What types of industrial filtration systems are used in manufacturing plants?

Manufacturing plants use a variety of filtration systems depending on the media being filtered and the contaminants being removed. Liquid filtration systems — including bag filters, cartridge filters, and automatic self-cleaning strainers — remove particulates from process water, chemicals, coatings, and other fluids to protect equipment and maintain product quality. Gas filtration and separation systems remove particulates, oil aerosols, water vapor, and other contaminants from compressed air and process gas streams to protect pneumatic equipment, instrumentation, and downstream products. Strainers (Y-strainers and basket strainers) are installed in pipelines to catch large debris that could damage pumps, valves, and control equipment. Dust filtration systems — including dust collectors with cartridge or bag media — capture airborne particulates generated by grinding, sanding, cutting, conveying, and material handling operations to protect workers and meet OSHA air quality standards. Filter housings hold the filter elements and provide the pressure containment needed for the application's flow rate and operating conditions.

What is the difference between a bag filter and a cartridge filter?

Bag filters and cartridge filters are both used for liquid filtration, but they differ in design, capacity, and application fit. A bag filter is a flexible fabric or felt pouch that sits inside a filter housing — liquid flows from outside the bag through the media to the inside, trapping particles on the outer surface and within the media. Bag filters handle high flow rates, are cost-effective per unit of filtration area, and are easy to change. They are the standard choice for applications with moderate to heavy particle loads where micron ratings of 1 to 200 microns are sufficient — such as water treatment, chemical processing, paints, and food and beverage production. A cartridge filter is a rigid or semi-rigid cylindrical element (pleated, wound, or melt-blown media) that typically provides finer filtration and higher efficiency than bag filters, with ratings available down to sub-micron levels. Cartridges offer more surface area in a smaller footprint, making them ideal for applications requiring tight particle control, lower volume flows, or polishing filtration after a coarser first-stage filter.

What filter media materials are available for industrial liquid filtration?

Filter media material selection depends on the fluid chemistry, temperature, particle characteristics, and regulatory requirements. Polypropylene is the most widely used industrial filter media — it offers broad chemical compatibility (resistant to most acids, bases, and solvents), is FDA compliant for food and beverage applications, and is cost-effective. It is available in melt-blown, spun-bonded, and pleated configurations. Polyester provides higher temperature resistance than polypropylene (up to approximately 300°F) and excellent mechanical strength, making it well suited for higher-temperature liquid applications. Nylon (polyamide) offers good chemical resistance and is commonly used in monofilament woven mesh bag filters for applications requiring precise pore-size surface filtration and bag reusability. Stainless steel mesh and sintered metal media are specified for high-temperature, high-pressure, and aggressive chemical applications where polymer media would degrade. Nomex is used in high-temperature applications such as hot oil filtration and dust collection at elevated temperatures. PTFE media provides universal chemical resistance for the most aggressive acids and solvents. Always verify the media material's compatibility with your specific fluid and operating temperature.

What is a filter housing and how do I choose the right one?

A filter housing is the pressure vessel that contains the filter element (bag or cartridge) and provides the connections for inlet and outlet piping. The housing seals the process fluid inside, directs flow through the filter media, and allows operators to access the element for replacement. Choosing the right housing involves several factors: the number and size of filter elements it holds (which determines flow capacity), the pressure rating (must exceed the maximum system pressure plus a safety margin), the material of construction (carbon steel for general industrial service, stainless steel 304 or 316 for corrosive fluids, food-grade, or pharmaceutical applications), the connection type and size (NPT threaded, flanged, or sanitary tri-clamp), and the element type it accepts (standard bag sizes #1 through #4, or specific cartridge lengths of 10, 20, 30, or 40 inches). Single-bag housings are the most common for moderate flow rates, while multi-bag housings handle higher flows. Multi-cartridge housings hold several cartridges in parallel for high-volume, fine-filtration applications. Always size the housing to handle peak flow without exceeding the recommended differential pressure.

What is an automatic self-cleaning filter and when should I use one?

An automatic self-cleaning filter continuously removes captured contaminants from its filter element without shutting down the flow or requiring manual intervention. When the differential pressure across the element reaches a setpoint (indicating the element is loaded with contaminants), the system automatically initiates a backwash, scraper, or suction-scanning cycle that cleans the element and discharges the collected debris to drain. The filtered process flow continues uninterrupted during cleaning. Automatic self-cleaning filters are the right choice when the contaminant load is heavy and continuous — meaning manual filter bag or cartridge changes would be required so frequently that labor cost, downtime, and waste disposal become impractical. Common applications include cooling water systems, river or well water intake protection, wastewater reuse, industrial process water loops, and any high-volume, continuous-flow application where filter element changes multiple times per day would be operationally burdensome. The higher upfront cost of an automatic filter is offset by dramatically reduced labor, filter media consumption, and downtime compared to manually changed bag or cartridge systems in heavy-duty service.

Industrial Filtration

Industrial filtration protects equipment, products and people by removing contaminants from liquids, gases and air. Clean process fluids extend pump and valve life, improve product quality and help plants meet envi...

Categories in Industrial Filtration - Liquid, Gas & Dust Filters (8)

Liquid Filtration

We offer a comprehensive online selection of liquid filtration products, including industrial strainers, bag filters, and cartridges. Our range of cartridges covers diverse needs and industries, and we also provide a wide variety of filter media, such as Polypropylene, Nylon, and stainless steel. In Liquid Filtration, cartridges are indispensable tools for effectively removing contaminants from liquids in industrial liquid filtration and separation. Cartridges that we can provide customers are essential in various industries, including chemical processing, refineries, industrial, food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.

We pair quality liquid filtration products with expert guidance to help you choose the right filter for your process. Explore our website today to discover more about our extensive line of liquid filtration solutions and how we can enhance your industrial processes.

