Compressed air and high pressure gas filtration
High pressure applications present a unique challenge for air and gas microfiltration solutions. In part, this is due to the fact that compressed air and gases at higher than normal operating pressures (those above 100 to 125 psig) pose a more serious environmental threat because the concentration of contaminants is many times higher than normal. that found in a normal system. For example, the existing contaminant at 100 psi (7 bar) increases 8 times the atmospheric pressure for standard applications. At 4,500 psi (300 bar), the contaminant rises 301 times higher than atmospheric pressure. With a 37 times higher contaminant concentration factor, excessive pressure conditions will put pressure on the filter element and significantly reduce its life. As such, a staged approach to high pressure filtration becomes a more critical consideration for system design and implementation. The introduction of a pre-filter prior to the installation of a higher efficiency coalescing filter (those with higher micron retention) or a sterile filter allows installed applications to avoid the complications of excessive contaminant concentration by employing a filtration model distributed.
A major challenge for those end users looking for high efficiency filtration for high pressure applications is the prospect of even finding a manufacturer that offers filters with capacities of 1,000, 3,000 or even 6,000 psig. Challenging, but not impossible, as there are only a handful of manufacturers with the experience to produce serious high pressure filters for demanding applications.
The key criteria for selecting a manufacturer capable of producing high-pressure, high-efficiency filters to meet your needs extend beyond basic operating pressure ranges. Features that should also be considered are the ability to meet or exceed the level of filtration required, as well as the flexibility to supply one or multiple filters that will integrate seamlessly into your existing or designed system. As mentioned above, your supplier must be able to meet the degree of filtration sought, whether it be a series of filters installed in tandem for a two or three stage filtration model, as well as filters specifically designed to operate on high pressure steam or sterile applications. And finally, there is system integration. This latter feature is especially important in situations where the high pressure filter(s) are to be installed in existing or established systems. Again, to be a viable supplier, the manufacturer must be able and willing to provide a custom solution to help you meet your specific requirements. Depending on your system configuration, off-the-shelf solutions for legacy systems will often be insufficient or may not apply to your current system requirements. In addition to the type of filter element installed, another secondary configurable option includes the ability to customize the housing connection to match your system configuration. For example, as the end user, you should have the option to specify inlet and discharge connection types, such as integrating NPT or “AN” connections into the shell design. This allows the end user to specify and integrate a custom solution rather than having to adjust to what may be available.
High pressure filters are available for air and most gases, including those with corrosive characteristics. With regard to the latter, it is critical that the supplier have the ability to customize the metallurgical composition of the casing to suit their specific application. For example, for common industrial grade filtration, carbon steel can be used. For sterile applications, the housing must be made of stainless steel. And for the filtration of highly corrosive gases, a housing made of Hastelloy® C-22® may be required. Whatever your particular need, the manufacturer must have the flexibility to provide a custom solution that can deliver the level of filtration you need, as well as the ability to operate effectively in whatever environment it is integrated into, no matter how challenging be.