CartridgeFilter

Cartridge filter, sometimes written as cartridgefilter, is a filtration device consisting of a cylindrical cartridge element placed inside a filter housing. In normal operation, liquid or gas flows from the outside of the cartridge through the filter media and into a central bore, so particulates are captured within or on the surface of the media. Cartridge filters are available in pleated or depth-type constructions and are designed to remove a defined range of particle sizes.

Materials used for cartridge elements include polypropylene, polyester, cellulose, glass fiber, and nylon, with pleated designs providing large surface area. Filtration ratings are described as nominal or absolute and typically span from about 0.2 to 100 microns, depending on the media and the target application.

Cartridge filters are used in a wide range of industries, including water treatment, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech, chemical processing, HVAC systems, and hydraulic or lubrication circuits. They can be found in single-cartridge housings or multi-cartridge housings that allow staged filtration or higher flow rates.

Operation and maintenance: cartridge life depends on feed quality and the target rating. Operators monitor differential pressure and replace cartridges when pressure drop becomes excessive or flow falls below requirements; some media are compatible with chemical sanitizers or autoclaving, enabling clean-in-place or sterilization in specific applications. Disposal is governed by the cartridge material and regulatory requirements.

Advantages include compactness, ease of replacement, and precise micron control; limitations include susceptibility to clogging at high solids loads and the need for periodic replacement or pre-filtration. Selection should consider media compatibility, target particle size, flow rate, and operating conditions.