Stainless Steel Cartridge Filter (Washable, 5–4000 µm)
Low Operating Costs and Long Service Life with a Washable Design
The stainless steel cartridge filter is a filter element with AISI 304 and 316 mesh media that is cleaned and reused. Used in the 5–4000 µm range on hot, viscous and aggressive chemical lines.
260 °C
5–4000 µm
3-Layer
ISO 9001:2015
Product Identity and Technical Summary Panel
The stainless steel cartridge filter is an industrial filter element with a washable design in which woven metal mesh media is joined to a perforated inner body in an all-metal construction. The mesh leaves particles on its surface instead of trapping them inside, so a clogged element can be cleaned and put back into service. For this reason it is used as a permanent filtration solution on lines carrying hot fluids, solvents, oils, resins and viscous process fluids, where frequent changes of consumable cartridges create both cost and downtime.
The product family is made in two stainless steel grades (AISI 304 and 316), with DOE and SOE end types, in standard and Big diameters and in five lengths. Five gasket materials and a wide range of micron grades allow the same cartridge construction to be adapted to different processes, from water lines to oil and solvent lines. For filter housings outside standard sizes, cartridges can be made in custom lengths, diameters and micron combinations based on a process sample or technical drawing.
Beyond the micron rating, the right configuration depends on three matches: the stainless steel grade must be chosen according to the fluid’s chloride and acid load, the end type according to the sealing geometry of the existing filter housing, and the gasket material according to the fluid and operating temperature. When these three decisions are made correctly together, the cartridge maintains its target retention rating, the risk of bypass is minimised and cleaning intervals are extended.
Key Technical and Structural Features
- Filter Media
- AISI 304 Stainless Steel Mesh
- AISI 316 / 316L Stainless Steel Mesh
- Optional: AISI 316Ti / 904L
- Filter Lengths
- 5" (127 mm)
- 10" (254 mm)
- 20" (508 mm)
- 30" (762 mm)
- 40" (1016 mm)
- Custom sizes
- Filtration Range
- A wide range of micron grades from 5 µm to 4000 µm; the same construction from fine filtration to coarse straining.
- Operating Compatibility
- Chemicals, petrochemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, water treatment; high-temperature, high-pressure and aggressive chemical process lines.
- Construction Type
- Cylindrical Plain (Washable Mesh)
- Pleated Large Surface
- Sintered Multi-Layer Body
- Connection Types
- DOE (Double Open End)
- SOE (222 / 226 O-Ring)
- Bayonet / Spear End
- NPT / BSP Threaded and Flanged
- Production Model
- Standard series production, with custom manufacturing to process samples and technical drawings (custom length, diameter and micron configuration).
- Manufacturing Advantage
- Solid end caps and closures
- High wall thickness
- Production with custom ends, lengths and designs
- Wide micron range of 5–4000 µm
- Quality Control
- Post-production verification of weld integrity, appearance, dimensional tolerances and micron precision.
Water Flow Rate Performance
Stainless steel cartridge filters offer flow performance optimised on the surface filtration principle. The stainless steel mesh filter media, with its fixed pore geometry, provides stable filtration at high flow with a low initial differential pressure. The wide micron range from 5 to 4000 microns maintains balanced differential pressure values even at increasing flow rates, providing energy efficiency and process safety. The main advantages this flow behaviour brings in water filtration are summarised below.
Performance Advantages in Water Filtration
- Dynamic Pressure Balance
- Surface Filtration and Easy Cleaning
- Protecting System Components
- OPEX Optimisation (Energy Efficiency)
- Broad Industrial Compatibility
Filtration Architecture and Working Principle
The key difference between a stainless steel cartridge filter and standard single-use cartridges lies in its layered architecture, made entirely of stainless steel mesh filter media, and in the surface filtration principle. As the fluid moves from the outer surface of the filter to its inner core, each layer retains a certain particle size at the surface and forms a filter cake; this gives both high retention efficiency and easy cleaning.
Layered Surface Filtration Architecture and Flow Control
Stainless steel cartridge filters work on the surface filtration principle. The pore opening of the woven mesh media is defined and constant over the whole surface; particles larger than this opening are retained at the media surface and form a filter cake. Because the dirt is not embedded in the depth of the media, it can be removed mechanically from the surface.
