What is a Cartridge Filter?

Cartridge filtration is one of the most versatile forms of filtration. The standard size makes for many different types of manufactured filter cartridges. The most common size is 2½” OD x 1″ ID with lengths in increments of 10″ up to 40″ in length. The second most common size is 4½” OD x 10″ or 20″ long and are used when more dirt holding capability is needed. For our discussion here, we will stick to the 2½” outside diameter cartridge.

Of the hundreds, if not thousands, of uses, some of the more common are:

  • Pre-Filtration to RO and other types of membranes
  • Industrial water filtration
  • Beverage filtration
  • Food production
  • Incoming process water filtration
  • Swimming pool water
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Electronics
  • Glycol
  • Petro-Chemical
  • Ammine
  • Ink & Paint
  • Cosmetics
  • Plating Chemicals
  • Wine Clarification
  • Brewing

Filter cartridge housings accept single cartridges of to hundreds of cartridges. The housing is sized based on the flow rate, viscosity of liquid, filtration efficiency required and allowable clean differential pressure drop. Many customers will use existing pump pressure. It is important to know all the above information in order to properly size the filter housing.

We at High Purity Northwest skid mount filter housings in custom configurations to solve all sorts of filtration problems. Our skid packages may include pumps, motor/starters or full control panels. We then pick the appropriate cartridge based on the requirement. For instance, I had a customer at a hydroelectric dam that had a enormous amount of algae. We installed a filtration system with strainers and cartridge filters to protect a water cooled bearing. We found that simple string wound filter cartridges did the best job at holding large amounts of algae.

This two stage filtration system was built for a micro brewery to remove particulate, chlorine and other organic chemicals from incoming water.

two stage filtration system

Band clamp closures, as shown in the picture above, are the most economical. They are a bit tricky to maneuver. If you don’t mind spending a little more, the swing bolt closure is a much nicer housing; as shown here:

filter housing

This filter housing will be used to filter urea.

Contact us today with your requirements. We are here to help!

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