Filter Media Comparison

There are many types of filter media available today. Swift uses four main types as the foundation of our product line —Cellulose Filter Elements, Micro-Fiberglass Filter Elements, Stainless Steel Wire Cloth Filter Elements and Metal Felt Filter Elements. Below is a brief comparison of typical cost/performance characteristics that may be of assistance in helping to make the proper selection for your filtration applications.

 
Cellulose
Micro-Fiberglass
Stainless Steel Wire Cloth
Metal Felt
Initial Cost
Low
Moderate
Low to High*
High
Capture Efficiency
Moderate
High
Low to High*
High
Dirt Holding Capacity
Moderate
High
Low to High*
High
Differential Pressure
Low to Moderate
Low to Moderate
Low to High*
Low
Life in a System
Moderate
High
Low to High*
High
Fluid Compatibility
Low
Moderate
High
High
Cleanable
No
No
Yes
Yes
*The performance of stainless steel elements depends on the mesh size and the fluid system requirements. Contact us for more information.

Cleanliness required for typical hydraulic components
Component ISO code
Servovalves 16/14/11
Proportional valves 17/15/12
Vane and piston pumps and motors 18/16/13
Directional and pressure control valves 18/16/13
Flow control valves and cylinders 20/18/15
New unused fluid 20/18/15

The chart below provides a particle size comparison of the more recent ISO 16889 standard with the old ISO 4572 standard.

Bx(c)=1000 (ISO 16889)
2.5
5
7
12
22
Bx=200 (ISO 4572)
‹1
3
6
12
25

Beta Ratio/Efficiencies

Beta Ratios
Capture Efficiency
1.01
1.0%
1.1
9%
1.5
33.3%
2.0
50%
5.0
80%
10.0
90%
20.0
95%
75.0
98.7%
100
99.0%
200
99.5%
1000
99.9%