Do you know multi mantle element offers a large filtration area in a limited space?
Yes, it features unique design and technology for efficient and reliable filtration process.
And today, I want us to explore the benefits, design, construction, working principle, and applications of the multi mantle element.
Let’s dive right in…
What is a Multi-Mantle Element?
The multi-mantle element is a type of filter element that consists of many cylindrical filter mantles put together.
It consists of three mantles or more depending on the design with different diameters inside one another.
The multiple mantles allow the device to have a large filtration surface area that covers a small space.
Apart from that, it also gives an allowance for the use of very fine filter meshes thus filtering the fluids further.
The stainless steel mesh which has micron ratings ranging from 10 to 2000 micrometers is the standard material for filtration.
The inner parts of the multi-mantle element are stainless steel and may have an end cup which is aluminum.
The level of filtration that you are likely to get from this device is very high and accurate.
You can use it to filter different types of fluids with very high levels of contaminants.
It helps in getting rid of solid matter that could otherwise damage the pumps, valves, and bearings.
The filtration of such contaminants goes through different processes repeatedly.
It means that after getting rid of the contaminants, the clean substance goes back through the system for additional cleaning.
Multi mantle filter element – Photo credits: STAUFF
You can, therefore, subject the multi-mantle element to different cleaning processes.
You are most likely to find it in different applications such as marine for filtration of fuel, water and lubricants.
It is also an important element in the processing industry for the purification of, oil, chemicals, water, and coolants.
Different manufacturers provide spare parts for the replacement of the element in case of damages.
Benefits of Multi-mantle Filter Element
The multi-mantle filter element is one of the best filtration elements that you can use in cleaning fluids.
This is because of the following advantages:
Multi mantle element
i. It has a structural advantage where it has more filter layers and an extended area of filtration. This structural attribute makes it the most efficient tool for use in many filtration applications. It is a small device but very effective due to the large surface area in the design.
ii. It also has a material advantage where the stainless steel wire mesh can withstand different levels of extreme. It can withstand high pressure, temperature, permeability, porosity, and dirt. The material also gives it an edge over other materials as you can easily clean it to get rid of the dirt.
iii. The device also provides for use advantage as it has thread connections, dis-assembly, and ease of cleaning. It means that you can easily install and disassemble it with minimal supervision from technicians. Disassembling of the device also gives you a better opportunity of cleaning the internal parts of the device.
iv. The device is not costly and once you have it, the cost of maintenance is very low. It will save you a lot of money because of very little damages to the device. Replacements are also rare as you will be able to clean and reuse the filter element.
Main Structure of Multi-mantle Filter Element
The multi-mantle filter element has particular structural features that it relies on to function properly.
The structural features increase the efficiency and reliability of the device under diverse conditions.
Multi mantle filter element
There are three main structural features of the multi-mantle filter element and they include:
i. Filter Layers
The device has three main filter layers where the fluid with contaminants passes through more than once.
The filter layers are capable of filtering different types of fluids among them being liquids and gasses.
Normally, the arrangement of the filtration layers makes the device a proper fit for the filtration of sensitive fluids.
The pore size of the filter layers will depend on the type of fluid that passes through the multi-mantle filter element.
It means that the pore size for gasses is smaller than the pore size for liquids.
The pore sizes vary down to a level of 0.1 microns.
Apart from the pore size, the other factor that you should look at is the size of the filter layers.
There are different sizes of filter layers available depending on the application you intend it for.
For the gas filters, you can find filter sizes ranging from 25mm to 200mm.
The arrangement of the filter layers increases the surface area of the multi-mantle filter elements.
It also covers very little space that would otherwise make the device bigger.
The wide surface area improves the efficiency of the device as it covers a small space.
ii. Inner support tubes
Many manufacturers construct the inner support tubes using longitudinal or spiral tubes.
The main method that manufacturers use to join the parts of the inner support tube is welding.
These inner support tubes have varying innovative structures, and strong adaptability enabling easy operations of the multi-mantle filter element.
It is an ideal structure in multi-mantle filter elements for use in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and oil industries.
