How to Choose a Filter Bag for Your Industrial Filtration System

Industrial filtration systems are built to meet the specifications of your water purification needs. Choosing the correct filtration bag will assist in the removal of unwanted particles and microorganisms from your application. Depending on your application requirements, several styles of filter bags can be used.

Filter bag considerations include micron ratings, filter bag material and fabric requirements, and cost objectives. Since each industrial filtration system is unique to its direct application, the filter bags used within the system must also align with application parameters.

What is an Industrial Filtration System Filter Bag?

Bag filtration is among the most used ways to filter large quantities of water and other liquids. Depending on the liquid and application, some particle types may not need to be filtered, while other contaminants require at or near 100% removal. An absolute filter bag is often used for applications that require the removal of all particles. Absolute filters utilize a specific pore rating size that traps particles of a particular size or larger with defined efficiency.

Considerations When Choosing a Filter Bag

Several considerations should be met prior to choosing the right filter bag for your application. Each of the following characteristics must be considered to find the filter bag that will suit your application requirements.

• Particle size
• Flow rate
• Pressure
• Process conditions
• Filter media types
• Filter housing

Particle Size

The smaller the micron rating, the smaller the solid particles that will be prevented from passing through liquid filters. There are two ways to measure  the size and amount of particles removed, nominal and absolute. A nominal pore size rating refers to a filter capable of preventing the passage of an undefined percentage of solid particles greater than the stated pore size. Absolute filtration refers to retaining all particles of a certain pore size. For example, a 20 µm absolute rating means all particles with a 20 µm or larger pore size will be retained at 99% during one filtration process.

Flow Rate

The filtering area size will determine the speed at which the liquid flows through the filter bags. The liquid's thickness, material type, and viscosity will also affect the flow rate. Filter bags that are too small or with a material thicker than recommended can decrease the flow rate.