Filter Media Engineering

Cellulose media

Plant-derived fiber media with diameter 10–40 µm, producing a stochastic pore structure. Beta values β₁₀(c) = 2–10 (moderate efficiency). Absorbs 6–8% own weight in water — degrades in high-humidity or water-contaminated applications. Temperature limit: 120°C. Adequate for passenger vehicle applications with frequent drain intervals.

Synthetic microfiber media

Polyester or polypropylene media (meltblown or electrospun) with controlled fiber diameter 1–10 µm. Beta values β₁₀(c) = 50–200 (high efficiency). Does not absorb water. Temperature rating 150°C. 2–4× dirt holding capacity versus cellulose at equivalent efficiency. Used in SYNTRAX™ and NANOFORCE™ configurations.

Glass fiber media

Sub-micron glass fiber diameter (0.5–5 µm) enabling Beta values β₃(c) > 200. Inherently hydrophobic when treated. Limitations: brittleness under pulsating flow — fibers fracture and release captured particles downstream. Requires structural support layers in pleated configurations.

Pleating geometry

Pleat count, height, and density define total media area within a given element envelope. Deep pleating maximizes media area but requires structural support to prevent pleat collapse under ΔP. Thermally bonded end caps and wire-wound outer support maintain pleat geometry across service life.

Multi-layer construction

Combining media layers with different characteristics — coarse upstream layer removes large particles and distributes flow, fine downstream layer provides high efficiency at critical particle sizes. NANOFORCE™ uses multi-layer synthetic media to achieve high efficiency with extended capacity.

Cellulose β₁₀(c)[ISO 16889]

2–10

Synthetic β₁₀(c)[ISO 16889]

50–200

Glass fiber β₃(c)[ISO 16889]

>200

Cellulose fiber diameter

10–40 µm

Synthetic fiber diameter

1–10 µm

Glass fiber diameter

0.5–5 µm

Synthetic capacity advantage vs cellulose

2–4×

Cellulose water absorption

6–8% by weight