Filter elements remove suspended debris from the fluid system. Filtration is a physical or mechanical process which removes insoluble particles from a liquid or gas. You can also filter particulates and contaminants by using filter elements. Base fluids may be coolants, corrosive chemicals, gasoline, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, lubricants, water, oil, inks, dies, and paints.

Filter elements come in different types such as an air filter element, an oil filter element, a water filter element, an AC filter element and a spa filter element. These types of filter elements indicate the media they filter or their application.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying filter elements are:

1. Element type: micro filtration, ultra filtration, nano filtration, reverse osmosis
2. Housing material: aluminum, plastic, steel, stainless steel and teflon
3. Configurations of the filter elements: bulk filter media, cartridge, housing only, and housing and filter assembly
4. Filter media: activated carbon, diatomaceous earth, cellulose, ceramic
5. Other parameters: water absorption, pressure drop, maximum liquid flow, and maximum gas flow

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy filter elements from a reliable manufacturer

Once you understand your application requirements, you can buy filter elements from reliable filter element suppliers.

I recommend: Ahlstrom provides a wide array of filter elements such as an oil filter element, an air filter element, an automotive filter element and a water filter element. If you need a cartridge filter element, check out the products offered by American Water Chemicals, a reputable supplier of filter elements. You can buy an oval air filter element or a washable air filter at Mustangs Plus, a reputable industrial distributor. Other reputable manufacturers of filter elements are EATON Corporation and Clark Reliance.

Buy customized filter elements from a reputable custom manufacturer

You can opt for specialty or customized filter elements if the filter elements available in the market do not meet your requirements.

I recommend: If you want a customized cartridge filter element, Delta Pure can provide you with a wide range of specialty cartridge filters such as a precision wound cartridge filter, a high capacity wound cartridge filter and a high efficiency cartridge filter. Filtertek provides customized automobile air filter elements for both diesel and gasoline applications.

Buy filter elements from a reputable distributor

You can compare different filter elements based on features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can also check out the replacement filter elements available in the market.

I recommend: Catching Fluidpower distributes an array of filter elements and accessories such as filter housings, cartridge filter elements, wound cartridge filters and microfiltration products. Advanced Filtration Company distributes a wide variety of filter elements ranging from filter housings to bag filtration systems. You can buy an air compressor filter element at Acculube Industrial Products, a reputable industrial distributor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check for the filtration grade or beta ratio of the filter elements, as it indicates filter element's ability to remove contaminants.
• •  Check if the filter elements are portable, reusable, disposable or have integral bypass.
• •  Check if the filter elements meet requirements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).