Stacked Disc Filter Housing (Lenticular Module Housing)
AISI 316L / 304 Stainless Steel Hygienic Body, 1–4 Module Capacity and High Solids-Holding Volume
A stacked disc filter housing is a hygienic (sanitary) filter housing that stacks depth filter modules in a single body. With crevice-free welds, a co-linear inlet and outlet and sealing that keeps the clamping force constant, it delivers bypass-free filtration in pharmaceutical, beverage and chemical processes.
Segmented Module
10 bar
8" · 12" · 16"
304 · 316L
What Is a Stacked Disc Module Cartridge Filter Housing?
A stacked disc module cartridge filter housing is a hygienic AISI 304 or 316L stainless steel filter housing in which disc-shaped depth filter modules are stacked on top of one another. In the industry it is also known as a lenticular filter housing or a depth module housing. The fluid rises to surround the module stack, filters inward through the thickness of each module, and collects in the central channel before flowing to the outlet.
The difference from a conventional cartridge filter housing is that the filter element is a depth module rather than a pleated cartridge. A depth module retains particles not only at the surface but throughout the thickness of the material, which significantly increases dirt-holding capacity before clogging with high-solids, viscous or gelatinous fluids.
The body is made with smooth, crevice-free weld seams, TC-type sanitary connections and an inner surface polished to Ra ≤ 0.3 µm. It is easy to clean and dismantle, and the co-linear inlet and outlet flow paths at the bottom of the body keep liquid turbulence to a minimum. With 8″, 12″ and 16″ module diameters, up to four modules can be stacked to meet high flow requirements.
Product Identity and Technical Summary
- Body Material
- AISI 304 Stainless Steel
- AISI 316L Stainless Steel
- Body Diameter
- 8" Module Diameter
- 12" Module Diameter
- 16" Module Diameter
- Module Stacking Capacity
- Vertical stacking of 3 modules in an 8" housing; up to 4 modules in 12" and 16" housings
- Number of Cells
- 8" Housing: 8 · 16 · 24 Cells
- 12" and 16" Housing: 16 · 32 · 48 · 64 Cells
- Operating Pressure
- Max. 1.0 MPa (10 bar / 150 psi). Design pressure 1.0 MPa.
- Operating Temperature
- Max. 80 °C (176 °F). Hot water sanitisation must be planned within this limit.
- SIP (Steam-in-Place Sterilisation)
- Depends on the model; SIP conditions are given in the technical data sheet of the selected model.
- Inner Surface Roughness
- Ra ≤ 0.3 µm (ultra-high polish)
- Outer Surface Roughness
- Ra ≤ 0.4 µm
- Surface Finish
- Electropolishing (Ra ≤ 0.3 µm)
- Mechanical Polishing
- Weld Construction
- Smooth, crevice-free welds, suitable for cleaning validation
- Inlet / Outlet
- TC-type tri-clamp sanitary connection; lid with eyebolts
- Pressure Gauge Port
- 1.5" TC
- Vent Port
- Sanitary hose-barb valve, compatible with integrity test interfaces
- Drain Port
- Sanitary hose-barb valve for 8 mm ID hose
- Sampling Port
- Optional. Sanitary hose-barb valve, 8 mm ID hose. Specified with the body type; cannot be added later.
- Drain Valve
- Can be fitted to the inlet and outlet ports on request, for easy draining of liquid left in the line
- Vent Port Material
- AISI 304 / 316L
- Eyebolts / Legs
- AISI 304
- Gasket Material
- Silicone
- FKM (Viton)
- EPDM
- Sealing System
- Sealing that prevents filter bypass with constant clamping pressure
- Module Arrangement
- DOE (double open end) arrangement; stack with support plates and arms
- Flow Path
- Co-linear inlet and outlet at the bottom of the body, minimising liquid turbulence
- Filtration Direction
- Outside to inside: from around the module into its depth, then out through the central channel
Filtration Architecture and Working Principle
The stacked disc module filter housing works on the principle of outside-to-inside depth filtration: the fluid enters through the inlet port at the bottom of the body, spreads upward to cover the outer surface of the stacked modules, filters inward through the thickness of each module, and collects in the central channel before flowing to the outlet port at the bottom. Because the inlet and outlet ports are positioned on the same axis (co-linear) at the bottom of the body, the fluid does not change direction abruptly inside the housing; turbulence and uneven hydraulic loading on the modules are reduced.
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Step 01
Inlet
The fluid to be filtered enters the system through the co-linear inlet port at the bottom of the body and is directed along the vertical axis of the body.
What does it deliver? Low turbulence, low shear stress -
Step 02
Distribution
The fluid rises into the annular space between the module stack and the body and is distributed over the entire module surface at equal pressure.
What does it deliver? Even loading, no channelling -
Step 03
Depth Filtration
The liquid filters from outside to inside through the thickness of each module; particles and haze are retained deep within the fibre matrix.
