5 Filtration Technologies You Need To Know

Would you use a bag filter to purify water? Or a reverse osmosis system to filter wastewater? To ensure you choose the right method and media for your application, it's essential to understand the options for your application.

Similar to the benefits of selecting the right pump, selecting the right filtration unit can minimize process downtime, reduce or eliminate waste disposal costs, limit worker exposure to the fluid, reduce time and money spent on maintenance, and improve product quality.

There are a lot of options out there, so we've put together a list of 5 commonly used filtration technologies we see.

1. AUTOMATIC, SELF-CLEANING STRAINERS AND FILTERS

A filter that cleans itself? Yes, please! These filters are designed to provide simplified maintenance and worry-free operation. Types of automatic, self-cleaning filters include tubular backwashing filters, mechanically cleaned filters, cooling towers, and a variety of self-cleaning strainers. They're suited for a variety of applications where flow rates are high, operator and environmental exposure to the liquid is unacceptable, and for any liquid that requires removal of solids one micron and larger. The Eaton DCF models is a mechanically cleaned filter we recommend frequently for abrasive and viscous applications.

2. MANUAL PIPELINE BASKET STRAINERS

There are 2 types of manual basket strainers: simplex and duplex. Simplex basket strainers are used when the line can be shut down for short periods to clean or change baskets. Duplex basket strainers are designed to operate continuously through cleanings. The benefit to this type of strainer is that it never has to be shut down. When one basket becomes full, the flow is switched to the other basket allowing the first basket to be pulled out for cleaning.

3. BAG FILTERS

Bag filters generally have low initial investment costs and are tolerant of a wide range of process conditions, making them a great choice for a variety of applications, including paints, water treatment, food processing, edible oils, chemical and pharmaceutical, among others. Bag filter housings are available in a variety of materials from stainless steel to engineered plastic making these a great option for sanitary markets.

4. CARTRIDGE FILTERS

Cartridge filters (along with bag filters) are one of the most common liquid filtration technologies available. Cartridge filters are a good choice for just about any application that has a variance of flow rates requiring a sub-micron retention rating. This requirement is common in industries such as food and beverage, chemical, paint, and applications like filtration of acids and bases. Both cartridge and bag filters are recommended when operator and environmental exposure to the liquid is acceptable and less solids must be removed.

5. REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER SYSTEM

Reverse osmosis (RO) can be simply defined as a water purification technology where a solvent, such as water is purified by being forced through a porous, semi-permeable membrane. Reverse osmosis is commonly used to purify water by removing minerals and other contaminates. Doing so helps to reduce the amount of scaling and fouling of equipment in industrial applications.

These systems are also found in dairies for the processing of milk concentrate and whey, and in food & beverage applications for juice concentrate, for example.

The options are endless when it comes to filtration, and this list only scratches the surface. Consider installation versus operating costs, waste disposal costs, flow requirements, and operator/environmental exposure risks.

Be sure to check back next week for more information about what factors to consider when selecting and sizing a filter or strainer.

If you're struggling with a filtration application, ask us about it! Our team of Engineers are well-versed on this topic and will review your application into detail. We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and upper Michigan!