How to Controlling Filtration Cost and Efficiency?Analysis of Three Core Indicators of Filter Membranes

I. Introduction

Microporous filtration technology is an efficient technology for fluid clarification, separation, and purification, which is widely applied in industrial fields such as food and beverage, fine chemicals, microelectronics, water treatment, and biopharmaceuticals. However, in the process of selecting suitable filter elements, we are often dazzled by the diverse types of filter membrane materials.

This article will analyze the three core indicators of filter membranes from the perspectives of definition, importance, influencing factors, and application scenarios, helping users select filter element models that match their production needs, and achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement on the basis of ensuring the stability of the production system.

II. Core Indicator One: Dirt-Holding Capacity

✅What is Dirt-Holding Capacity?

✅Why is it crucial?

✅Influencing Factors

Filtration Area: There is a positive proportional relationship. The larger the area, the higher the dirt-holding capacity.

Filter Material Structure: Depth Filtration vs. Surface Filtration

• Depth Filtration: Contaminants are deposited in layers in the multi-layer pores inside the medium, and are adsorbed by means of inertia, diffusion, etc. Therefore, the filter medium with this structure has a larger dirt-holding capacity.
• Surface Filtration: Contaminants are mainly accumulated on the surface of the filter medium, forming a filter cake layer, which leads to rapid clogging. Therefore, the filter medium with this structure has a lower dirt-holding capacity.

✅How to select filter elements with appropriate dirt-holding capacity based on pollution expectations?

• Evaluate the pollution degree according to the size and concentration of pollutant particles.

• Match the filtration precision according to the actual application scenario.

• Calculate the flux and pressure drop.

• Conduct performance testing and verification.

III. Core Indicator Two: Throughput

✅What is Throughput?

✅Why is it crucial?

✅Influencing Factors

Fluid Properties:Contaminant concentration, viscosity, and chemical compatibility.

Operating Conditions: Working pressure, temperature, and flow rate.

✅How to use throughput data to plan production and maintenance schedules?

• Collect throughput data in real-time through flow meters and other equipment to reflect the operating status of the filtration system.

• Identify the change trend of the filtration system based on historical throughput data combined with real-time monitoring data.

• Calculate the filter element replacement cycle according to the throughput prediction model, and arrange maintenance time in combination with the production plan to reduce the impact of downtime on production.

IV. Core Indicator Three： Filtration Rating&Filtration Efficiency

Filtration Rating

• Absolute Precision Membrane

It has relatively uniform pore size and is generally used for terminal filtration. The following filter elements of LOONG Filter adopt absolute precision membranes.

Hydrophilic PES Pleated Filter Cartridge

Hydrophobic PVDF Filter Cartridge

Sterilizing Grade Nylon Membrane Filter Cartridge

All-Teflon PTFE Filter Cartridge

MCE Membrane Filter Cartridge

• Relative Precision Membrane

It has uneven pore size and is generally used for pre-filtration. The following filter elements of LOONG Filter adopt relative precision membranes

PP Pleated Filter Cartridge

Pharma Grade PBT Filter Cartridge

Glass Fiber Filter Cartridge

Filtration Efficiency

• Definition: The ability of the filter membrane to retain particles of a specific size.

• Determinants: Maximum pore size and pore size distribution.

V. How Do the 3 Indicators Collaborate to Guide Filter Element Selection?

Beer Clarification Filtration:

In the early stage of beer production, the pollutant particles are large and the flow rate of the treated liquid is high. 

>>>Therefore, a membrane stack with high dirt-holding capacity and high throughput should be preferred.

Beer Sterilization Filtration:

Final sterilization filtration is required before filling, which requires 100% retention rate of microorganisms or particles, and no precipitates that will affect the flavor. 

>>>Therefore, PES filter elements with high absolute precision and high filtration efficiency should be preferred.

VI. Conclusion

In practical industrial applications, the three core indicators of dirt-holding capacity, throughput, and filtration precision and efficiency must be comprehensively considered to optimize the filtration system according to production conditions, and achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement on the premise of ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the system.

Welcome to contact the technical engineers of LOONG Filter. 

We will provide you with free filter element selection analysis based on specific working conditions.