The Fine Art of Filter Media Selection in De-Dusting 1

Selecting the most suitable filter media to meet the operational parameters of dry de-dusting applications is often described as an art rather than a science.

This is due to the skills required to meet the exact conditions of each individual case, which can vary even with similar applications.

Temperature variation, gas conditions, volumes, dust loading, particle size and filter configuration – all must be carefully considered in order to find each optimum filtration solution.

Many might think that simply providing figures will suffice in order to meet their application’s needs. Whilst it is true that detailed and complete operational information is the starting point for selection, the best choice of filter media is more often based on the knowledge and experience of the filter supplier.

Donaldson Membranes’ technical team are masters of this art. With many years of collective experience between them they have the expertise to offer sound advice and solutions.

The first step is to look at the basics: application and dust type details; operational temperature range; any adverse gas conditions; air volume and fabric area. Plus one very important but often overlooked factor – the performance of any previously supplied filter media. This is not only useful in quantifying the performance of the current media, but also in assessing the viability of a change in media, or the performance of the filter unit itself.

Consideration of the above enables a filter media supplier to provide advice on suitable media, or to request further information required to make an accurate assessment. A decision will then be made based upon in-depth knowledge and capabilities of available filter fabric which is suitable for each application’s temperature range and chemical resistance requirements. The Donaldson Membranes team can draw upon extensive experience of similar application performance in making choices and comparisons.

However, it is when essential information is not fully available that customers recognise the true value of experienced filtration media suppliers such as Donaldson Membranes.

Media selection advice is readily available and easily accessible from Donaldson Membranes’ local and worldwide personnel. Their combined technical know-how in media and filtration applications is enormous and is applied to the examination and assessment of used filter media and elements.

Their examinations are extremely useful in determining the performance of a filter media, estimating remaining useful media life, or in recommending a change of media to improve filter performance.

Included in inspections and examinations are such parameters as material weight, air permeability and tensile strength, which are measured in “received” condition. A comparison is then made after cleaning. Where possible a comparison is also made to known or estimated values when the media was unused.

Donaldson Membranes’ laboratory tests can also include more in-depth examinations, such as dust particle size and microscopy imaging to allow surface and cross sectional particulate penetration analysis.

Whatever the level of examination required, it is vital that a highly experienced filtration media supplier is consulted in order to achieve maximum results.

Filter media selection may not be rocket science, but it is a fine art.