Mesh Media Structure and Structural Reliability
The key factor determining the performance of a stainless steel cartridge filter is the physical and chemical structure of the filter media. With its fixed pore geometry, high mechanical strength and chemical inertness, woven stainless steel mesh filter media provide reliable filtration in processes where polypropylene- or cellulose-based alternatives fall short.
3-Layer Mesh Structure and Mechanical Strength
What determines the filter’s performance is the layered physical structure of the mesh media. The outer protective layer protects the inner filtration layer against mechanical impact; the middle layer provides particle retention precision with a fixed pore geometry; and the inner support layer stops the structure deforming under high differential pressure.
Physical Construction and Filtration Volume
The stainless steel cartridge filter is made with the same fully welded construction in all lengths from 5 to 40 inches. No weak point forms in the structure as the cartridge gets longer, so the length can be chosen purely on process needs. With diameter and micron rating fixed, the filtration surface grows in direct proportion to length: a 20-inch cartridge offers about twice the surface of a 10-inch model, and a 40-inch model four times. As the surface grows, so does the amount of particles the cartridge can hold in one cleaning cycle. On lines with a high particle load, the length should therefore be planned according to the expected cleaning interval.
In high-flow systems, multi-cartridge filter housings are used instead of a single cartridge. In these housings, the total filtration surface is determined by multiplying the number of cartridges by cartridge length. For example, four 10-inch cartridges and one 40-inch cartridge give about the same surface. However, a multi-cartridge arrangement with short cartridges means more gaskets and connection points. A long-cartridge arrangement reduces the number of elements to remove and refit during maintenance.
Site conditions must also be taken into account when choosing the length. For 30- and 40-inch cartridges to be removed from the filter housing, a free service clearance at least equal to the cartridge length must be left above the housing. The length of the ultrasonic bath or chemical washing tank used for cleaning must also suit the cartridge length.
| Filter Length | Area of Use | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Inch | Sampling and low-flow lines | Fully Welded |
| 10 Inch | Standard filter housings; hot and viscous fluids | Fully Welded |
| 20 Inch | Medium-flow process lines | Fully Welded |
| 30 Inch | High-flow lines with frequent cleaning | Fully Welded |
| 40 Inch | Multi-cartridge, high-capacity filter housings | Fully Welded |
Filter Material Chemical Compatibility Guide
Stainless steel cartridge filters, made by full welding from AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel mesh filter media, have an all-metal body with no adhesives or organic binders and provide structural compatibility across a wide chemical spectrum, including acids, bases, organic solvents, hydrocarbons and salt solutions. While the mesh filter media keep their structural integrity at operating temperatures from -73 °C to 260 °C, the chemical and thermal resistance of the gasket material must be assessed separately for system sealing, and a Viton, EPDM, silicone, nitrile (NBR) or PTFE (Teflon) gasket chosen according to application conditions. Choosing molybdenum-alloyed AISI 316 offers higher corrosion resistance in chloride and oxidising environments, while the washable design gives the advantage of a long service life and a low total cost of ownership (TCO).
