Tips for Extending Pleated Filter Cartridge Service Life

Pleated Filter Cartridges offer a large filtration area, a compact size and high filtration precision. These features make them widely used in numerous industrial liquid filtration fields, such as water treatment, chemical engineering and the food and beverage industries. Common filter materials include polypropylene (PP), polyethersulfone (PES), nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which are easily compatible with various standard filter housings. Unlike ordinary consumables, pleated filter cartridges have no fixed 'service life limit; their service life depends entirely on filtration conditions, the effectiveness of pre-filtration and pretreatment, and the appropriateness of daily operational and maintenance practices. By using them properly, you can effectively extend their service life and help enterprises significantly reduce operating costs.

1. Optimize Pre-filtration Processes

Pleated filter cartridges are better at capturing fine impurities, but they can become clogged prematurely if there is an excessive amount of impurities in the feed liquid. For applications involving high levels of particulates in the raw liquid, it is recommended that a Bag Filter Housing or coarse-grade filter cartridge (5 - 10 μm) is installed upstream of the pleated filter cartridge to remove large particles, sediment and suspended solids first. For oily or viscous liquids, a multi-stage filtration system is recommended. The more effective the pre-filtration upstream is, the longer the pleated filter cartridge's service life will be.

Additionally, the conditions of the feed solution entering the pleated filter cartridge should be appropriately controlled. On the one hand, the particle size entering the cartridge should not exceed 50% of its rated filtration precision to reduce the risk of blockage. Furthermore, the temperature and pH value of the feed solution should be controlled, strictly adhering to the tolerance range of the cartridge material (e.g., PP Pleated Filter Cartridges typically operate continuously at temperatures not exceeding 60°C and pH 1-13; Certain PES Membrane Pleated Filter Cartridges can withstand temperatures up to 121°C and have a broader pH tolerance range, subject to specific product technical specifications). Prolonged operation beyond these parameters may accelerate material degradation and compromise the stability of the pore structure.

2. Standardised Operation to Prevent Damage

Improper handling is a common cause of reduced service life for pleated filter elements. Therefore, particular attention must be paid to the following operational standards:

1) Avoid pressure surges during start-up and shutdown to ensure smooth system operation. When starting up, gradually open inlet and outlet valves to prevent sudden high-pressure impacts on the cartridge, which may cause membrane wrinkling, damage, or end cap delamination. When shutting down, first close the inlet valve, then open the vent valve to relieve pressure, thereby avoiding negative pressure suction affecting the cartridge structure.

2) Directly introducing process fluid to pleated filter elements (particularly those made of hydrophilic materials) while dry may alter the pore size of the filter membrane and increase filtration resistance. Prolonged dry storage may also degrade membrane performance. If filter elements require extended decommissioning, it is recommended to preserve them by soaking in pure water or storing them sealed in a dry, cool environment.

3. Proper Maintenance and Cleaning

Certain foldable filter elements may be reused a limited number of times under specific conditions during standard industrial liquid filtration operations. Generally, operational status should inform this decision: cleaning may be considered when system pressure rises significantly or filtration flow decreases. If cleaning yields negligible improvement in filtration performance, the filter element should be replaced immediately. The suitability for cleaning and the number of reusable cycles should be comprehensively determined based on the specific filter element model and the actual operating conditions.

4. Optimise Storage and Replacement to Prevent Secondary Damage

Unused pleated filter cartridges should be stored in sealed containers to prevent them from becoming contaminated by dust or moisture. They should be stored at temperatures between 5 and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight and organic solvents. Once opened, the cartridges should be installed promptly to prevent prolonged exposure to the air, as this may cause membrane contamination or performance degradation.

During operation, establish a reasonable replacement schedule. Prompt replacement is advised when: - system pressure increases significantly, impacting normal operation;

- filtration flow rate decreases markedly;

- cartridges exhibit damage, deformation or leakage;

- filtration performance fails to meet process requirements.

Even if differential pressure and flow rates have not reached their limit values, regular replacement should be performed according to actual operating conditions. For example, for potable or pure water filtration applications, replacement every 3–6 months is typically recommended, whereas for industrial wastewater or highly contaminated feed solutions, this interval should be shortened to 1 - 3 months. When replacing filter elements, ensure that the interior of the filter housing is clean to prevent residual contaminants from causing secondary contamination of the new element.

Summary

The key to extending the service life of pleated filter cartridges is to reduce contaminant ingress, prevent cartridge damage and promptly restore performance. Thorough pre-treatment can alleviate the cartridge's workload, while standardised operation and scientific maintenance can minimise wear. This optimises both longevity and filtration efficiency. If you need help selecting suitable pleated filter cartridges or comprehensive filtration solutions for your specific operating conditions, please Contact Us for professional advice.