Breaking Down Industrial Filter Media
Contents:
- Introduction
- Polyester
- Paper
- Polypropylene
- Aramid Fibers
- HEPA and ULPA Media
- PTFE Membrane Media
- Stainless Steel Metal Mesh Media
- Adsorptive Media Filters
- Conclusion
Introduction
In this featured blog we will explain the different materials used to create industrial filter media, cover the pros and cons of each type, and their applications.
Industrial filtration is critical for many types of industries and applications. According to the latest research, the industrial filtration market is on the rise, especially for manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, pharmaceutical, and metal processing industries. As it stands now, nonwoven fabric filter media is the media style most widely used in the market – but other media types are used when application requirements dictate.
There are countless types and styles of industrial filters, each of which is designed for specific purposes. Various media are utilized in these systems to maximize filtration performance while also meeting regionally specified safety standards.
The filter design and media type used in a filter cartridge depend on the application it is intended to be used in and what needs to be filtered out of the process. For instance, some designs help to increase the filter’s dust holding capacity, while other designs optimize efficiency, face velocity, pressure differential, or chemical vapor adsorption. Knowledge of what needs to be filtered in the system is critical to selecting the correct media type. The media type is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting industrial filtration systems. Polyester and paper are common media options – but there are many other media types available for operating conditions or application requirements that call for something special.
1. Polyester
One common media used in industrial filtration is polyester. There are numerous benefits to this type of material that makes it ideal for airborne particulate filtration. Polyester is a synthetic fabric, which makes it incredibly durable yet lightweight.
Some of the greatest advantages of polyester filter media are:
- Wide temperature performance range
- Resistant to SOME organic acids individual cases should be reviewed
- Moisture tolerant
- Abrasion-resistant
- Long-lasting
- High strength
- Washable and reusable material
Polyester filter elements are suitable for high humidity environments and applications where some liquid or moisture is present.
Polyester filter media can be used in both general and heavy-duty applications to protect blowers, compressors, vacuum pumps, and other types of rotating equipment.
2. Paper
Industrial-duty paper may be used in a wide variety of applications. This type of paper is designed to be durable and is generally lower in cost compared to other media options.
Paper filter media is often used in the following applications:
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Cosmetics
- Microelectronic
- Blowers
- Vacuum pumps
3. Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a synthetic fabric that can be used to create highly chemical-resistant filters. This material can resist corrosion to many acids and bases, making it an ideal media for use in applications where harsh chemicals are present.
This chemical resistant media has a maximum continuous operating temperature of 220°F (104°C).
4. Aramid Fibers
Aramid fibers are a synthetic material made with polyamide and polymer chains. This creates an extremely strong and highly flame-resistant material, ideal for high heat applications.
Aramid fiber filters are not only heat resistant but also have chemical and flame-resistant properties. Its maximum continuous operating temperature is rated for up to 385°F (196°C), but when used with other high-temperature components, it can withstand even higher temperatures.
5. HEPA and ULPA Media
HEPA and ULPA are two different types of media, but they are often grouped together due to their similarities. Both are made from a fine glass mesh microfiber and offer extremely high-efficiency filtration.
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are generally rated for 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 microns. ULPA (ultra-low particulate air) filters are up to 99.995% efficient at 0.12 microns. Each of these high-efficiency media filters is designed for reasonable pressure differential at rated flows.
HEPA is most commonly used for food processing and packaging, as well as pharmaceutical applications. ULPA is more ideal for applications with extremely fine particles and can be found in pharmaceutical applications and is used in bacterial filters for medical vacuum applications.
6. PTFE Membrane Media
A PTFE membrane is considered another high-efficiency filter media like HEPA and ULPA with an efficiency rating of 99.5% at 0.3 microns. However, PTFE membrane media is best suited for fine powder removal that requires pulse cleaning of the filter element. Its maximum continuous operating temperature is rated for up to 220°F (104°C), but when used with other high-temperature components, it can withstand even higher temperatures.
7. Stainless Steel Metal Mesh Media
Stainless steel is known for being highly durable and naturally corrosion-resistant. It is also entirely recyclable – and currently, 60% of all stainless steel in production comes from recycled materials.
Metal mesh filters are highly rated for harsh environments where durability is necessary. This filter media comes in many micron ratings, but most are used for applications that require anything above 300 microns, finer grades of stainless steel mesh are available down to 10 microns.
Since this material is cleanable and reusable, it is considered semi-permanent and is generally more costly than other media options. Stainless steel metal mesh filters can be used for chemical resistant elements, coarse efficiency elements, and food-grade cartridge elements.
8. Adsorptive Media Filters
Adsorptive media includes materials made from activated carbon, activated alumina, zeolite, and molecular sieve. This media type is best for adsorbing odors and vapors from process flows, which means that they require regular replacement or regeneration.
Some of these media filters are designed to work within a chemical adsorptive trap, which protects vacuum pumps from liquid, aerosol, vapor, or particulate contaminants. Filter cartridges are also available as insert options to minimize the pump oil from back-streaming into the rest of the system.
Conclusion
Sorting through all of the various types of industrial filter media can be confusing if you are unsure of which material is ideal for your use. At Solberg, we consider ourselves the experts at industrial filtration. We can help to answer any questions you may have regarding filter media, as well as other filtration components.