Simply, a cartridge filter features a replaceable or cleanable element of a given micron rating. The fluid passes through the element, capturing the contaminant either on the surface and/or within the depths of the element. Cleaning requires that system flow be interrupted (either shutdown or bypassed or piped through an alternate cartridge filter). The cartridge housing must be opened and the element(s) removed for either cleaning or disposal and replacement.

Solids removal-Virtually all types of solids are removable with a cartridge filter. Logistically, however, the cartridge filter is more suitable for the removal of low concentrations of finer solids, given their maintenance and replacement factors (see below).

Flow range-Limited by the size of the typical housings and elements, cartridge filters must be manifolded to handle higher flow rates.

Pressure loss-An initially low pressure loss (when the filter is clean) soon becomes excessive as contaminants build up on the element(s). The inability to automate cleaning of a cartridge filter can result in very high pressure losses … 35 psi (2.4 bar) or more … and can directly & negatively affect system flow/pressure requirements downstream.

Liquid loss-If the elements are cleanable, liquid may be lost during this process.

Solids handling-Though cartridges offer a certain concentration of filtered solids (captured on the element) with no liquid loss, the cartridge element itself adds to the overall disposal volume. In fact, it would take as many as twenty-eight 55-gallon drums to contain the quantity of cartridge elements necessary to filter 12,600 cubic inches (206 liters) of solids. Compare that to a LAKOS Separator, capable of purging 12,700 cubic inches (208 liters) of solids directly into one 55-gallon drum. Adding the filter elements to the overall solids waste also complicates the disposabilitiy, scrap value or re-usability of the solids.

Replacement parts-If disposable, the elements potentially represent a significant annual cost. Seals and/or a-rings must also be considered.

Maintenance requirements-Cartridges demand routine manual labor for replacement/cleaning. To avoid system shutdown, a bypass or a duplicate cartridge must be employed. This routine must be performed regularly to avoid excessive system pressure loss. Cleanable elements add further labor duties.

Space requirements-In addition to the potentially large footprint necessary to accommodate the housings, the need for regular servicing demands that adequate space be allowed for access to the filter housings. Storage space for the replacement elements is also a factor to consider.

LAKOS Separators work well in tandem with cartridge filters, removing the bulk of the larger solids and allowing the cartridge filter to remove the finer and/or lighter solids. Cartridge life can be significantly extended and performance sustained without high maintenance or replacement problems.