SIP must be applied only to SIP-capable models and within the limits given in the product's technical data sheet.
What does it deliver? High dirt holding, long service life -
Step 04
Collection
The filtered clean liquid collects in the central channel and is discharged through the outlet port at the bottom without bypass.
What does it deliver? Bypass-free, single-axis discharge
Advantages of the Stacked Disc Module Filter Housing
Combining a hygienic stainless body with depth module technology contributes directly to your process:
- Ultra-High Surface Polish
- Electropolished finish of Ra ≤ 0.3 µm inside and Ra ≤ 0.4 µm outside minimises biofilm and residue adhesion.
- Crevice-Free Weld Architecture
- There are no dead spaces (crevices) in the weld seams; CIP/SIP solutions reach the entire surface, making validation easier.
- Low-Turbulence Flow Geometry
- The co-linear inlet and outlet design at the bottom of the body minimises fluid turbulence and avoids pressure loss.
- Anti-Bypass Sealing
- A sealing system that provides constant clamping pressure prevents filter bypass even when temperature and pressure fluctuate.
- High Vertical Flow Capacity
- A vertical stacking architecture of up to four modules delivers high flow and retention efficiency without increasing the footprint.
- Easy Segmented Module Replacement
- Modules are replaced vertically, independently of one another; maintenance is ergonomic and liquid loss is minimised.
- Fast Sanitary Dismantling
- TC-type tri-clamp connections and an eyebolt lid design allow fast, tool-free inspection.
- Process-Specific Integrated Ports
- A sampling port, integrity test nozzle and inlet/outlet drain valves can be added as process-specific options.
Body Types
Two body types are made. The difference is whether there is a sampling port, which is a permanent manufacturing decision that must be specified when ordering.
- Standard Body without Sampling Port
- Has no separate sampling port; preferred in closed industrial processes where samples are taken from the line.
- Hygienic Body with Sampling Port
- Aseptic samples can be taken directly from the body; ideal for batch production and lines that require filtration validation.
- AISI 304 / 316L Material Options
- 304 body configuration for general processes with a low chloride load; 316L for pharmaceuticals, WFI, saline and acidic environments.
Body Dimensions and Capacity
H is the body height and L the total height including legs. Height increases in fixed steps as the number of modules increases; confirm this table before planning the layout.
| Body | Cells | Modules | H (mm) | L (mm) | Flange Ø | Legs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" housing: 8 cells per module · max. 3 modules · height step 140 mm | ||||||
| 8" | 8 | 1 | 337 ±3 | 572 ±5 | 350 ±2 | 150 ±2 |
| 8" | 16 | 2 | 477 ±3 | 712 ±5 | 350 ±2 | 150 ±2 |
| 8" | 24 | 3 | 617 ±3 | 852 ±5 | 350 ±2 | 150 ±2 |
| 12" housing: 16 cells per module · max. 4 modules · height step 280 mm | ||||||
| 12" | 16 | 1 | 512 ±3 | 825 ±5 | 500 ±2 | 220 ±2 |
| 12" | 32 | 2 | 792 ±3 | 1,105 ±5 | 500 ±2 | 220 ±2 |
| 12" | 48 | 3 | 1,072 ±3 | 1,385 ±5 | 500 ±2 | 220 ±2 |
| 12" | 64 | 4 | 1,352 ±3 | 1,665 ±5 | 500 ±2 | 220 ±2 |
| 16" housing: 16 cells per module · max. 4 modules · height step 280 mm | ||||||
| 16" | 16 | 1 | 537 ±3 | 915 ±5 | 550 ±2 | 270 ±2 |
| 16" | 32 | 2 | 817 ±3 | 1,195 ±5 | 550 ±2 | 270 ±2 |
| 16" | 48 | 3 | 1,097 ±3 | 1,475 ±5 | 550 ±2 | 270 ±2 |
| 16" | 64 | 4 | 1,377 ±3 | 1,755 ±5 | 550 ±2 | 270 ±2 |
Industry Applications
With its hygienic construction, high dirt-holding capacity and easy cleanability, it is used in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to beverages and from chemicals to cosmetics:
01
Automotive
Precision process filtration for zero defects in automotive manufacturing.
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02
Chemical Industry
Corrosion-resistant, safe filtration in the chemical industry.
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03
Cosmetics
Microbiological safety and precision filtration in cosmetics.
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04
Dialysis Centers
Water preparation and process filtration in dialysis centers.
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05
Energy and Biogas
Maximum efficiency and turbine protection in energy and biogas.
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06
Food and Beverage
Hygienic filtration in food and beverage.
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07
Forest Products
Resin and glue filtration in forest products and furniture.
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08
Foundry Industry
Equipment protection and dust filtration in foundries.
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09
Glass Industry
Furnace and process filtration in the glass industry.
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10
Industrial Oil
Filtration in industrial oil production and recovery.
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11
Machinery
Precision and technical filtration in the machinery industry.