E: Excellent · G: Good · F: Fair · P: Poor · N/R: Not recommended
Water-Based and Inorganic Chemical Resistance
| Chemical Group | Example Chemical | SS Resistance | Gasket / O-Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Processes | Process water, cooling water, deionised water | E | Silicone / EPDM |
| Dilute Inorganic Acids | Dilute HCl, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄ | O (316) | Viton |
| Organic Acids | Acetic acid (20%), formic acid, citric acid | G (316) / F (304) | Viton |
| Alkalis (Bases) | NaOH, KOH, ammonia (10%) | E | Viton / EPDM |
| Salt Solutions | NaCl, CaCl₂, salt baths | G (316) / F (304) | Viton |
| Oxidising Agents | H₂O₂, hypochlorite, ozone | F (304) / G (316) | Viton |
| Nitric Acid | HNO₃ (dilute and medium concentration) | G (316) / F (304) | Viton |
| Chromate / Phosphate Solutions | Chromic acid (10–30%), phosphate salts | G | Viton |
E: Excellent · G: Good · F: Fair · P: Poor · N/R: Not recommended
Organic Solvent and Hydrocarbon Resistance
| Chemical Group | Example Chemical | SS Resistance | Gasket / O-Ring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohols | Methanol, ethanol, IPA, glycol, butanol | E | Silicone / EPDM |
| Ketones and Esters | Acetone, MEK, ethyl acetate | E | Viton / Nitrile |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Hexane, heptane, paraffin oils | E | Viton / Nitrile |
| Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene | G (316) / F (304) | Viton |
| Mineral and Industrial Oils | Machine oil, hydraulic oil, diesel, fuel oil | E | Viton / Nitrile |
| Vegetable and Animal Oils | Olive oil, soybean oil, tallow | E | Silicone / Viton |
| Chlorinated Solvents | DCM, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride | G (316) / F (304) | Viton |
| Ethers and Glycol Derivatives | Diethyl ether, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol | E | Viton / EPDM |
Operating Conditions
Stainless steel cartridge filters keep their structural integrity at an operating temperature of 200 °C nominal and 260 °C maximum; the maximum temperature varies with the gasket material. The body, resistant to a differential pressure of 4.2 bar in the normal flow direction and 3.0 bar in the reverse flow direction, delivers stable filtration efficiency in pulsating and variable-flow processes. With full pH 1 – 14 spectrum compatibility, it works in strong acid and base environments without any change of equipment.
- AISI 304 / AISI 316 Material Suited to Chemical Environments
- Stable Operating Performance with a Stainless Steel Construction
- Durable, Fully Welded Filter Structure Against Pressure Fluctuations
- Washable Design Optimised for Long-Term Operation
- Nominal Operating Temperature
- 200 °C (392 °F)
- Maximum Operating Temperature
- 260 °C (500 °F) (May vary with the gasket material.)
- Max. Differential Pressure (Normal Flow)
- 4.2 bar (60.9 psi) @ 25 °C (77 °F)
- Max. Differential Pressure (Reverse Flow)
- 3.0 bar (43.5 psi) @ 25 °C (77 °F)
- pH Compatibility
- 1–14 (Wide Spectrum)
Filter Media and Structural Engineering Design
No single parameter determines the field performance of a stainless steel cartridge filter. Results come when the media grade, micron rating, support structure and connection dimensions are chosen correctly together. AISI 304 or AISI 316 mesh media is fitted onto a perforated cylindrical stainless steel support body. This body carries the media, distributes flow evenly along the cartridge and stops the inner core collapsing under pressure.
The micron rating should be chosen according to the smallest particle size the process needs to remove. A grade finer than necessary makes differential pressure rise quickly and shortens cleaning intervals. A grade coarser than necessary lets the target particle pass into the process.
The difference between the standard (63 mm) and Big (112 mm) outer diameters is not just a matter of size. For the same length, a Big cartridge offers about 1.8 times more filtration surface. On high-flow lines, this means lower surface velocity and less frequent cleaning. An inner diameter of 28 mm and a manufacturing tolerance of ±1 mm help the cartridge sit in the filter housing without gaps and prevent leakage at the connection point.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter Media | AISI 304 or AISI 316 Stainless Steel Mesh |
| Micron Ratings | 5 µm, 10 µm, 25 µm, 40 µm, 50 µm, 75 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm, 250 µm, 500 µm, 1000 µm, coarse grades up to 4000 µm |
| Construction Type | Cylindrical plain mesh · Pleated mesh (large surface) · Sintered multi-layer body |
| Connection Types | DOE · SOE (222 / 226 O-ring) · Bayonet / spear end · NPT / BSP threaded · Flanged |
| Support Structure | Perforated Cylindrical Stainless Steel Support Body |
| End Cap Type | SOE, DOE |
| O-Ring Gasket | EPDM, Silicone, Viton, NBR, PTFE (Teflon) |
| Outer Diameter (Standard) | 63 mm ±1 mm |
| Outer Diameter (Big) | 112 mm ±1 mm |
| Inner Diameter | 28 mm ±1 mm |
| Length | 5", 10", 20", 30", 40" (Custom Cutting Available) |
Sealing and Connection Components
Stainless steel cartridge filters work as a whole together with their end cap geometry and choice of O-rings and gaskets. Chosen with operating pressure, temperature range and chemical compatibility in mind, these components reduce the risk of leakage throughout the system and keep filtration performance consistent.
