Every filtration application is unique. At WAN-FILTER, we specialize in custom metal filter elements — manufactured to your exact specifications, based on your drawings, operating conditions, and application requirements.
Unlike off-the-shelf filters, our custom approach starts with a detailed conversation: we listen to your needs, review your drawings, discuss your operating conditions, and recommend the optimal material and design for your specific application. Our production is guided by your drawings and requirements — not by standardized catalogs.
To help you communicate your needs clearly, this guide highlights the 4 key factors we consider during every custom filter project.
1. Material Selection: Choosing the Right Alloy
The material of your filter element determines its chemical compatibility and corrosion resistance. We work with a wide range of materials and help you select the right one based on your fluid composition and operating environment.
- 304 Stainless Steel: General-purpose, cost-effective for mild chemicals and water applications.
- 316L Stainless Steel: Superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and acidic media.
- 310 Stainless Steel: For applications requiring higher temperature stability.
- Hastelloy C-276: Exceptional resistance to oxidizing acids, wet chlorine, and aggressive chemicals.
- Inconel 600/625: High-temperature oxidation resistance and chloride stress corrosion resistance.
- Titanium: Lightweight, excellent seawater and brine resistance.
- Duplex Steel: High strength with good corrosion resistance for oil and gas applications.
2. Temperature Resistance: Designed for Your Operating Range
Metal filters are known for their high-temperature tolerance. However, the right material choice depends on your continuous operating temperature and peak transient temperatures.
- 304 Stainless Steel: Continuous service up to 450°C
- 316L Stainless Steel: Continuous service up to 550°C
- 310 Stainless Steel: Continuous service up to 600°C
- Inconel 600/625: Continuous service up to 800°C+
When you share your temperature conditions with us, we factor in both normal operation and any potential thermal cycling to ensure your filter maintains its structural integrity over its entire service life.
3. Pressure Drop: Optimized for Your Flow Rate
Pressure drop is the resistance to flow created by the filter element. It directly affects your system's energy consumption and pump sizing.
During the design phase, we calculate the expected pressure drop based on your provided operating data:
- Operating flow rate (L/min or m³/h)
- Fluid temperature and viscosity
- Fluid density
- System pressure
- Required filtration precision
We optimize the filter design — including filtration area, media thickness, and pore structure — to achieve the right balance between filtration performance and acceptable pressure drop.
4. Maintenance & Service Life: Designed for Your Operations
The service life of a metal filter element depends on its dirt holding capacity and cleanability. We design filters that can be cleaned and reused multiple times, reducing your operating costs.
- Dirt Holding Capacity: Determines how long the filter can run before needing cleaning. We optimize the design to balance capacity with acceptable pressure drop.
- Cleaning Compatibility: We ensure the filter material and construction are compatible with common cleaning methods — chemical cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, or backwashing.
- Replacement Planning: We help you establish a maintenance schedule based on your actual operating conditions, minimizing unplanned downtime.
Have a drawing or specific requirements? Let's discuss your custom filter project
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