Cartridge Filters for Dust Collectors and Pollution Control Systems
A cartridge filter element is a larger-diameter pleated filter. A typical 26″ long element made from cellulose blend fabric has the same filter area as 18 eight-foot long filter bags. The space advantage of cartridges is apparent, and the elements typically provide a higher efficiency than do bags.
Advanced Media Technology: The technology for producing cartridge filter media is continually improving, yielding a wider range of available materials than in years past.
Cleaning Mechanism & Operation
Reverse Pulse Jet Cleaning
- Cleaning using a reverse pulse jet system
- High reverse air volume required to clean a large cloth area
- Pulse valve cleans just a single cartridge (not rows like bag filters)
- Operate at low air-to-cloth ratios
- Lower pressure drops despite increased filter area
- Pulsing at lower pressure drop to maintain porous cake
BCE Downflow Design
- BCE uses downflow design for cartridge filters
- Eliminates can velocity issues
- Promotes dust settling into hoppers
- Optimized for large air volumes handled by cartridges
Advantages Over Bag Filters
Elimination of Cross-Contamination
A significant potential problem of bag filters is that during a pulse, dust can be driven at high velocity into adjoining rows of bags, which are in the filtering mode, penetrating through the fabric and embedding into the fabric on the clean side during a pulse.
- Permanent dust cake increases efficiency but also pressure drop
- Can lead to premature bag blinding
- This problem is eliminated in cartridge filters
- Cleaning is normal to the media, essentially tangential to the element
Space Efficiency
- Significant space savings compared to bag filters
- One cartridge = filter area of 18 eight-foot bags
- Compact design for space-constrained installations
Performance Benefits
- Higher efficiency than bag filters
- Lower pressure drops
- More effective cleaning mechanism
Limitations & Considerations
Application Constraints: There are certain limitations to the use of cartridge filters that must be considered for proper system design.
Dust Loading Limitations
- Pleats spaced closer than with 6″ pleated filters
- More limited in maximum inlet dust loading
- Too high dust loading causes bridging between pleats
- Bridging reduces effective filtering area
- Increases net air to cloth ratio
Temperature & Dust Characteristics
- Limited to low temperature applications
- Should be avoided for dusts that pack or agglomerate
- Not suitable for sticky or cohesive materials
- Best for free-flowing, non-agglomerating dusts
Application Analysis: BCE engineers will help you determine whether cartridge filters are the right solution for your specific application. We consider factors such as dust characteristics, temperature requirements, space constraints, and maintenance considerations to recommend the optimal filtration technology for your needs.