Support Cores and their use with liquid filtration and coalescing
In normal operational use the borosilicate glass microfibre filter element is perfectly strong enough for most applications and if the element is in an application where it remains dry it is fairly rare that it would need any kind of support. The main problems that can be seen are when disposable type microfibre elements are wet and they see sudden and/or extreme changes in pressure, flow, or both.
Liquid filtration and support cores
Liquid filtration should always use a support core inside the disposable type particulate filter as this will hugely increase the strength of the element, stopping it from being crushed. It should be remembered though that even with the support core, if the element becomes blocked it will still split.
Therefore it is recommended that the elements are replaced regularly. With the liquid filtration application using a particulate filter and a support core inside it means that every time the element is changed the support core can be re-used thus still keeping the cost of replacement elements low. A differential pressure indicator can be used to monitor the filter element.
Coalescing and support cages
The other main application that can see problems is in coalescing. If the liquid being coalesced is particularly viscous it doesn’t clear the element when the systems shut down. Also if the system has a high flow rate the initial differential pressure across the element could be enough to split it. In both these applications it is advisable to use elements with a support cage around the outside of them.
Unfortunately these elements have to have the support cages fitted to the size of the outside diameter of the element, so the whole support cage and element have to be disposed of when they are changed.
Although these elements are not available off the shelf they are available on a short lead time. For more help and assistance please call one of the team on +44 (0)1634 724224 or send us an email to [email protected]
