Choosing The Right Filter Media: Infographic & Blog

Choosing the right filter media can be difficult.  There are many things to consider regarding application, temperature, amount of moisture and other features of the dust that is being collected. However, a dust collector is only as efficient as its filter cartridges. When working at peak performance, filter cartridges should capture the maximum amount of dust and air pollutants, and then thoroughly release them into a collection hopper when pulse cleaned.

In addition, filter cartridges must be equipped with media that is appropriate for the specific application and dust. Selecting the correct media creates a safer, cleaner work environment with less dust collector maintenance. Using the wrong media can lead to increased energy usage or worse.

Is the application high temperature (above 180 degrees Fahrenheit)? To help decide what media/filter to use in your application, consider the following questions in relation to your application:

If the answer is “no” to all of these questions, cellulose/polyester blended media will be the right media for the application.  However, if it is a high temperature application and the dust is over 180°F, a Spunbond or Nomex media would be an option.

Some types of dust do create static. When that is the case, some engineers recommend considering using a Spunbond Aluminized filter media or a ground wire option. Conductive or anti-static filters may be used where conveyed dust generate static charges create dissipation. Characteristically, static dissipation is achieved by impregnating a cellulose filter with a carbon coating or a synthetic filter with an aluminized coating or carbon impregnation.

When the dust contains moisture or chemicals/oils, a Spunbond Hydro Oleophobic media is recommended. The filter media can be coated with an oil and water repellent finish to be used when there are some fumes in the process.

When moisture is present a Spunbond polyester media should be used. Synthetic Polyester media is lightweight and washable. They can handle dry applications with maximum operating temperatures ranging from 180°F up to 265°F. Polyester filter media is washable and can recover from a moisture excursion.

In general dust applications such as plasma, laser, and weld fume applications engineers usually recommend a Nanofiber Filter. When a layer of Nanofibers is applied on top of the base media, whether cellulosic or polyester, the nano coating encourages surface loading characteristics of fine dust and prevents dust from penetrating deeply into the filter’s base media. This deciphers into better dust release during cleaning cycles and lower pressure drop readings through the life of the filter which in turn endorses longer filter life along with great energy savings. 

There are a lot of factors that hinge on what type of media should be used in a given application.  The best way to determine the correct media is to have your dust tested.  Then all the characteristics of the dust are spelled out and it is made clear what type of media will help the dust collector perform at optimum efficiency. Effectively controlling dust and fumes is essential for the safety of employees, quality of products and monitoring compliance. A high-efficiency dust collector designed specifically for an application is an accepted and well proven engineering control that will filter combustible and hazardous dust to make indoor environments safer.

The team at AirMax has years of experience with different types of medias. Reach out to the team at AirMax for further information on different media types.