Chemical Processing - September 2007 - (Page 50)

Assess a dozen key parameters to come up with the proper speciﬁcation GET THE RIGHT CARTRIDGE OR BAG FILTER By Tim Mills, Kaydon Custom Filtration Corp. INSTALLING A HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID filtration system can be a sound investment for your process or lubrication streams but you can easily undermine the entire system’s performance by installing an inaccurately sized or improperly specified filter. Because it must serve as a barrier to contaminants, the filter acts as a restriction or obstacle to an otherwise free-flowing stream. The filter specification should lead to a filter that keeps the process or lubrication stream flowing at the desired capacity while achieving the required fluid purity standards. It’s common to strive for short-term cost control by specifying a filter to support the minimal performance threshold. However, specifying without a thorough understanding of guidelines can result in an undersized filter. An undersized filter creates an unwanted restriction, a pressure drop on the line, and thus a strain on the entire system. In addition, the filter itself will suffer strain and, as such, yield a brief service life. Conversely, a filter that’s properly fitted — or even conservatively oversized — can produce long-term savings. A larger filter can support a system with a less 50 • September 2007 expensive pump and motor. In addition, its superior cleaning capabilities will result in less frequent fluid and filter change-outs. The essentials Accurate filter specification requires a review of 12 critical parameters. Several of these are interrelated. Let’s look at each of them. 1. Flow rate and regularity of flow. A filtration system obviously must be able to accommodate the stream’s flow rate. Indeed, flow rate is the most critical parameter in determining the appropriate filter size; so, flow rate data will be among the supplier’s first requests. Flow rate analysis also will consider the regularity of the stream’s flow — whether it’s steady, intermittent, variable, or potentially subject to sudden increases. If ow rate information isn’t readily available, check the system’s original mechanical drawing for details. If you still lack data, the supplier will request additional information to estimate ow rate and will probably recommend a slightly up sized lter, to err on the side of caution. www.chemicalprocessing.com http://www.chemicalprocessing.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Chemical Processing - September 2007

Contents From the Editor Field Notes In Process Energy Saver Compliance Advisor Succeed at Simulation Rethink Your Approach to Process Safety Avoid Blending Blunders Get the Right Cartridge or Bag Filter Wireless Proponents Take HART Membrane Boasts Material Benefits Process Puzzler Plant InSites Chem Show Product Preview ISA Product Preview Equipment & Services Product Spotlight/Classifieds Ad Index End Point

Chemical Processing - September 2007

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