The advantages that the inner support tubes offer to the multi-mantle filter elements include:
- It improves the compact nature of the element at a reasonable size, with small footprints. You can easily install it on the element for further operations.
- It also assists in the filtration of the fluids as it can get rid of very fine particles and suspended matter of different sizes.
- It has a better filtration capacity which is often 5 to 10 times better than the other filter elements. The flow rate of the inner support tubes ranges between 1m3/h to 500m3/h.
- The material manufacturers use to make the inner support tubes are stainless steel. It is very strong and can withstand different conditions such as high temperature and pressure. It also makes the inner support tubes very easy to clean due to the fact that it is stainless.
iii. End caps
Manufacturers of the multi-mantle filter elements use aluminum or stainless steel to make end caps.
The material for the end cap has to be heavy duty as it will come in handy in very harsh environments.
It closes the filtration media of the multi-mantle filter element to get rid of any leaks.
Since the multi mantle filter element has three filter layers, you should expect it to have 3 end caps.
The end caps are available in a variety of sizes depending on the size of the filter element.
You can also make an order for custom end caps to suit the type of multi-mantle element you need.
It is also the end fitting of the filter and connects the multi-mantle filter with the right housing element.
The configuration on the end cap should also fit properly into the housing element for continuous flow of fluids.
There are two main styles of end caps which are double open-ended and plug on/in.
iv. Cylindrical filter mantles
The multi-mantle filter elements consist of different numbers of mantle elements.
They are responsible for the large surface area for filtration thus covering a very small space.
It means that the higher the number of filter mantles, the wider the surface area.
The filter mantle is responsible for filtering the fluids that pass through the multi-mantle element.
They block the impurities from advancing as the clean fluid goes through to the next stage.
The mantles are of different sizes and they have different pores sizes to trap the impurities.
As the fluid passes through the first mantle, it will have some of the impurities remain behind.
As it advances through to the next mantle, it traps more impurities getting rid of all the dirt.
By the time the fluid goes through the last mantle, it should be free of the impurities.
The mantles allow for the use of very fine filtration wire mesh which varies according to the application.
You can order for a custom multi-mantle filter element with the specifications that you need.
It means that the mantles are available in different proportions and sizes to suit your applications.
How Multi-Mantle Filter Element Works
The main principle behind the functionality of the multi-mantle filter element is the number of mantles available.
Cross section of multi mantle filter element
The number of mantles on the element will be responsible for cleaning the fluid that passes through.
Depending on the application, you can use the multi-mantle filter element to filter different types of fluids.
The filtration process begins with the fitting of the multi-mantle filter element at the right point.
You should fit it properly in a position where the fluid you need to clean passes more often.
Depending on the type of fluid, release it and let it flow through the pipes to the filters.
The fluid flowing at a certain pressure will flow through the different filter layers available on the element.
Most multi-mantle filter elements have 3 mantles but you are free to use any other type.
The fluid will pass through the first mantle and with the aid of the mesh, it traps the impurities.
As it goes through the first mantle, the fluid will not only go through the mesh but filter layers.
It will also go through the inner support tubes that will assist in trapping the impurities in the flowing fluid.
The same happens to the fluid as it goes through the second mantle.
At this point, the mantle traps the finer impurities that were able to pass through the first mantle.
The fluid flowing from the second mantle is cleaner than the fluid from the first mantle.
As it goes through to the third mantle, the fluid is already clean but has to go through further filtration.
The high number of mantles on the in a multi-mantle filter element increases the surface area of the multi-mantle filter element.
It is, therefore, the factor that makes the filter element a proper tool for industrial filtration.
The process continues on to the third and maybe the fourth mantle depending on the number of mantles available.
The filter element is able to withstand a lot of pressure and high temperatures.
You should not worry about controlling temperature and pressure but let it filter the flowing fluid.
There is a possibility of passing the fluid through the multi-mantle filter more than once depending on the application.
The higher the number of passes, the better the filtration of the flowing fluid.
At the end of the process, you will be able to obtain a fluid that is free of impurities.