Shop by type: Lenticular Filters and Vessels | Bag Filters and Vessels | Cartridge Filters and Vessels | Liquid Coalescers and Vessels | Hydraulic and Lube Oil

Automatic Cleaning

We carry a wide range of mechanical cleansing products to suit industrial or commercial needs. Mechanical cleaning uses physical force to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from surfaces. This can be done using various methods, including backwash cleaning and mechanical self-cleaning. Backwash cleaning is a type of mechanical cleansing that uses high-pressure water to remove contaminants from surfaces. This method is often used to clean industrial equipment and machinery. Mechanical self-cleaning refers to using physical tools and devices to remove contaminants from surfaces. This includes brushes, scrapers, and high-pressure air jets. Our selection of mechanical cleansing products is available online, making it easy to find the right product for your needs.

Gas Filtration and Separation

Gas filtration and separation removes particulates, liquids, oil and moisture from compressed air and process gas streams. Clean, dry gas protects instruments, pneumatic equipment and products, and supports air quality standards.

Product Categories

Compressed air filtration – filters, dryers, drains and FRLs
Gas filtering – vessels, coalescers, gas filters and dryers
Oil mist coalescing – remove oil aerosols
Mufflers and silencers – exhaust noise control

Building a Treatment System

A typical compressed air system uses a particulate pre-filter, coalescing filter, dryer and point-of-use filtration. Size each component to actual flow and pressure. Drains and oil-water separators handle the collected condensate responsibly.

Centro supplies gas filtration and separation products and can help you meet your air quality targets.

Shop by type: Mufflers & Silencers | Oil/Mist Coalescing | Compressed Air | Gas Filtering

Related categories: Industrial Filtration | Dust Filtration | Automatic Cleaning | Strainers | Liquid Filtration

Strainers

Strainers protect pumps, valves, meters, heat exchangers and nozzles by removing debris from pipelines. They're a simple, low-cost first defense against damage and downtime.

Strainer Types

Liquid strainers – Y and basket strainers for water and process lines
Simplex and duplex strainers – single or continuous-flow baskets
Automatic strainers – self-cleaning for heavy debris
Non-ferrous strainers – bronze and plastic for corrosive service
Gas and fabricated strainers – fuel gas and custom designs

Choosing a Strainer

Choose based on flow, debris load, screen size, pressure and fluid. Duplex and automatic strainers suit lines that can't shut down. Add differential pressure gauges to monitor clogging.

Centro offers strainers in many styles, materials and sizes for industrial piping.

Dust Filtration

Dust is a problem in many industrial and commercial settings. Inhaling dust can trigger several respiratory issues, and it can also damage equipment. That's why it's essential to have a sound dust filtration system in place. We offer a complete selection of dust filtration products, including dust collectors, dust cartridges, ducting, and vents. We carry products from leading manufacturers, so you can be sure you're getting the best possible quality. Dust filtration is an integral part of any business, and we're here to help you find the right products for your needs. Browse our website today to learn more about our products and how we can help you keep your workplace safe and clean.

Filter Housings

Filter housings hold bag and cartridge filter elements under pressure, sealing them so nothing bypasses the media. A well-built housing makes element changes quick and safe, and helps filters reach their rated efficiency.

Housing Types

Bag filter housings – single and multi-bag vessels
Cartridge filter housings – single and multi-round designs
Plastic housings – polypropylene and PVDF for chemicals and water
Stainless steel housings – high pressure, temperature and sanitary use
Duplex housings – switch filters without stopping flow

Choosing a Housing

Size the housing to your flow rate and target change-out interval. Larger or multi-element housings last longer between changes. Confirm pressure rating, materials, seals and connections. Swing-bolt and quick-open closures reduce maintenance time.

Centro supplies filter housings and matching elements for liquid filtration.

Blast Cleaning

Blast cleaning strips paint, rust, scale and contaminants from surfaces and prepares them for coating. The right combination of equipment, media and safety gear delivers fast, consistent results.

Blast Cleaning Products

Blast media – aluminum oxide, glass bead, garnet, steel shot
Blast cabinets – enclosed blasting of parts
Blasting pots – portable pressure blasting
Parts and accessories – nozzles, hoses and valves
Blasting safety – helmets, suits and breathing air

Planning Your Setup

Match nozzle size to compressor capacity and choose media for the substrate and profile. Operator safety equipment is essential.

Centro supplies complete blast cleaning systems.

Shop by type: Blast Media | Blasting Parts and Accessories | Blasting Pots | Blast Cabinets | Blasting Safety

Specialty Filters

Not every filtration job fits neatly into a standard catalog. Specialty filters cover applications with unusual temperatures, chemistries, sizes or regulatory requirements. Examples include high-temperature gas streams, aggressive solvents, and replacement elements for older or uncommon housings.

Typical Specialty Applications

High-temperature filtration using metal, ceramic or glass fiber media
Chemical-resistant filters with PTFE, PVDF or polypropylene construction
Custom-size elements built to match existing housings and dimensions
Sanitary and pharmaceutical filters with validated, FDA-compliant materials
Application-specific media for oil removal, adsorption or fine polishing

What to Have Ready

Quoting a specialty filter goes faster when you know the fluid, flow rate, operating temperature and pressure, target micron rating, and the dimensions or part number of the current element. Photos of the old filter and its housing are often the quickest way to identify a match.

Centro carries specialty filters from a wide network of manufacturers, many of which make elements to order for unusual sizes and conditions. Send us your details and our team can help you choose a filter that fits.

Related categories: Industrial Filtration | Filter Press | Filter Housings | Liquid Filtration | Automatic Cleaning

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Industrial Filtration

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