Filtration systems are as unique as the industries they are used in. Some systems use just one kind of filtration, while other systems use many. Of all the types of filtration systems, two of the most common are particulate filtration and coalescers. Particulate filters remove larger solid particles while coalescing filters offer a finer filtration, removing aerosols or droplets through two different stages. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between particulate and coalescing filters.
Particulate vs Coalescing Filters
When deciding what type of filter to use, the first thing you must know is what you are trying to filter out, and how fine of a filtration you require. Particulate and coalescing filters both work to remove contaminants from a product, but they remove different types of contaminants.
Additionally, coalescing filters will remove particulates with the same efficiency as the same grade particulate filters, but particulate filters cannot be used for coalescing.
Particulate Filters
Particulate filters remove solid particles from a liquid or a gas. The size of the particle’s removed depends on the grade of the filter, with filter grades running from .01 micron up to 200 micron. Particulate filters work from the outside in. The unclean liquid or gas flows into the filter, and then the clean liquid or gas emerges. The filter inside is honeycomb shaped and traps the unwanted particles while releasing the cleaned product.
Coalescing Filters
Coalescing filters are used to separate liquids and gases out from one another and into separate units. Some examples include water/gas, gas/oil, or fuel/gas that need to be separated either for purification or for commercialization. The coalescing process happens in two phases.
Let’s take a water/gas mixture for example. When the mixture enters into the filter, it enters step one. Step one is separating the water from the gas. As they separate, the liquid runs along the fine fibers of the inner layer forming larger drops, which are then drained away using gravity to pull them from the gas. Step two is a purification process to remove any impurities from the gas, leaving your final product to be a clean and dry gas.
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Applications for Coalescers and Coalescing Filters
Coalescers are used in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, and can be used by themselves or as part of a larger system. In these industries, they are often used for liquid-liquid or liquid-gas separation during the refining process. They are placed strategically within the system to help protect the equipment from corrosion.
In the petrochemical industry, coalescers are often as part of a filtration system to remove water vapor from the product before it is stored. The oil and fuel industry use two different types of coalescing filters. Oil or fuel coalescers are used to remove oil or fuel from a water/oil mix. You may also need a gas coalescing filter which separates gases from gas/fuel or gas/water mixes.
Filtration for Every Industrial Need
Filtration is important in every industry, be it for purification or commercialization purposes. Particulate and coalescing filters can help your business achieve that purpose. By separating out impurities or different medias, you can ensure that your product is up to standard.