Technical Specifications of a multi-mantle element
The multi-mantle filter element has certain specifications that you need to look at before making an order.
These specifications should meet the standard set for the device and also fit your applications.
Multi mantle filter element
Some of the technical specifications that you need to look at include:
· Type of material
The main material for the multi-mantle filter element is stainless steel.
It is the material manufacturers use to make all the components of the filter element except the end cap.
The material that the manufacturers use in making the end cap is aluminum.
Stainless steel is the material of choice for the support skeleton, and filter layer because:
i. It is corrosion resistant because of the chromium oxide which is an invisible layer. Chromium oxide makes it resistant to stains and is very easy to clean. Apart from that, it reduces further contamination of the fluid that flows through the filter element.
ii. It is also a strong material considering the strength to weight ratio. It means that it is light but strong and can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
iii. You can easily recycle the material and use it to make another multi-mantle filter element. It is also eco-friendly and reduces excess pollution to the fluid and the environment.
· Micron rating
The micron rating of the multi-mantle filter element varies depending on the type of filter that you are using.
Micron rating
You will choose a particular filter element depending on the application you need it for.
Note that, the micron rating of multi-mantle filters for liquids is not the same as that for gasses.
It, therefore, means that multi-mantle filter elements for gasses have very small micron ratings in comparison to that of liquids.
The smaller the micron rating, the purer the fluid will be after flowing through the filter element.
The micron rating can range from 1 micron to 100 microns depending on the device of choice.
Normally, the micron rating is a feature of the mantle, filter layers, inner support tubes, and the mesh.
The features have varying micron ratings enabling them to trap different sizes of impurities.
You are at liberty of ordering a multi-mantle filter element with micron rating to fit your requirements.
· Dimension
The dimensions on the multi-mantle filter element vary depending on the size of the element.
It means that the length and diameter of the multi-mantle filter element are not the same in all devices.
Manufacturers know that the element should fit different applications thus the allowance to make custom demands.
· Filter media
The main filter media of the multi-mantle filter element is stainless steel mesh.
It is able to trap different sizes of impurities depending on the pore size of the mesh.
It is an ideal filter media in applications of high strength such as pressure and high temperatures.
You can also use it applications that require the filtration of chemicals that may corrode other materials.
They are resistant to cold, heat, corrosion and other solvents at varying temperatures.
The main material is stainless steel 304 in most of the industrial applications for the multi-mantle filter element.
· Differential pressure
The differential pressure that the multi-mantle filter element can take varies according to the strength of the device.
Manufacturers make different types of devices to withstand different types of differential pressure.
It is important to specify the application before making an order for your device.
Specifying the application will inform the manufacturer of the differential pressure and make the device accordingly.
The higher the differential pressure, the stronger the multi-mantle filter element should be.
Apart from that, manufacturers specify the differential pressure on the product for you to check.
· Working temperature
The working temperature of the multi-mantle filter element also varies according to the application.
Many manufacturers use stainless steel material as it can withstand different working temperatures.
Stainless steel is the proper material for different degrees of temperature thus a good material for the multi-mantle element.
You should specify the temperature range of your application to the manufacturer.
He will then make a custom multi-mantle element to fit the temperature range.
The material should be strong enough to withstand the high-temperature range of your application.
· Magnetic insert (some designs)
There are other designs of the multi-mantle filter element that have magnetic inserts.
Magnetic inserts are responsible for the protection of the filter mesh from magnetic particles.
This will increase the performance of the multi-mantle filter element and produce better results.
Manufacturers install it using the standard mounting options on the multi-mantle filter element.
The size of the insert will also depend on the size of the multi-mantle filter.
· Application – for simplex filter or duplex filter
There are two main applications that you can apply when using the multi-mantle filter element.
The simplex filter application provides you with the option of switching off the devices for further actions.
Apart from that, it only consists of one chamber and whenever you need to clean, you have to turn it off.
The duplex filter has two main chambers where one chamber can remain operational while the other rests.
You can operate the duplex filter continuously without stopping it for further services.
It has an interchange valve which will switch the operations to the other chamber as you maintain one.
