A Cartridge Filter is a common type of filter element designed as a physical barrier to remove particles and harmful solids from liquids and gases. Ölof Filtration Teknologerna AB has worked with its technological partners designing a wide variety of filters elements to suit every industrial application. Design will depend on pressure, temperature, chemical compatibility, viscosity, contamination level, desired service life and other characteristics of the production process and the fluid itself.
Cartidge filtration is generally considered a cost effective and flexible alternative compared against other filtration methods.
Filter cartridges usually have a cylindrical shape and are divided in two different types: surface and depth-type filters. Depth filters capture particles and contaminant through the total thickness of the filter media while in surface filters particles are blocked on the surface of the filter.
Surface filters are best if you are filtering contaminants of similar particles, their pleated technology has more surface area than depth filters. When compared to pleated surface filters, depth filters have a limited surface area, but they have the advantage of its depth where it can remove deformable contaminants and a wide range of particles sizes.
It can be generally stated that larger filtration surface area results in higher flows, longer service life and greater dirt holding capacity.
Cartridge filters are normally designed as disposable elements, meaning that they need to be replaced when the filter reaches its maximum allowed pressure drop or when particular microbiological or process conditions suggest.
