These filter bags are made of a micron-rated felt, a non-woven fabric. Small polymer fibers of varying diameters and lengths are forced into a matrix. One side is singed, a process that further locks the filaments together on the "downstream" surface. This fabric does not produce an absolute filtration but rather a range based on generally accepted industry tests. Mandy factors influence the actual filtration including the shape, size, consistancy and loading of the contaminates. Also, the feed pressure and rate of flow affects the filtration results.
These felts have a far higher dirt capacity and flow rate than a flat woven type bag and is much more resistant to blinding (clogging). The material is meant to be disposable and does not clean as well as a woven material.
Polyester filter bags can be used for filtering any liquid. There is a handle strap which can be used for hanging them from a pipe or something similar for gravity filtration. They can also be pressurized by using a filter adapter head and a pump for faster and unattended filtering. Using a pump/adapter combo is highly recommended so you can get the longest life out of your bags and not have to wait around all day to filter when they are clogging.
General Introduction to Liquid Filtration
All filtration and screening involves limiting the passage of various sized solids by means of a barrier or fabric or media. This is done in two ways, by depth filtration using graded density material called felt or by surface filtration using filament woven material called mesh. Wovens, in turn have two basic varieties: multifilament and monofilament. In any application, variables such as flow volume, solids loading, shape and density of contaminants and other factors make this an inexact science. A general description of separation methods of media is helpful.
FELT
This is a filtration media made from a matrix of small fibers. One side is heat bonded to provide a uniform surface free of fiber loss. Contaminant particles are contained within the media by inpingment and entrapment. "Porosity" is defined by nominal micron ratings (1, 5,10,25,50,100,200) indacating the largest particle that can pass through, in general, and reflecting an increase in the density.
FELT |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
High Flow Rate |
Cannot be cleaned |
Low Cost |
Inexact filtration |
Easy disposal of solids in bag |
Variable performance |
High solids capacity |
|
PTFE MEMBRANE SURFACE FELT
This is a filter media having a "Teflon" microporous membrane applied to a base of polyester felt. This results in a nonstick surface which allows for a contaminant "cake" to build and slough off or be removed by cleaning.
PTFE Coated Felt |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Consistent filtration |
High cost |
Extended life |
Lower flow rate |
Sub-micron potential |
Low solids capacity |
PEMU - MULTIFILAMENT MESH FABRIC (POLYESTER)
This is a two-dimensional square-woven fabric used for light filtration and general purpose screening. Consistently woven using a given number of threads per inch, its filameents are comprised of small fibers, twisted into threads. It is generally made of polyester polymer. "Porosity" is defined in borad divisions of hole size, measured in microns (i.e. 100, 150, 250, 400, 600, 800)
PEMU (Polyester) |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Low Cost |
Moderate accuracy |
Disposable |
low solids capacity |
Can be used to prescreen |
not as strong as NMO |
Moderately Cleanable |
blinding of hole |
NMO - MONOFILAMENT MESH (NYLON)
A two-dimensional square of woven mesh fabric used for lower solids or higher accuracy screening and classification of solids. Made from a smooth uniform, one piece extruded thread woven into a screen with high accuracy and consistency. Used for exact separation. "Porosity" is defined by a hole size in microns, with greater variety than multifilaments (i.e. 25, 50, 75, 100, 120, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800).
NMO (Nylon) |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
Strong |
Blinding |
Very cleanable |
High Cost |
Accurate |
Low solid capacity |
POLYMER DATA |
NYLON |
POLYESTER |
POLYPROPYLENE |
Max Temp |
325°F |
300°F |
225°F |
Chem Resistance |
poor |
good |
best |
What bags should you be using? Use coarse bags for initial filtering. Do not jump right to the 1 micron. It's a waste of money. Start with at least 100 micron and work your way down as many steps as possible. bags can be stuffed inside of each other for multiple micron size passes in one filtering session. About 34 bags can be fit onto an adapter head to use with a pump. if done right, you will need more coarse bags than fine bags. 1 micron bags should rarely have to be changed while 50 and 100 micron bags will need to be changed many times collecting the bulk of the debris. Let the coarse bags do all the work for your final filtering bags.
When filtering WVO make sure the oil is at least 100 degrees so all fats are melted.
7" diameter bags are the best for graviry filtering and high volume while 4" bags are best for smaller applications and tight spaces.
See table below for specs on the possible material types for filter bags.
| Compare Filter Bags |
| Filter Media |
Micron Range |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Polyester |
1-100 |
Filters Fats & Viscous Fluids |
Over-cleaning degrades filtering capabilities |
| Nylon |
10-1000 |
Light Weight, Flexible |
Does not catch fats |
| Polypropylene |
1-100 |
Filters Fats & Viscous Fluids, Chemical Resistivity (See Chart Below) |
Over-cleaning degrades filtering capabilities |
| Chemical Resistivities + Temp Ratings |
| Medias |
Mineral Acids |
Organic Acids |
Alkalies |
Oxidizing Acids |
Animal Vegetable Petro-Oils |
Organic Solvents |
Micro Organisms |
Temp Limits (°F) |
Polyester |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
275° |
Polypropylene |
Good |
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
200° |
Nylon |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Poor |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
300° |
This product is made in the USA. |