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Schematic of pleated cartridge construction and outside-in flow

Home/Knowledge Center/How To Choose A Micron Rating For Cartridge Filters

Selection Guide

How To Choose A Micron Rating For Cartridge Filters

Absolute versus nominal ratings, choosing from the stage you protect, and why rating drives change-out cost more than unit price.

A micron rating describes the size of particle the media is expected to retain, but the same number means different things depending on whether the element is rated absolute or nominal. An absolute rating is a retention figure the element is built to hold. A nominal rating is a design target and lets a share of particles through. Two cartridges printed with the same number can behave differently on the same duty for this reason.

  • Absolute rated elements are specified where the next stage cannot tolerate a breakthrough
  • Nominal rated elements are used for bulk solids removal where cost per cycle matters more
  • Ask which basis a quoted rating uses before comparing two suppliers on price

Related product: HFMV Series High Flow Filter Cartridges

The rating is set by what sits downstream, not by the feed. Choose the coarsest rating the next stage tolerates, because every step finer costs differential pressure and shortens the run. Where a membrane rack sits downstream, the membrane supplier's guidance sets the ceiling.

  • Identify the sensitive stage first: membrane, nozzle, pump seal or finished product
  • Take the coarsest rating that protects it rather than the finest available
  • Confirm the choice by logging differential pressure across a real run
Schematic of pleated cartridge construction and outside-in flow
Schematic of pleated cartridge construction and outside-in flow

Related product: PP Melt Blown Depth Filter Cartridges

A finer rating loads faster, so the run ends sooner and the labour bill rises even when the cartridge itself is cheap. Compare suppliers on cost per run rather than cost per element, and hold the housing and the flow constant while you test.

  • Log clean differential pressure the day a new element goes in
  • Change out at the recommended differential rather than the maximum
  • Compare total cost across a full cycle including labour and downtime

Related product: PP Pleated Filter Cartridges

Where the feed carries a wide particle spread, a coarse stage ahead of the fine element usually costs less over a year than running the fine element alone. The coarse stage takes the bulk load and the fine element lasts long enough to be worth its price.

  • Use a depth cartridge or bag ahead of a pleated element on a dirty feed
  • Size the coarse stage so it, not the fine element, does the loading
  • Keep both stages in the same change-out routine so neither is forgotten

Related product: String Wound Depth Filter Cartridges

Products In This Guide

Cartridges Mentioned Above

Large diameter high flow filter cartridge with moulded handle
High Flow Cartridges

HFMV Series High Flow Filter Cartridges

HFMV is a 6.5 inch large diameter high flow cartridge with a vertically pleated polypropylene pack, an inner core and an injection moulded outer cage.

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Depth filter cartridges in melt blown and wound construction
Depth Cartridges

PP Melt Blown Depth Filter Cartridges

PP Melt Blown Depth Filter Cartridges are made from polypropylene fibers spun into a three dimensional network that captures particles throughout the

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Labelled schematic of the PP Pleated Filter Cartridges showing construction and connection detail
Pleated Cartridges

PP Pleated Filter Cartridges

PP pleated filter cartridges are depth pleated cartridges with a single piece full length polypropylene media pack, an inner core, and an injection mo

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Labelled schematic of the String Wound Depth Filter Cartridges showing construction and connection detail
Depth Cartridges

String Wound Depth Filter Cartridges

HFSW is a string wound depth filter cartridge with a continuous yarn structure that forms a graded density media pack.

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FAQ

Questions On This Topic

Is a lower micron number always better?
No. A finer element loads faster, raises differential pressure and shortens the run. Take the coarsest rating that still protects the stage downstream.
How do I compare an absolute rating with a nominal one?
Ask each supplier which basis their printed number uses. Comparing an absolute rating against a nominal one on price alone will mislead you.
Can I change rating without changing housing?
Yes, as long as the diameter, length and adapter stay the same. Send us the housing model and we will confirm which ratings are available in that envelope.
How do I know when to change the element?
Use differential pressure, not the calendar. Log the clean value on day one and change at the recommended differential for the series.
Can I get a sample to trial a rating?
Yes. Message us with the housing model, the current cartridge code and the rating you want to test and we will quote a sample set.

Still Deciding Between Two Options

Send your housing model, the fluid and what sits downstream. We will tell you which of the two we would fit and why.

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