What Is a Filter Cartridge?

A cartridge filter is a key component in filtration systems, used to separate the desired and undesired components of the process stream. They allow fluid flow while capturing particles. Commonly, they are used to separate solids from liquids or gases.

Filtration cartridge can be made from various types of materials such as a) Polymers (Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, etc.) b) Metals (SS316, Hastelloy C22, Hastelloy C276, Fe3Al, etc.), c) Ceramics (SiC, Mullite, Alumina, etc.), and d) Glass. Each filter cartridge has a specific porosity rating, which is a function of its manufacturing process. This porosity is what gives the cartridge filter its filtration capabilities. Over time, particle accumulation in the pores may lead to clogging, requiring replacement or cleaning based on the cartridge type.

Cartridge filters are widely used in water purification, Solvent filtration, Steam filtration, amongst other industrial processes. In the pharmaceutical industry, they may be used for filtration in process streams which require sterility. Validated membrane filters must be used in such critical applications.

What are different types of filter cartridges?

Cartridge filters are available in various types, depending on their material of construction (MOC) or their manufacturing process. Each filter cartridge is designed specifically to fulfil filtration requirements

Here are few cartridge filters are listed below:

Cleanable & disposable filter media are offered in the form of cartridges and discs.

Metallic Filter Cartridge

A metal filter cartridge, made from materials like stainless steel, is a durable component designed for industrial applications with harsh conditions. These cartridge filters are known for their robustness and high-temperature resistance. Their metal construction allows for repeated use and cleaning, making them ideal for environments where disposable filters are impractical. Metal filter cartridges provide longevity, chemical compatibility, and durability in applications where frequent filter replacement is challenging.

Powder Sintered

SS Cartridge Filter/ Stainless Steel 316L

SS cartridge filters offer high filtration efficiency with a rigid pore structure, ideal for filtering high-temperature gases up to 400°C. Multilayered sintered filter cartridges are made by rolling sintered multilayered filter media. Kumar Process has expertise in sintering multilayer woven meshes into a uniform sheet and utilizes in-house developed machines for forming and welding to ensure smooth and clean welds.

Powder Sintered

Titanium Filter Cartridge

A titanium filter cartridge is a corrosion-resistant and durable filtration component crafted from titanium, a robust metal. Engineered for applications requiring resilience against harsh chemicals and challenging environmental conditions, these cartridge filters are recognized for their outstanding corrosion resistance. Titanium filter cartridges are frequently used in applications where chloride ions are involved.

Multilayered Sintered

Hastelloy C276/C22 Filter Cartridge

A Hastelloy C276/C22 filter cartridge is a highly durable filter made from corrosion-resistant Nickel-based Hastelloy alloys. It's known for excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. Used in demanding industrial environments where materials like SS316 or SS316L may corrode, especially in applications involving hot sulphuric acid-based chemistries and other corrosive acids.




Polymeric Filter Cartridge

Polypropylene filter cartridges, equipped with a robust polypropylene core and cage, are utilized in diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, air, gas, and demanding process applications. Designed for high-efficiency, these cartridges feature polypropylene microfiber media. Specifically crafted for membrane pre-filter applications, they serve as a cost-effective add-on to membrane filtration. These cartridges can help eliminate a bulk of the particulate matter which would otherwise lead to premature clogging of the more expensive membrane cartridges. The broad compatibility range of polypropylene makes these cartridge filters suitable for a variety of filtration needs in different industrial settings.

Polymeric PTFE

PTFE Filter Cartridge

PTFE filter cartridges, made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are used in medical and industrial processes for liquid, air, and gas filtration. These PTFE pleated filter cartridges or pleated membrane filter cartridges are bio-safe for pharmaceuticals, with high filtration area, low pressure drop, and long service life. Their high softening temperatures allow steam sterilization.

Polymeric PP

PP Cartridge Filter

The Spun PP cartridge filter is a highly efficient filtration solution widely used in various industries. Constructed with non-woven polypropylene (PP), these cartridges effectively capture and remove particles from liquids. The Spun PP cartridge filter is an excellent choice for reliable and cost-effective filtration in applications such as water treatment and chemical processes, contributing to the maintenance of clean and quality fluids.

Polymeric Nylon Bag

Nylon Filter Bags

Nylon filter bags are robust filtration solutions used in industries like water treatment and pharmaceuticals. Crafted from durable nylon, they effectively capture particles, ensuring reliable filtration. Their strength and chemical resistance make them versatile for diverse environments, contributing to efficient fluid processing and product quality.

Polymeric Cotton Bag

Cotton Filter Bags

Cotton filter bags, made from cotton material, are common filtration solutions in industrial applications. Efficient in capturing particles from liquids, they find wide use in food processing and pharmaceutical industries. With a natural composition, these bags are suitable for processes preferring a softer, organic material. Cotton filter bags contribute to reliable filtration, ensuring product quality in diverse industrial settings. Cotton bags are also eco-friendly, in the sense that they can biodegrade.




Glass

Glass filter media are filter materials made from glass fibers or microspheres. They're widely used in filtration due to their strength, chemical resistance, and ability to capture particles from liquids and gases. They're common in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, water treatment, and air filtration, available in various pore sizes and configurations to suit different needs.

Glass Wound

Wound Filter Cartridge

Wound filter cartridges, made from polypropylene or glass fibers, meet demanding filtration needs. Produced through a high-speed winding process, these one-piece filters have diamond-shaped tunnels for effective depth filtration. Valued for their dirt-holding capacity and versatility, they suit various applications. Fluid passes through the filter media from outside to inside, securely trapping particulates in the filter matrix.

Applications of Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters find applications across various industries for effective liquid and air filtration. Some common applications include:

  • ▣ Water Treatment
  • ▣ Chemical Processing
  • ▣ Pharmaceuticals
  • ▣ Food and Beverage
  • ▣ Oil and Gas
  • ▣ Electronics Manufacturing
  • ▣ Paints and Coatings
  • ▣ Automotive Industry
  • ▣ HVAC Systems
  • ▣ Aerospace

Why choose Kumar Process Consultants for your filtration needs?

We have been active in the Indian Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries for over 45 years. We translate our rich experience into design inputs for our customized filtration systems, ensuring you get a robust solution for your process.

We also make our own metal filters from metal powders or woven media, by sintering them in our in-house furnace. This ensures we have complete control over the metallurgical quality of our filters, flexibility in dimensions, as well as shorter lead times for new filters as well as spares, so that your process uptime is maximized.

Our in-house developed automated welding machines ensure a smooth and well-penetrated weld, eliminating concerns of pinholes. Our research and development team always looks to better our existing range of products, enabling us to offer filtration solutions unique to us.

We're here to collaborate and deliver tailored solutions for filter cartridge & filter bags.