Plastic bag filter housings are typically used for applications requiring the removal of fine particles, in the 1 to 200 micron nominal range. We offer plastic bag filter housings which are compatible with industry standard #1 and #2 size filter bags which have a 7” diameter opening and a filter bag length of 16" (#1) or 32" (#2).  We also offer adapters enabling you to use filter cartridges in lieu of filter bags for finer retentions.

Although filter bags are available with coarse retentions (up to 800 microns), it is more common to use pipeline strainers for retention of particles >200 microns using a perforated or mesh lined basket unless the volume of solids to remove necessitates a larger open area straining ratio afforded by a bag filter housing.

The Platinum Glass-Filled Polypropylene (GFPP) model is a one-piece molded vessel having numerous locations for true-union connections; these connections can also be made from GFPP, PVC or CPVC.  The sizes (from 1¼" to 4") and the connection types (FNPT/threaded, flanged and socket) are available in all materials.  "Glass Filled" polypropylene contain glass fibers which increases stiffness and surface hardness, thus supporting use at higher pressures and temperatures when compared to "regular" polypropylene.

The PVC and CPVC bag filter housings consist of a common upper and lower half, with a "spacer pipe" inserted between these two pieces to form the "body", thus  a longer pipe is used for the #2 size and a shorter one for the #1 size; the end connection material matches the body material.

Similar to the Hayward SB/DB styles of plastic pipeline strainers, the FLV has a thoughtful, user-friendly design.  The "rabbit ear" style chamber cover enables quick removal and access to the filter bag without requiring tools and reduces the potential for over tightening.  The filter vessel body has buttress style threads for the chamber cover provide a downwards oriented failure path, so in the event of over-pressurization the failure mode should be predictable and protect other system components from damage.  The chamber cover also has a conical shaped displacement geometry which serves two purposes, it reduces the volume of the chamber when accessing the filter bags and helps seal the filter bag in-place via downwards pressure onto the filter bag sealing ring.  The included vent port valve is easily opened to bleed air from the system during filling and it si protected from damage by the filter chamber cover handles.

Whether GFPP, PVC or CPVC, the body has two inlet ports and two outlet ports to provide flexibility for installation.  Thus these filter bag vessels can be installed inline (inlet and outlet are 180° apart - directly opposite of each other with high port the inlet and the low one the outlet) or "loop" using the upper and lower ports on the same side of the vessel.  As an example, the "loop" configuration is useful if installed in a corner. GFPP material has additional ports at 90°, adding another potential inlet/outlet flow path.  Unused ports are capped-off with blank true-union connections. 

The true-union connection design simplifies installation as well as enabling filter housing replacement without cutting and replacing piping; perhaps especially useful for socket glued piping connections.

Other significant aspects to consider include:

• Never use plastic bag filters for compressible fluids such as air or nitrogen.

• The maximum flow rate per housing is 100 GPM for single length (#1 size) and 150 GPM for double length (#2 size).

• Your piping system should be independently supported; the filter housing is not designed to support piping nor should piping support the filter housing.  The filter housing should be mounted to a firm surface and the piping upstream and downstream of the strainer should be independently supported.

• It is critical to review your pressure limitations for your fluid temperature and reduce the potential for a Water Hammer situation accordingly.

 

When in-doubt, simply call us or better yet, fill-out our application based inquiry form and we'll assist you with the proper selection.