Cleaning of a multi-mantle element
Since the multi-mantle element is a filter, it is prone to dirt that may block the pores.
It is important to clean the device and replace it once in a while to improve efficiency.
The process of cleaning the device will begin with shutting down the operation in simplex filters.
Multi mantle filter element
After that, you will be able to remove the element from the housing point and inspect the level of dirt on it.
The dirty elements have very low performance and you can detect it through the short flushing intervals.
The process of cleaning should, therefore, be on a regular basis to avoid a reduction in performance.
There are two main methods of cleaning which include:
i. Ultrasonic bath
This is a process that will use ultrasound usually 20 to 400kHZ to clean the multi-mantle filter element.
You can use water or a particular fluid for the ultrasound for cleaning the filter element.
The process of cleaning will last between five to twenty minutes depending on the type of filter element.
In this case, you will not have to disassemble the filter element before cleaning.
The ultrasound is sufficient enough and can penetrate many avenues of the filter element.
It is a rather expensive type of cleaning but also very effective.
ii. Manual Cleaning
You can disassemble the filter element into different parts and clean them differently.
It is easier to clean the elements after disassembling them in different parts.
You will be able to access even the hidden parts after disassembling the unit.
Clean the different parts using the right detergents and reagents to avoid any problems of corrosion.
Rinse it properly in clean water and allow it to dry properly before assembling all the parts together.
After that, you can replace it back to the machine and fix it properly before turning it back on.
Multi-mantle Filter Element Applications
The multi-mantle filter element is available in different industrial applications such as:
Multi mantle element
· Marine engine
The quality of oil in the marine industry is decreasing and can cause damage to the engine.
The multi-mantle element will filter the oil and get rid of the impurities before it reaches the engine.
Marine engine
It will lead to minimal maintenance, a high run-time, and reduction in the cost of operation.
· Gas turbine
The gas turbines need dry and clean gas that will act as the source of fuel.
Clean gas is important as it will reduce any damage to the gas turbine.
Gas turbine
The multi-mantle filter helps in cleaning the gas to reduce wear and tear thus very low cost of maintenance.
· Boiler
In a boiler.
The multi-mantle filter element will clean the fluid before it goes through to the boiler.
Boiler system
It is the best filter of choice because it can withstand the high temperature and pressure in the boiler.
The fluid in the boiler should be as pure as possible to reduce any damages in the boiler.
· Continuous Caster
The large surface area of the multi-mantle filter element makes it a suitable device for filtering fluids.
Continous caster
It is one of the components that ensures that the fluid going a continuous caster is pure.
The pure fluids will reduce further contamination of the molten fluid in the continuous caster.
The multi-mantle filter element is proper for this function due to its efficacy infiltration.
It can also withstand the high temperatures in the process of continuous casting.
· Rolling machine
There are quite a number of rolling machines that you can use for different purposes.
Rolling machine
Among the machines is one that requires the multi-mantle filter element to assist in purifying the fluids.
Since the end product should be free of contaminants, it is important to use fluids free of contaminants.
· Papermaking
The fluids that manufacturers use in making paper should be free of any type of contaminants.
To achieve this, the fluids pass through the multi-mantle filter element to make them as pure as possible.
Paper making machine
The device is resistant to corrosion and therefore filters the chemicals very easily and efficiently.
· Production and processing industry
The production and processing industry requires very clean fluids to avoid contamination of food.
Sugar production plant
To achieve this, they use the multi-mantle filter element to clean all the fluids that they use.
In the end, they produce and process clean material that will not affect the health of the user.
· Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry uses the multi-mantle filter element to clean the oil and gas before releasing them.
Offshore oil production
Any contaminations in the oil or gas might lead to further complications in the future.
To avoid such cases, they have to filter the oil and the gas properly using the multi-mantle filter element.
Conclusion
The information on the multi-mantle element will assist you in making very complex decisions.
You should be able to understand that, there is a diversity in dimensions before making an order.
Besides, you are also able to identify the type of applications where you will need to use the multi-mantle filter element.