A Complete Guide to the Differences Between Baghouse vs. Cartridge Dust Collectors

It is widely known that cartridge-type dust collectors are the go-to way to collect dust. While there are many applications very well-suited to cartridge-type filtration, there are also applications that are better suited for a baghouse dust collector. But which one is better for your specific application?

What Are Bag and Cartridge Filters?

Bag and cartridge collectors work to clean the air and create a safe environment for anyone in a space. Each dust collector utilizes a specific filter: baghouse dust collectors contain bag filters, while cartridge dust collectors contain cartridge filters. These filters play an integral part in dust-collecting systems, as the filters capture dust particles and provide cleaner air.

By using a dust collecting system, you’ll find that it will:

• Promote a safer work environment
• Enhance the performance of equipment within the area
• Protect employees from breathing harmful air
• Eliminate toxins

Now that we’ve reviewed how a dust collector works, we can examine the benefits and applications.

Benefits and Applications of Baghouse Filter Dust Collectors

Baghouse filter dust collectors are particularly useful in some of the most challenging applications. The fabric bag filter is durable, flexible, and offers excellent release properties on a variety of particles and dust. Fabric bag filters typically have longer service life between replacement and can take the punishment of a demanding application with much slower deterioration.

When faced with a heavy dust loading application, a baghouse dust collector is an excellent choice. For example, for woodworking applications (which produce fibrous dust) and grain dust, bag-type filters handle the high volume of dust that is common without clogging between pleats in a cartridge filter.

Another major difference in baghouse dust collectors are the amount of filters within the unit. AirMax stocks a variety of bag filters and can fulfill orders within a matter of days, no matter the quantity. 

Benefits and Applications of Cartridge Filter Dust Collectors

Cartridge-type dust collectors are the industry standard in dust collection, as there are many types and configurations available. With quick, easy filter changes and low overall footprint, cartridge dust collectors are great for general purpose air filtration. Offering easy maintenance and quick cartridge filter changes, they are the preferred choice for welding, laser, plasma, and other fume/smoke applications.

Cartridge filters vary in media material and square foot of media within each cartridge, and can also vary on shape (round vs. oval). AirMax carries an extensive inventory of premium cartridge dust collector filters for most of the top cartridge collector brands; making us a convenient place for finding the brand you need. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bag Filters vs. Cartridge Filters

Since the filters in a dust collecting system are vital pieces of a system, questions tend to arise about them. Here are some FAQs and answers about each filter, along with which would be ideal for your working environment in terms of maintenance, longevity, and more.

What’s the difference between each filter’s cleaning mechanism?

When looking at the difference between bag filters vs. cartridge filters, one element to keep in mind is their different cleaning mechanisms.

When cleaning a bag filter, you can use a burst of reverse airflow to remove the dust that has accumulated over time in the filter. To clean a cartridge dust collector, you’ll need to use a pulse-jet cleaning mechanism. This will help push dust into the collection system.

How long does each filter last?

If you’re looking for a filter that endures, bag filters may be the best fit for you because they generally have a longer lifespan than cartridge filters. The lifespan of your filter, although, depends on various characteristics, such as:

• Accumulated dust volume
• Air-to-cloth ratio
• Temperature
• Humidity
• Chemical exposure
• Design of the filter
• Frequency of cleaning and maintenance

These elements all contribute to the lifespan of a bag filter or cartridge filter, so it’s important to keep them in mind when determining your frequency of replacement.

How often do you have to replace each filter?

For the best results, you should replace your dust collector filters every 3-6 months. Due to a cartridge filter’s fine lining, it will most likely need to be replaced more frequently than a baghouse filter.

You will want to replace your filter when any of the following occur:

• The pressure gauge reads higher than 6”
• The filter looks clogged
• Noticeable dust particles are in the air

What’s the cost difference of a bag filter vs. a cartridge filter?

When comparing the different costs of bag filters vs. cartridge filters, know that bag filters are generally less expensive, but you must take into account the size, coating, and any other specifications of your filters when determining the overall cost.

Even though cartridge filters may be more expensive upfront, they do tend to save more on energy, which can reduce costs in the long run.

Reach Out to AirMax Filters Today

AirMax is your destination for quality industrial cartridge filters. We strive to make it convenient to obtain a filter that performs optimally and ships quickly. Contact us today!