Cartridge dust collectors are the chosen collection system for many applications due to their ability to handle very small particles, their compact size and easier maintenance routines. Another great benefit to cartridge filters is the ability to utilize filter cleaning. Filter cleaning is the process of cleaning dirty filters, so they are able to be used again. You can clean some filters up to 10 times! This is a great way to save money and choose the environmentally friendly option. Ideal applications for cartridge collectors include sandblasting and abrasive blasting, plasma cutting, paint booths and bulk powders.
Different from baghouses and filter bags, cartridge dust collectors use pleated cartridge filters. These pleated filters have a larger total filtering surface area per cubic feet per minute reducing the air to cloth ratio, which is why cartridge collectors are often smaller in size.
Being sure to use the correct filter is key in ensuring your collector runs efficiently and safely. Just like filter bags, the right filter cartridge is based on the type of dust produced and particle characteristics, particle size, combustibility and hygroscopicity (meaning the characteristics of the dusts if moistened by humidity). If you are unsure about what type of filter your collector needs, feel free to contact us – our team would love to help!
Now let’s take a closer look are these filter cartridges! The most popular media types include:
- Spunbond Polyester
- Nanofiber
- 80/20 Cellulose Polyester Blend
- Polyester
Spunbond Polyester
Known to perform well in high temperatures and with abrasive dusts. Spunbond polyester is an ideal choice for applications requiring a strong filter media with enhanced dust release, applications include cement, cardboard and abrasive blasting. Treatments include fire retardant, anti-static and PTFE.
Nanofiber
Nanofiber filter media comprises of a thin, synthetic web of fibers that is overlaid on top of a substrate, usually an 80/20 cellulose polyester blend. Similar to a PTFE membrane on a filter bag, the web of fibers capture a bulk of the dust particulate. Nanofiber can also withstand greater cleaning demands, making it ideal for metalworking, smoke, or other very fine dust applications. Nanofiber is great at handling superfine dust particulate and treatments include fire retardant capabilities.
80/20 Blend
80/20 filter media is comprised of 80% cellulose and 20% polyester. Due to the low cost, this filter media is among the most common for basic applications. Unlike 100% cellulose filters, the blend of cellulose and polyester provide more strength to the cartridge filter. Ideal applications for 80/20 blend filters include paint booths, general dust filtration and blasting. Treatments for these filters include fire retardant and anti-static.
Polyester
100% Polyester media is more rigid and contains additional pleats. This makes it a more permeable filter media allowing easier airflow. Applications using polyester media include cement, sandblasting and cardboard. Treatments available for polyester filter cartridges include fire retardant, anti-static, hydro-oleophobic and PTFE.
Ultra-Web
Lastly, you may be familiar of Ultra-Web filter cartridges. These cartridges are Donaldson-Torit proprietary filters featuring nanofiber filter media that is proven to outperform and outlast others. These filter cartridges are known for their high performance, lasting longer and are extremely efficient. These filters have a higher initial cost, but are replaced less frequently, making them an investment that will save you money in the long run.
Again, we understand that choosing the right filter for your application can be confusing, but we’re here to help! If you have questions on your cartridge dust collector or replacement filters, feel free to contact our team today!
