers of the element. This process is known as the “mechanical filtration” mechanism.
Depth Filtration
The trapped particles accumulate as the liquid or gas continues to flow through the filter element. It forms a layer of filter cake on the surface of the component. This layer helps to trap smaller particles that would otherwise pass through the larger pores of the filter element. This process is known as the “depth filtration” mechanism.
Cleaning
Over time, as more and more particles are trapped, the filter element becomes clogged, and its efficiency decreases. When this happens, the filter element must be replaced or cleaned to maintain the effectiveness of the filtration system.
The principle of working a cartridge filter is relatively simple yet effective in removing a wide range of contaminants from liquids or gases. The pore size and material of the filter element can be chosen depending on the application to achieve the desired level of filtration.
General Classification of Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters are generally classified into two types.
1. Depth filters
2. Surface filters
Depth filters trap particles within the matrix of the filter media. In contrast, surface filters use a barrier to trap particles on the filter element’s surface physically.
Cartridge filters can be designed to operate at different flow rates, pressures, and temperatures, depending on the application requirements. For example, a filter used for water treatment may use a polypropylene filter media. However, a filter used for high-temperature applications may use ceramic filter media.
Some cartridge filters may incorporate additional features such as activated carbon to remove chlorine or other chemicals from water or antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial growth.
The filter media’s pore size is also critical in determining the cartridge filter’s filtration efficiency and flow rate.
Types Of Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters can be categorized based on their construction, filtration mechanism, and application. Several cartridge filters include pleated filters, wound filters, and melt-blown filters.
Pleated filters are made from a sheet of filter media that is folded and pleated to increase the surface area of the cartridge. Here are some common categories of cartridge filters.
1. Depth Filters
These filters are designed to trap particles within the matrix of the filter media. They are usually made of cellulose, polypropylene, or activated carbon. They are used in applications requiring high dirt-holding capacity and low pressure drop.
2. Pleated Filters
These filters have a pleated design that increases the surface area of the filter media. They are ideal for higher flow rates and longer service life. They are made up of polyester, cellulose, or PTFE.
Pleated filters are used in industrial and commercial applications where high flow rates and efficient filtration are essential. They are commonly used in industrial water filtration and HVAC systems.
3. Membrane Filters
These filters are made from a thin layer of material that acts as a semi-permeable membrane. That allows only certain substances to pass through. The membrane materials may be nylon, PTFE, or PVDF to block particles physically and impurities from passing through.
They are often used in medical and laboratory applications requiring high purity levels. Such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food and beverage processing are the main areas where it is applicable.
4. Activated Carbon Filters
These filters are filled with activated carbon, which helps to remove impurities and odors from liquids and gases. They are commonly used in water purification, air purification, and gas processing applications.
5. Absolute-Rated Filters
These filters are designed to remove particles of a specific size or larger with high efficiency. They are often used in critical applications where even a tiny amount of contamination could be harmful.
6. Spun Bonded Cartridge Filters
It is made of polypropylene fibers that are spun and bonded together to create a nonwoven material. These filters are economical and widely used for water treatment, food and beverage processing, and pharmaceuticals.
7. Wound Cartridge Filters
These filters are made by winding a string around a central core to create a multi-layered porous filter. This material is usually made up of cotton, fiberglass, or polypropylene. Filtration efficiency depends on the winding pattern.
They are commonly used for applications requiring high temperature or chemical resistance.
8. Ceramic Cartridge Filters
These filters are made from ceramic material. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures and pressures. They are helpful for industrial applications where high-efficiency filtration is required.
9. Stainless Steel Cartridge Filters
These filters are made from stainless steel and require high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Applications include oil and gas filtration, chemical processing, and water treatment.
10. Bag Cartridge Filters
These filters are best fit inside a filter bag. They are helpful in applications such as paint and coatings, chemical processing, and water treatment.
11. String Wound Cartridge Filters
Like wound cartridge filters, these filters consist of a string wrapping around a core. But they have a tighter winding pattern, which provides greater filtration efficiency.
12. High Flow Cartridge Filters
These filters are designed for high-flow rate applications and have a larger diameter than standard cartridge filters. They are beneficial in industrial applications such as water treatment and HVAC systems.
Features of A Cartridge Filter
Cartridge filters consist of a cylindrical element enclosed within a housing. The filter element is usually a porous material such as cellulose, polyester, or polypropylene. It traps particulate matter and other impurities as the fluid flows through the cartridge.
The construction of cartridge filters typically involves the following components.
1. Filter Media
This porous material makes up the filter element and captures impurities. The filter media may contain various materials, including cellulose, polyester, and polypropylene.
2. Support Core
The support core typically consists of a rigid material such as plastic or metal. It provides structural support to the filter element. It also helps maintain the filter’s shape and prevent collapse during high flow rates.
3. End Caps
The end caps are typically made of a durable material such as plastic or metal and are used to seal the ends of the filter element. They also provide a mounting point for the filter element within the filter housing.
4. Gaskets
Gaskets create a seal between the filter housing and the end caps. It also ensures that the filtered fluid passes through the filter element and does not bypass it.
5. Housing
The housing is typically made of a durable material such as plastic or metal and provides a protective enclosure for the filter element. It also includes inlet and outlet ports for the filtered fluid to enter and exit the cartridge filter.
The construction of cartridge filters can vary depending on the specific application and requirements, but these are the essential components typically found in most cartridge filter designs.
Where to Buy Cartridge Filters
You may have various options to buy these filters. But if you want a quality product, visit this page Stainless steel filter elements. Here you will find the different types of cartridge filters along with detailed specifications. You can also buy a customized product from us.
Saifilter industrial filtration manufacturer is ISO certified. That is why we guarantee the quality of filters. Just contact us and order the desired sample now.
Conclusion
So far, I have explained everything you should know about cartridge filters. I have discussed the classification and various types of these filters. Which type of cartridge filter is proper entirely depends on the usage. Different applications require different types. Here you can learn a complete guide.
Please read this article and share our cartridge filters’ reviews in the comments.