Article written by FCX Performance, Inc
What’s the difference between disposable and permanent filter media?
Disposable Filter Media
Disposable filter media is replaced each time the media becomes plugged with contaminants. Examples of disposable media include filter bags, string wound, pleated cartridges and HVAC air panels.
Permanent Filter Media
Once the media becomes plugged, permanent filters are cleaned (either manually or automatically) and re-used. Examples of permanent media include strainer baskets, SS or alloy cartridges and backwashing or mechanically cleaned filter elements.
How to determine when to use disposable verses permanent medias
Micron and Efficiency Ratings
It is important to identify what micron and efficiency ratings are required because what you may need might not be available in disposable and permanent systems. In general, permanent media is more suitable for larger micron levels while disposable medias work better in high efficiency and low micron level applications. If a high load of solids exists, the best solution might be a combination of permanent and disposable media in your filtration system.
Product Compatibility
Product compatibility plays a crucial role in determining the type of media to use. For instance, at certain temperatures or in certain harsh applications, the media can become compromised. In this case, a permanent media would be more optimal for high temperatures or aggressive chemicals. There are various material options for disposable filter media that each have their own chemical compatibility strengths and weaknesses along with various temperature resistances.
Batch vs Continuous Process
If you have a continuous process, using a permanent media can be a hassle to swap out and clean each time it becomes clogged. In this case, a disposable media would be more optimal as it can be quickly removed and replaced with a fresh new filter media. With a batch process, it is very common that the entire system be taken apart and cleaned for the next product’s batch, so a permanent media could be an optimal solution.