End Caps and Closures
In stainless steel cartridge filters, long service life and a low risk of bypass are directly related not only to the quality of the mesh filter media but also to the end cap geometry attached to both ends by full welding. Where polypropylene alternatives rely on thermal bonding, the stainless steel body keeps its mechanical integrity through high-temperature and pressure cycles. Specifying the end cap and end type, gasket material and adapter dimensions correctly for process conditions keeps the flow direction in the system under control, makes cartridge changes easier and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
We use solid material in cartridge end caps and closures and make the body with a high wall thickness. This construction stops the end cap being crushed and the weld points fatiguing through repeated cleaning and pressure cycles. Besides standard end caps, we can manufacture with custom ends, lengths and designs to suit your existing filter housing or process.
Engineering Advantage for Process Safety
- Secure Connection Design
- High Mechanical Strength
- Process Sealing Support
- Stable Operation Under Pressure
- Chemical and Thermal Compatibility
- Long Service Life
O-rings
In stainless steel cartridge filter systems, sealing performance depends as much on the choice of O-ring material as on the quality of the mesh media. Even the smallest leak at the contact point between the filter element and the housing endangers both process safety and filtration efficiency. Silicone, EPDM, NBR, Viton and PTFE each offer advantages for different chemical environments, temperature ranges and operating conditions. Choosing an O-ring without considering the chemical nature of the process fluid and the operating temperature leads to early material degradation and a risk of uncontrolled bypass. The right material match minimises the risk of leakage while extending cartridge change intervals and lowering the total cost of ownership.
High-Performance O-Ring Solutions for Process Safety
- Reliable Sealing Performance
- Wide Range of Chemical Compatibility Options
- High Temperature Resistance
- Low Leakage Risk
- Easy Maintenance and Replacement
Gaskets
Gasket Solutions That Safeguard Filtration Efficiency
- Effective Sealing Performance
- Reliable Operation Under Pressure
- Chemical and Thermal Compatibility
- Easy Maintenance and Replacement
- High Process Safety
Industry Applications
Filter cartridges suited to different process needs are used across a wide range of industrial applications to protect product quality, safeguard equipment and support production continuity.
01
Vegetable Oil
Clarity, purity and shelf life in vegetable oil and refining.
Explore solutions
02
Pipe and Profile
Cooling water filtration in pipe and profile extrusion.
Explore solutions
03
Paint Industry
Surface quality and pigment filtration in the paint industry.
Explore solutions
04
Glass Industry
Furnace and process filtration in the glass industry.
Explore solutions
05
Dialysis Centers
Water preparation and process filtration in dialysis centers.
Explore solutions
06
Foundry Industry
Equipment protection and dust filtration in foundries.
Explore solutions
07
Industrial Oil
Filtration in industrial oil production and recovery.
Explore solutions
08
Energy and Biogas
Maximum efficiency and turbine protection in energy and biogas.
Explore solutions
09
Recycling
Filtration for efficiency and environmental compliance in recycling.
Explore solutions
10
Food and Beverage
Hygienic filtration in food and beverage.
Explore solutions
11
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
GMP-compliant sterile filtration in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Explore solutions
12
Paper and Packaging
Process water filtration in paper and packaging.
Explore solutions
13
Chemical Industry
Corrosion-resistant, safe filtration in the chemical industry.
Explore solutions
14
Cosmetics
Microbiological safety and precision filtration in cosmetics.
Explore solutions
15
Machinery
Precision and technical filtration in the machinery industry.
Explore solutions
16
Printing and Ink
Flawless color and print quality in printing and ink.
Explore solutions
17
Metal and Surface Treatment
Flawless surfaces and bath stability in metal and surface treatment.
Explore solutions
18
Forest Products
Resin and glue filtration in forest products and furniture.
Explore solutions
19
Automotive
Precision process filtration for zero defects in automotive manufacturing.
Explore solutions
20
Oil and Petrochemicals
Equipment protection and process safety in oil and petrochemicals.
Explore solutions
21
Plastic Packaging
Precision process filtration and raw material purity in plastic packaging.
Explore solutions
22
Plastic Injection Molding
Cooling and hydraulic filtration in plastic injection molding.
