Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using a Gas Filter

The manufacturing process is very complicated. In the manufacturing process, where the gases are released, they may contain contaminants, impurities, and undesirable substances that are released along with the gas. It is used for safety and performance components in a wide range of industries, like chemical plants, HVAC Systems, and fuel processing systems. The gas filter is a metal or plastic housing containing filter material, with connections for a gas line to enter and exit. 

Though this is an efficient high-grade filtration system but it will not perform efficiently if they are not used accurately. Most of the operators are not aware of how to use the gas filter, and they end up making mistakes that will ruin the system. 

  • Using the Wrong Gas Filter:

The gas filter will work best if you select the one according to the type of gas, pressure, temperature, and compatibility. Different types of gas need different types of filter material. The carbon-based filter is apt for reactive gases like chlorine and ammonia, which can lead to an outburst of dangerous chemical reactions. Similarly, if you choose a filter that is not as sturdy for extreme temperatures, it will lead to miserably failing of the operations. 

Here are the tips that will help you avoid this blunder:

  • Always consult the manufacturer and follow their instructions 
  • Choose the filter whose material is compatible with the gas that will be used for the operations.
  • Always consider the operating conditions.

  • Wrong Filter Installation:

If you are unsure about how to install the filter, it is best to seek expert help. Installing the gas filter backward or improperly aligning the flow direction will lead to its collapse, and the contaminants will stay inside. Thus, the entire process will be ineffective. Here is one of the easiest ways to install the filter:

  • Just follow the filter direction marks for the flow of the fluid, which indicate the correct flow direction. 
  • Ensure the proper sealings and alignments, which will ensure the flow is smooth and there are no leaks.

  • Neglecting the Regular Maintenance:

The filter traps all the impurities and thus gets clogged with a lot of dust and debris. If the filter is not cleaned and maintained regularly, it will lose its efficiency. It will not trap the contaminants, and thus the entire filtration process will go to waste. So follow these steps to keep the filter clean:

  • Maintain a schedule for regular maintenance and inspect the equipment.
  • Monitor the pressure drops during the operations; they are the early signs of ageing.
  • The filter’s quality can deteriorate quickly if it is heavily used, so the usage hours and visual appearance of the filter are also something that must be considered.

  • Ignoring Pre-Filtration Needs:

The high-efficiency filters are designed to capture the trap the fine particles, not the large debris and the oil mists. If there is no pre-filter, it will lead to deterioration of the gas filtration, rather quickly. The result will be an increase in the operational cost and a reduction in the durability of the filtration equipment. In order to avoid this problem:

  • Use the staged filtration system, pre-filter, followed by the fine gas filter.
  • Upgrade the filtration system based on the contaminants that the gas carries during the processing.

  • Ignoring the Compatibility Factor:

Many of the operators do not understand that filter materials also get impacted by the gas that is used during the operations. Some of the specific gases can deteriorate the texture and fiber of the filter. Say, for example, using nylon filters with the strong oxidizers can cause strong reactions. So, it is best to verify the material compatibility with the gas filter. If you are unsure about which gas filter is best, then you can take the manufacturer’s help. You can also go through the chemical resistance chart 

  • Avoiding Pressure Drop:

It is also one of the major signs that the performance of the gas filter is going down. It is the key indicator of performance. If you notice a sudden increase in clogging and the flow rate has gown down, then it is something which you must worry about. In order to avoid such a problem:

  • Install a gauge before and after the filter
  • Set indicators that will raise the alarm in case of a pressure drop for maintenance.

  • Using the Expired Filter:

What is the use of using a product that is unable to provide efficient operations? Overuse of a filter or simply using an outdated one will deteriorate the efficiency of the operations. Also, you must know that the old filters release the particles that they had trapped; thus, instead of removing the contamination, they will introduce the contamination. In order to avoid it:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommended date of expiry and uninstall it if it is outdated.
  • Maintain the data for the performance of the filter.

The Bottom Line….

The gas filters may seem like a small component, but the whole gas filtration system heavily depends on them. If you are using it the wrong way, these mistakes will prove to be very expensive in the long run. It will deteriorate the quality of the operations. GTS Filters and Systems’ is are expert manufacturer, dedicated to creating high-grade industrial filtration solutions. They have paper, synthetic, polyester, coalescing, borosilicate glass fiber, activated carbon, non-woven, stainless steel wire mesh, sintered bronze, sintered wire mesh, and sintered powder to obtain the optimal degree of filtration. They are a perfect merge of efficiency and affordability. 

Frequently Asked Questions:


Q.
What are the Contaminants that a Gas Filter Can Remove?

Ans. The gas filter is a versatile tool that can remove dust, debris, water, oil droplets, solvents, or microorganisms from the gas. 

Q. Can the Gas Filter be Used for Any Gas?

Ans. No, the compatibility factor is a must. Some of the gases react with the filter material, which will cause the filter to lead to hazards. So in the case of the sensitive or violent gases, it is best to check the compatibility.

Q. What are the Signs that a Gas Filter Needs Maintenance?

Ans. 

  • Increase in the pressure drop
  • Reduced gas flow 
  • Visible damage 
  • Unexpected contamination downstream 

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