Filtration media is material that actively separates solids from a solution and/or binds select materials in a solution. Base fluids may include coolants, corrosive chemicals, gasoline, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, water, oil, inks, dies, and paints. Filtration media can also remove particulates and contaminants from gas or air. Filtration grade or Beta ratio is an important specification to consider when selecting filtration media. This micron-rating characterizes a material’s ability to remove contaminants based on particle size. Water absorption, maximum pressure and maximum liquid flow or maximum gas flow are also important parameters to consider. Some filtration media is reusable or disposable. Other products meet requirements from regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are many types of organic filtration media. Activated carbons are usually made from bituminous coal or lignite and used in wastewater treatment applications. The material source and mode of activation provide specific end-use properties. Activated clay is often used to remove dissolved contaminants such as acids, oxidation by-products, and surfactants. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally-occurring mineral with high absorption, low bulk-density, and high brightness. Cellulose is a natural, plant-based filter material with rough fibers that vary in both size and shape. Types of cellulose include cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose or cellulose nitrate, and regenerated cellulose. Like cellulose, cotton is a highly-efficient filtration media. Cotton’s irregularly-shaped fibers and strong absorption properties provide strength even under wet conditions. Other types of organic filtration media include sand and paper.
Filtration media is material that actively separates solids from a solution and/or binds select materials in a solution. Base fluids may include coolants, corrosive chemicals, gasoline, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, water, oil, inks, dies, and paints. Filtration media can also remove particulates and contaminants from gas or air. Filtration grade or Beta ratio is an important specification to consider when selecting filtration media. This micron-rating characterizes a material’s ability to remove contaminants based on particle size. Water absorption, maximum pressure and maximum liquid flow or maximum gas flow are also important parameters to consider. Some filtration media is reusable or disposable. Other products meet requirements from regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are many types of organic filtration media. Activated carbons are usually made from bituminous coal or lignite and used in wastewater treatment applications. The material source and mode of activation provide specific end-use properties. Activated clay is often used to remove dissolved contaminants such as acids, oxidation by-products, and surfactants. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally-occurring mineral with high absorption, low bulk-density, and high brightness. Cellulose is a natural, plant-based filter material with rough fibers that vary in both size and shape. Types of cellulose include cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose or cellulose nitrate, and regenerated cellulose. Like cellulose, cotton is a highly-efficient filtration media. Cotton’s irregularly-shaped fibers and strong absorption properties provide strength even under wet conditions. Other types of organic filtration media include sand and paper.
Filtration media includes plastics such as polyethersulfone (PES), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and polysulfone (PSU). PES is a high-performance polymer that provides excellent resistance water and steam. PP is a thermoplastic filter material that can be used in outdoor applications because of its resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, weathering, and ozone. PTFE exhibits a high degree of chemical resistance and is often marketed in proprietary classes of materials such as Teflon? (DuPont Dow Elastomers). PVDF filters also provide good chemical resistance, but do not perform well at elevated temperatures. PVDC offers low permeability to water vapor and gases while PSU afford good dimensional stability. Synthetic filtration media also includes non-plastic materials such as glass fiber, glass wool, ceramics, metal, and porous metal.
