Polymer Melt Filter Elements
Polymer melt filter elements retain contaminants during polymer processing. Filter media, nominal rating, support structure and connections must work together to suit the melt, process conditions and available installation space.
Filtalloy manufactures custom metal filter elements using wire mesh or sintered metal fiber felt. Pleating increases filtration area within a compact installation envelope. We can develop an element from process requirements, manufacture to drawings, or reproduce an existing element from a sample.
Filter Media for Polymer Melt Filtration
Wire Mesh Filter Elements
Both woven wire mesh and sintered wire mesh are available. Filtration, support and protective layers are selected to suit the rating, flow direction and finished element structure.
Woven mesh filtration layers have nominal ratings of 5–400 μm. Ratings and layer configurations for sintered mesh are selected for each project.
Sintered Metal Fiber Felt Elements
Sintered metal fiber felt can be combined with wire mesh support and protective layers. Nominal filter ratings range from 1–100 μm.
Select the medium according to the contaminants, melt conditions, target rating, allowable differential pressure and cleaning method.
Materials for Polymer Melt Filter Elements
Available materials and related grades include:
- Stainless steel
- Hastelloy
- Inconel
- Nickel
The filter medium, supports and connection components can be specified for the polymer, temperature, corrosion conditions and customer drawing.
Polymer Melt Filtration Applications
Discuss melt filtration requirements for fiber, film, resin and plastics processing. Element designs can be considered for polymers such as PET, PA, PP and PE, and for spinning, film and sheet processing, subject to the specific process conditions.
For selection, identify the polymer and process stage, contaminants, target nominal rating, melt temperature and pressure, flow rate, allowable differential pressure, installation dimensions and cleaning method.
The polymer name alone does not determine a suitable filter rating or pressure capability.
Polymer Candle Filter Configurations
The same filter medium can be used with different connections and protective structures. We manufacture threaded connections, 226 connectors, internal supports, protective sleeves, perforated outer sleeves and flow guide cones.
Flow direction can be designed to customer requirements, together with the filtration, support and protective layers. The examples below illustrate structural options.
Polymer filter elements with different mounting connections.
Filter Media Comparison
The following images show woven mesh and sintered metal fiber felt filtration layers. The comparison table lists nominal ratings for these two media.
Pleated polymer filter element with a woven wire mesh filtration layer.
Polymer candle filter with a sintered metal fiber felt filtration layer.
| Wire Mesh and Sintered Metal Fiber Felt: Filter Media Comparison | ||
| Item | Woven wire mesh | Sintered metal fiber felt |
| Target contaminants | Hard particulate | Hard particle and deformable gel |
| Nominal filter rating (μm) | 5–400 | 1–100 |
| Dirt holding capacity | Low | High |
| Permeability | Good | Good |
| Working differential pressure | High | High |
| Working temperature | High | High |
| Cleaning and reuse | Yes | Yes |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Good |
Working temperature and allowable differential pressure depend on the material, filter layers, support structure and connections. Cleaning and reuse depend on contaminant removal and the condition of the element.
See Sintered Metal Fiber Felt for information about the fiber medium.
For general pleated metal cartridge construction and other applications, see Pleated Metal Filter. For woven media, explore our Woven Mesh range.
Pleated metal polymer melt filter element with a 226 connector.
Polymer filter elements with flow guide cones and perforated outer protective sleeves.
Cleaning Polymer Melt Filter Elements
Filtalloy can recommend hot steam, chemical or ultrasonic cleaning methods according to the filter medium and polymer residue. Cleaning conditions must suit the material, contamination, element structure and available cleaning equipment.
After cleaning, inspect the filtration layers, supports, connections and welded areas before deciding whether the element is suitable for reuse.
Polymer Melt Filter FAQs
Which filter media are available?
Woven wire mesh, sintered wire mesh and sintered metal fiber felt are available. Filtration, support and protective layers are combined for the project requirements.
Are 5–400 μm and 1–100 μm absolute filter ratings?
No. Both ranges are nominal filter ratings. They refer to woven mesh filtration layers and sintered metal fiber felt filtration layers, respectively.
Can connections, protective sleeves and flow guide cones be customized?
Yes. We can manufacture the connections, sleeves and guide cones shown on this page and confirm the detailed design from process requirements, drawings or samples.
Can a polymer filter candle be designed for a different flow direction?
Yes. Flow direction can be designed to customer requirements together with the filtration, support and protective layers.
Can the filter elements be cleaned and reused?
Cleaning and reuse can be discussed according to the medium and polymer residue. We recommend hot steam, chemical or ultrasonic cleaning methods. Check the condition of the element before reuse.
Can you manufacture from an old sample without a drawing?
Yes. Send the sample for inspection and discussion. We reproduce measurable dimensions and structural features and confirm other parameters from the actual process conditions.
Custom Polymer Melt Filter Elements
Filtalloy is a melt filter manufacturer offering custom metal elements. As a melt filter supplier, we support three ways to develop a suitable element:
Develop from Process Requirements
For a new project or an improved filtration arrangement, provide the polymer, contaminants, target rating, temperature, pressure, allowable differential pressure, flow rate and installation conditions. We discuss the media, structure and connections with you to develop a manufacturable element.
Manufacture to Drawings
For an existing design or replacement element, send drawings with dimensions, tolerances, materials, filter rating, connections, flow direction and support requirements. We manufacture to the confirmed drawing.
Reproduce from a Sample
If drawings or data are incomplete, send the old sample. We examine its dimensions, connections, filter layers and supports, then discuss a reproduction design using your process conditions. Parameters that cannot be determined from the sample are confirmed together.
Send Your Project Details
Use the form below to discuss a new design, drawing-based manufacture or sample reproduction.
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