Explore solutions
23
Water and Environment
Recovery filtration in water and environmental technologies.
Explore solutions
24
Shipyards and Marine
Operational safety and efficiency in shipyards and marine.
Explore solutions
Engineer's Note
- Senior Process Engineer
- 15+ Years of Field Experience
- Field-Test Approved
Stainless Steel Washable Cartridge Filter: Performance and Safe Use
Thanks to the surface filtration principle and washable design, our stainless steel cartridge filters perform well over the long term, especially in processes with variable particle loads, high temperatures and chemical aggressiveness. In our field experience, the most common mistake is delaying cleaning after the differential pressure has exceeded the critical threshold (ΔP > 1 bar). For ideal efficiency, we recommend that system flow does not exceed 70% of the filter’s capacity and that regular backwash intervals are followed.
When should it be chosen?
In processes requiring high temperatures, aggressive chemical environments or high pressure; in applications where polypropylene alternatives fall short; and in systems where a long service life and low total cost of ownership (TCO) are priorities.
Application and Selection Criteria
- Pre-Filtration Requirement
- With a high particle load, pre-filtration is essential; it extends the cleaning interval of the stainless steel cartridge.
- Differential Pressure (ΔP) and Washing Threshold
- Check the pressure gauges periodically and start backwashing or chemical cleaning when the differential pressure reaches the 1.0 bar threshold.
- Reverse Flow Pressure Limit
- Take care that the reverse flow pressure does not exceed 3.0 bar during the cleaning cycle; excessive pressure can damage the pore structure of the mesh filter.
- Elastomer and Gasket Maintenance
- When changing O-rings and gaskets, use only pure silicone grease instead of mineral oils to preserve the chemical life of the elastomer.
- Body Material Selection (304 or 316?)
- AISI 316 alloy offers higher corrosion resistance than AISI 304 in chloride and acidic environments; 316 should be chosen for chemical and saline process lines.
Products that work with this product
Stainless Steel Cartridge Filter
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
At Prosestim, we are committed to answering your questions and providing technical support for our filtration solutions.
Is a stainless steel cartridge filter suitable for high-temperature processes?
What is the difference between a stainless steel cartridge filter and a polypropylene cartridge filter?
Polypropylene cartridge filters work with single-use depth filtration media; they lose their structural integrity under high temperatures, aggressive chemicals and pressure. Stainless steel cartridge filters work with a surface filtration architecture made of AISI 304 or AISI 316 mesh media; with their washable design and long service life, they significantly lower the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Should I choose AISI 304 or AISI 316?
AISI 304 is sufficient for general industrial applications, water treatment and food processes. In processes containing chlorides, aggressive acids, organic solvents or oxidisers, molybdenum-alloyed AISI 316 should be chosen. In chloride-containing environments, choosing AISI 304 can lead to pitting corrosion.
How many years does a stainless steel cartridge filter last?
Depending on process conditions and the cleaning cycle, a service life of many years can be achieved in industrial use. Stable process conditions, the right micron rating and cleaning cycles based on regular ΔP monitoring extend this considerably. Exceeding the 3.0 bar reverse flow pressure limit and neglecting gasket replacement are the main factors that shorten service life.
How is a stainless steel cartridge filter cleaned, and how often should it be cleaned?
Backwashing is enough for light to moderate clogging; reverse flow pressure must not exceed the 3.0 bar limit. For deep clogging, ultrasonic cleaning or chemical cleaning with an acid/base solution suited to the process fluid is applied. Cleaning frequency is determined by particle load, fluid viscosity and differential pressure monitoring. Cleaning based on ΔP monitoring gives better results than a fixed schedule.
How should I choose the gasket material?
Are stainless steel cartridge filters reliable in petrochemical and chemical processes?
Box Dimensions
- 335 × 410 × 560 mm
- Capacity: 30 pcs per carton for 20" / 60 pcs per carton for 10".
- 335 × 410 × 810 mm
- Capacity: standard packing of 25 pcs per carton for 30" cartridges.
- 335 × 410 × 1055 mm
- Capacity: standard packing of 25 pcs per carton for 40" cartridges.
Stainless Steel Cartridge Filter RFQ Configurator
Configure your variation dimensions and technical specifications to receive an instant quote directly on WhatsApp and via email.