UFC 3-280-04
17 DEC 2003
Economically, one bag filter has the equivalent capacity of several cartridges
and can operate at higher flow rates than cartridge filters with lower pressure drops. The
filtrate can be removed from the bag for disposal, unlike cartridge filtration where the
entire filter element must be disposed of. For closed systems there is little need for the
operators to handle contaminated material except during removal of filters for cleaning
or replacement. Bag filters can also treat highly viscous fluids up to 200,000 cP
(484,000 lb/hr ft). Because of their high volume throughput they can provide space
saving, polishing filtrate from clarifier/thickener overflows, and from sand and vacuum
filters.
One drawback of filter bags is that sharp objects present in the waste stream,
such as metal fillings, can cut into the bags during operation, affecting effluent quality
and decreasing filter life. In addition, bag filters do not come in as low a removal rating
as cartridge filters. Also, owing to the lesser surface area, bag filters will not retain the
same amount of non-deformable solids before being blinded and needing cleaning or
replacing.
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