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12
Metal and Surface Treatment
Flawless surfaces and bath stability in metal and surface treatment.
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13
Oil and Petrochemicals
Equipment protection and process safety in oil and petrochemicals.
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14
Paint Industry
Surface quality and pigment filtration in the paint industry.
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15
Paper and Packaging
Process water filtration in paper and packaging.
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16
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
GMP-compliant sterile filtration in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
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17
Pipe and Profile
Cooling water filtration in pipe and profile extrusion.
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18
Plastic Injection Molding
Cooling and hydraulic filtration in plastic injection molding.
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19
Plastic Packaging
Precision process filtration and raw material purity in plastic packaging.
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20
Printing and Ink
Flawless color and print quality in printing and ink.
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21
Recycling
Filtration for efficiency and environmental compliance in recycling.
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22
Shipyards and Marine
Operational safety and efficiency in shipyards and marine.
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23
Vegetable Oil
Clarity, purity and shelf life in vegetable oil and refining.
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24
Water and Environment
Recovery filtration in water and environmental technologies.
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Engineer's Note
- Senior Process Engineer
- 15+ Years of Field Experience
- Field-Test Approved
Housing selection comes after module selection
Material selection
Choose the gasket for the product + CIP pair, not for the product alone
Add a service allowance to the height calculation
The sampling port cannot be added later
If your process requires batch sampling or sterility checks, the body with a sampling port must be chosen at the time of ordering. Drilling and welding a port onto a hygienic electropolished stainless body in the field ruins the surface roughness and invalidates sterility validation.
Filter Housing Selection Technical Checklist
- Chemical Nature of the Fluid
- 316L if chlorine, acid or salt is present; 304 is suitable for neutral, low-corrosion environments.
- Flow Rate (m³/h)
- Determines the body diameter (8"/12"/16") and the number of modules to be stacked.
- Contamination Load and Viscosity
- With a high solids load, service life is extended by increasing the number of modules.
- Operating Pressure
- System pressure must be kept below the 1.0 MPa (10 bar) limit.
- Operating Temperature
- The 80 °C limit must not be exceeded; CIP and sanitisation recipes must be designed around this limit.
- CIP / Sanitisation Chemical
- Determines the gasket choice: silicone, EPDM or FKM. The product and the cleaning chemical are assessed together.
- Hygiene Class
- Electropolishing is common for pharmaceuticals, WFI and biological products; mechanical polishing for food and beverage and chemicals.
Points to Watch During Use
- Tighten the Module Stack Correctly
- Modules must be fully seated on the support plate, and the module stack must be fully clamped. Insufficient tightening means bypass, directly.
- Bleed Air Through the Vent
- Air must be bled during start-up; an air pocket left in the housing reduces the filtration area.
- Monitor Differential Pressure
- Monitor pressure with the gauge; plan module replacement when the differential pressure rises.
- Soft Start-Up
- Avoid sudden pressure surges (water hammer) at first start-up and increase flow gradually.
- Limit the CIP Temperature
- Keep the cleaning solution below 80 °C; verify gasket compatibility in alkaline and acidic cycles.
- Drain Completely
- Empty the housing completely through the drain port after each cycle; dead volume compromises cleaning validation.
- Gasket and O-Ring Check
- Check gaskets and O-rings periodically and replace them if hardened or worn.
Products that work with this product
Stacked Disc Module Filter Housing
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
At Prosestim, we are committed to answering your questions and providing technical support for our filtration solutions.
What is a stacked disc module cartridge filter housing and how does it work?
What is the difference between a lenticular filter housing and a cartridge filter housing?
How many modules can be stacked in one housing?
How do I convert the number of cells into the number of modules?
How much taller does the housing get as the number of modules increases?
Should I choose AISI 304 or 316L?
Why is Ra ≤ 0.3 µm required on the inner surface?
Should I choose electropolishing or mechanical polishing?
Both reach the same surface target (inner Ra ≤ 0.3 µm, outer Ra ≤ 0.4 µm). Electropolishing leaves a non-directional microstructure and a chromium-enriched passive layer on the surface; it is preferred for pharmaceutical, biological product and WFI lines. Mechanical polishing is common in food and beverage and chemical applications.
What is the benefit of a co-linear inlet and outlet?
What does the sealing system do?
Is a sampling port necessary, and can it be added later?
Can the vent port be used for integrity testing?
Which gasket material should I choose?
Can this housing be steam-sterilised in place (SIP)?
Steam-in-place sterilisation (SIP) is not suitable for every stacked disc module. Suitability depends on the filter media, gasket material and module construction. SIP temperature, duration, number of cycles and the maximum differential pressure (ΔP) during sterilisation are given in the technical data sheet of the model you choose. Contact our technical team to determine the right model and SIP conditions for your application.
What pressure can the housing withstand?
Which industries is it used in?
Do you manufacture with custom dimensions and connections?
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