There are numerous industries that make use of filtration systems, from pharmaceutical processing to food manufacturing to wastewater treatment. Selecting the right industrial filtration system involves many different factors including particle size of contaminants, operating conditions of the system, the chemical compatibility of the system, and the physical configuration of the housing unit. Filtration systems are an important part in an overall system so selecting a system is a decision that should be made with careful deliberation.
How to Choose an Industrial Filtration System
Choosing a filtration system can be a harrowing process. There are many factors to consider and it is not a decision to be made lightly as it can have far reaching effects. Below, we’ll talk about four important factors to take into consideration when choosing an industrial filtration system. Keep in mind: this is not a definitive list of determining factors – every operating system has its own unique factors to consider.
Particle Size
When selecting a filtration system, the first question you need to ask is “What are you filtering out?” Are the particles you are filtering out big or small? Organic or inorganic?
Filter sizes are sized using microns. Microns are a unit of length, and one micron is equal to one millionth of a meter. For example, beach sand is roughly between .3 and 60 microns, dust mites can be between 100 and 300 microns, and ground coffee tops out at about 400 microns.
By first identifying what you need to filter out, or if there are any industry standards you must follow, you can begin to narrow down which filter is best for you. It is also important to note that the smaller the micron rating the quicker it becomes clogged, which can cause damage to the system. If your system only requires a 50 micron filter, it may seem okay to get a 25 micron filter just to be safe, but you’ll need to consider the overall effects of that on the system.
To learn more about micron ratings, read our post on this subject here.
Operating Conditions
Operating conditions like temperature and pressure play a major role in what filtration system is best for you. If your system has liquid running through it that is hotter than 140°F, you’ll need to use a metal system rather than a plastic filtration system. Likewise, you need to be aware of the pressure limitations of your filter. If a 2” filter can handle 100gpm, and your system operates at 200gpm, that filter will not be able to withstand the pressure of your system.
Chemical Compatibility
Chemical compatibility is measured by the stability of two or more substances when they are mixed. If they do not show any change, they are compatible. Conversely, if they undergo any changes – physically or chemically – they are considered incompatible. When looking at chemical compatibility of filtration systems, you need to look at the compatibility of the liquid being filtered and the filter itself.
If the filter is not chemically compatible with the liquid flowing through it, it could result in degradation to the filter which would allow contaminants to continue to flow within the stream. When choosing a filtration system, it is important to note if any chemicals are flowing through the system and then research to ensure they are compatible with the filtration materials.
Physical Configuration of Housing
The physical configuration of the filtration systems housing comes in many different shapes and sizes. Not only are there a myriad of different systems to choose from (such as cartridge filters, single or multi-bag systems, and reverse osmosis systems), you also need to consider other physical constraints. Is the area for your filtration system big or small? If its small, a multi-bag filtration system (which is often bulkier) may not be the best choice.
You also need to decide if you want a self-cleaning filtration system or a manual system. Both have their advantages, and often the biggest decision-making factor between the two is money. Self-cleaning is a higher cost up front but can save you money in the long run. And certainly, you’ll need to consider other more practical things, like what is your end connection type or what materials are the rest of the system made up of.
Consider a System Carefully
As you investigate filtration systems, it’s important to consider all of your options and take your time making decisions. The filtration system is one of the most important components of an operating system. Consider what type of particles you will be filtering out and what the chemical compatibility of your system is then explore your options to find which system is the best fit for you. If you have any questions during this process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Customer Service is happy to help!
This post covers factors to consider for choosing a filtration system as a whole, but if you are trying to determine which type of cartridge or bag filters you need, we have blog posts to help you out with that as well. View them here and here.