Custom Perforated Tubes for Filter Support and Protection

Effective open area of perforated tubes

Distinguish the open area of the perforated pattern from the effective open area of the complete tube. Solid seam strips, end margins and other non-perforated areas reduce the available opening area. The pattern percentage alone does not establish flow capacity or structural strength.

Use our perforated tube effective open area calculator within its stated scope, then confirm the drawing and operating requirements. See perforated sheets and plates for flat-sheet hole patterns.

Application media and industries

Typical duties include water treatment, oil and gas, chemical processing, hydraulic and lubrication systems, dust collection, food and beverage processing, mining and desalination. In fine-filter assemblies, the perforated tube acts primarily as a support or guard.

• Liquids: industrial clean water, wastewater and groundwater; lubricating, hydraulic and fuel oils; chemical process liquids; food and beverage streams where material and contact requirements are confirmed.
• Corrosive liquids: acid or alkaline solutions, seawater and brine require confirmation of composition, concentration, temperature and exact alloy. A high-alloy designation alone does not establish compatibility.
• Gases: compressed air, fuel gas, flue gas, process synthesis gas, dust-laden airflow and ventilation exhaust, subject to the complete assembly’s material, temperature and pressure requirements.
• Solid–fluid duties: support components in oil and gas well sand-control assemblies, and ventilation or drying of granular materials. Actual separation performance depends on the complete screen or filter construction.

Cleaning, reuse and replacement

Choose cleaning according to contamination and the complete assembly. A method suitable for the bare support may damage fine media, membranes, seals or end components.

• Reverse-flow flushing or backwashing: for compatible structures; online operation requires an appropriate housing, valves and flow arrangement.
• Water-jet cleaning: for removed parts, using controlled pressure suitable for the tube and any attached medium.
• Compressed-air reverse purging: for suitable gas-duty assemblies with loose dust or particles.
• Compatible solvent or detergent soaking and a soft brush: for oily contamination. Avoid hard steel brushes that can damage edges or attached media.
• Ultrasonic cleaning: where suitable, using an agreed short, low-power procedure for small or precision parts.
• Chemical cleaning: for scale or deposits, with the reagent and procedure matched to the exact alloy, welds, seals and filter media.
• Controlled thermal cleaning: for polymer-contaminated all-metal assemblies only when the material and procedure permit. Membranes, rubber and other non-metal components need separate assessment.

Suitable perforated tubes can be repeatedly cleaned and reused after inspection. Replace parts with severe corrosion, cracked welds, extensive hole-edge deformation or loss of their support function. Cleaning does not restore a damaged structure.

Manufacturing inspection

• Dimensions: outside and inside diameters, individual length, end dimensions and flange or connection geometry against the drawing.
• Roundness: out-of-round condition checked for cylindrical parts to support fit and avoid local interference.
• Straightness: tube bow checked, with particular attention to long parts and installation clearance.
• Hole pattern: opening size, pitch and arrangement checked against the drawing using suitable gauges or calipers.
• Welds: straight or spiral seams and end welds visually checked for weak or missed welds, weld projections and cracks.
• Burrs: holes, inside and outside surfaces, cut ends and weld areas inspected. One-side or both-side deburring can be specified to protect adjacent media.
• Materials: grade checked against material documentation, including MTC requirements agreed for the order.

Penetrant testing (PT) and positive material identification (PMI) are optional checks by agreement, with any additional cost confirmed. They are not standard mandatory tests on every part. Inspection methods, sampling and tolerances are specified per order.

Custom manufacture and replacement

Design for a new application

Share the filter medium, process conditions, installation space and support requirements. We review the perforated structure, material, seam, reinforcement and connections before agreeing the drawing and checks.

Manufacture to drawing

Send your dimensions, hole pattern, material, weld and end details, tolerances and operating requirements. We manufacture to the agreed drawing and specification.

Recreate from a sample

An existing part can help establish geometry, holes, seams and fittings. Uncertain material or original performance requirements must be confirmed; a used sample alone may not establish them.

Perforated tube FAQ

Is a perforated tube a precision filter?

Its main role is support and protection. A bare tube can perform coarse screening; finer filtration comes from the specified filter medium in the assembly.

Do you offer straight-seam and spiral-welded tubes?

Yes. Both are made by perforating or cutting flat sheet, then rolling and welding it. Construction is specified on the drawing.

Is 6 m the maximum manufacturing length?

No. Lengths normally up to 6 m facilitate packaging and transport. Longer lengths can be discussed.

Can you add fine mesh and custom end fittings?

Yes. Woven mesh, sintered mesh and sintered metal fiber felt combinations, threads, flanges, end caps, rubber ends and other illustrated features are available to specification.

Can the tube be backwashed?

Compatible constructions can use reverse-flow cleaning. Confirm the complete assembly, flow direction, housing and attached media before selecting the procedure.

What differential pressure can it withstand?

Capacity is confirmed for the exact structure and application. Provide the pressure direction, differential pressure, temperature, material, geometry and installation supports.