Filter Cartridge Media
What Kind of Cartridge Media Do I Need?
Common Cartridge Media: Cellulose/Polyester Blends (80/20 Blend) and Nanofiber
FabCo Industrial Services is your source for filter cartridge media since we first opened in 1988. We can provide products and services for all your baghouse filter cartridge media needs!
The majority of cartridge collectors (over 80% by some estimates) utilize cellulose blends (often referred to as paper media) or nanofiber cartridges. Here’s a detailed look at these options:
80/20 Media
- Composition: Blend of cellulose and polyester.
- Application: Versatile for various dust applications.
- Advantages:
- High efficiency.
- Durable and reliable performance.
- Dimple pleating available for better dirt release.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
- Disadvantages:
- Lower collection efficiency compared to advanced options.
- Shorter overall lifespan.
80/20 FR Media
- Composition: Blend of cellulose and polyester with flame retardant properties.
- Application: Suitable for environments with potential sparks or flammability risks.
- Advantages:
- High efficiency and durability.
- Flame retardant media protects against sparks and flammability.
- Dimple pleating available for better dirt release.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
Nanofiber Cartridges
- Application: Most dust collection applications.
- Advantages:
- MERV 15 or higher collection efficiency.
- Increased resistance to moisture and oil.
- Durable, withstands rigorous cleaning.
- Longer service life than 80/20 media.
- Often comes with flame-resistant and oleophobic treatments.
- Elite versions achieve MERV 16 rating with 99.999% efficiency on 0.5-micron particles.
- Emissions below 0.001 gr/dscf in most tested applications.
- Dimple pleating available for better dirt release.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
Nanoweb
- Application: Advanced dust collection needs.
- Advantages:
- Utilizes 0.3 to 0.5-micron nanofiber technology.
- Sets new standards in fractional efficiency and extended service life.
- Ultra efficiency, durability, and performance.
- Dimple pleating available for better dirt release.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
Nanoweb FR
- Application: Dust collection with potential spark or flammability risks.
- Advantages:
- Offers the same benefits as Nanoweb with additional flame retardant protection.
Less Common Cartridge Media: Spunbond Polyester, Aramid, and P84
For applications requiring stronger filter media with better dust release and specific environmental resistances, less common cartridge media options are available:
Spunbond Polyester Cartridges
- Composition: 100% polyester spun-bond.
- Application: Ideal for abrasion-resistant or high-strength media requirements.
- Advantages:
- High burst strength and increased dimensional stability.
- Suitable for environments with moist air, oil contaminants, heat, chemicals, or abrasive dust.
- Improved dust release, especially for large or irregularly shaped dust.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
Spunbond HO
- Composition: 100% polyester with hydro-oleophobic treatment.
- Application: Situations requiring moisture and oil resistance.
Spunbond SD
- Composition: 100% polyester with aluminized finishes.
- Application: Situations requiring static dissipation.
Spunbond PTFE
- Composition: 100% polyester with PTFE membrane laminate.
- Application: Higher efficiency filtration needs.
- Advantages:
- Enhanced filtration efficiency.
- Outer screen is standard; outer bands are optional.
Aramid (Nomex®) and PPS Cartridges
- Composition: Special synthetic fabric media.
- Application: Specialty applications with high temperatures, harsh chemicals, or abrasive dust.
- Advantages:
- High-temperature ratings up to 375°F.
- Stainless steel inner cores and end caps.
- High-temperature gaskets and adhesives.
- Increased durability and resistance to harsh environments.
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost, typically 2-3 times more than traditional nanofiber or spunbond cartridges.
Filter Cartridge Media Applications
Application |
Good |
Better |
Best |
Food & Grain | 80 / 20 | Nanoweb | Spunbond PTFE |
Foundries | 80 / 20 FR | Nanoweb FR | |
Metal Grinding | 80 / 20 FR | Nanoweb FR | |
Mining | 80 / 20 | Nanoweb | |
Powder Coating | 80 / 20 | Nanoweb | |
Pharmaceutical | Nanoweb | Spunbond PTFE | |
Paper | 80 / 20 | Nanoweb | |
Printing | Nanoweb | ||
Welding – Laser / Plasma | Nanoweb | Spunbond PTFE |