FILTER MEDIA- The Basics
Filter media is general term. It is commonly used to refer to a specific grade of consumable paper or filter cloth. When referencing filter media we talk about whether the medial is fixed or non-fixed; rigid or flexible. Examples of specifications could include weight, materials of construction, permeability/porosity, woven, non-woven and micron retention.
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Filter paper is commonly used in Sparkler® Horizontal Plate Filters. Filter paper is the most economical point of filtration as efficiencies under 1 micron can be achieved with disposal single batch usage. Our standard filter paper has a nominal micron rating as low as 3 micron but efficiencies under 1 micron can be obtained with a proper precoat. Filter paper goes on each filter plate in HPF filters, for example a 33-S-19 model would use 19 pieces of filter paper, or 20 with scavenger feature.
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Polypropylene, Polyester, Rayon, Nylon, PTFE and synthetic materials are also commonly used. With woven or non-woven synthetics we like to see usage include multiple batches to justify economics of higher cost materials. Compatibility and functionality are always considered for media selection.
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When Filter Media is ‘precoated’ prior to filtration, the precoat is typically diatomaceous earth (DE), but precoat material can also include cellulose, perlite and sometimes carbon or activated carbon.
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FILTER MEDIA- Selecting the right media
First things first, there are likely many different types of filter media that will work for your application. The key is selecting the type of filter media that is most efficient in your application. For example, you may find that a particular grade of filter paper does the job but another grade of filter paper could do the same job 10% faster. You will likely go through some trial and error when selecting the optimum filter media for your process. Many factors go into determining a starting point for selecting media. These factors include product viscosity, temperature, chemical compatibility, flow rates and micron retention required. We typically recommend filter paper if that is an option for your application as filter paper is the most versatile and economic option in most processes. If your looking at micron retention under 3 micron you will need to precoat filter paper with DE or use membrane filters. If you are looking to remove odor or color from a slurry, you will likely be looking into activated charcoal or activated carbon. Finer filtration with odor/color removal could use a diatomaceous earth/activated carbon combination. If you are looking into automation or re-using filter media, you will likely be looking into a wire mesh or a synthetic cloth. Click here to view our selection of filter media. Sparkler has the knowledge and experience to help guide you to an optimal filter media solution, contact us today to get started or request samples.