What is a filter housing?

Answered by Frank Schwing

A filter housing, also known as a filter vessel, is a crucial component in various industries and applications where the filtration of liquids or gases is required. It serves as a protective casing for a filter cartridge, bag, or basket strainer, ensuring the efficient and effective removal of impurities from the fluid stream.

Filter housings are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials to accommodate different filtration needs. They are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic, depending on the specific requirements of the application. The choice of material is important as it determines the housing’s resistance to corrosion, temperature, and pressure.

One common type of filter housing is used for filter bags. These housings are designed to hold a filter bag securely in place, preventing any bypass of the fluid being filtered. Filter bags are typically made from materials such as polyester, polypropylene, or nylon and are capable of capturing a wide range of particulate sizes.

Another type of filter housing is used for cartridge filters. Cartridge filters consist of a cylindrical filter element made from materials such as pleated paper, polyester, or activated carbon. The filter housing for cartridge filters provides a tight seal to prevent any fluid bypass and allows for easy installation and replacement of the cartridges.

Basket strainers are yet another type of filter housing commonly used in industrial applications. These housings are designed to hold a perforated or mesh basket that captures larger particles or debris from the fluid stream. Basket strainers are often used in processes where the removal of solids is critical to prevent damage to downstream equipment.

The choice of filter housing depends on various factors, including the flow rate, pressure, temperature, and the type of fluid being filtered. It is essential to select a housing that can withstand the operating conditions and provide the desired level of filtration efficiency.

In my experience working with filter housings, I have witnessed the importance of selecting the right housing for specific applications. For example, in a water treatment plant, we used a stainless steel filter housing for cartridge filters to ensure the removal of fine particles and contaminants from the water supply. The housing’s durability and corrosion resistance were crucial in maintaining the filtration system’s performance over time.

To summarize, a filter housing is a protective casing that holds a filter cartridge, bag, or basket strainer in place, allowing for the effective filtration of liquids or gases. It is available in various sizes and styles, and the choice of material is essential to ensure its compatibility with the operating conditions. Whether it is used for filter bags, cartridge filters, or basket strainers, the filter housing plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and purity of the fluid stream in numerous industrial processes.