When should you use filter fleece or an endless belt for coolant filtration?

Filter fleece and endless belts compared

In fleece mode, the used section is removed from the filter zone and fresh filter fleece is fed in. In continuous belt mode, the filter medium remains in circulation: Separated solids are removed, the belt is cleaned, and reused. Depending on the design, brushes, beaters, or rinsing devices perform this task. The table compares pure fleece operation with pure continuous belt operation.

Endless belts and filter fleece can also be combined: In appropriately designed vacuum belt filters from KÖBO ECO>PROCESS, both filter media can be used together. In addition to pure fleece operation and pure endless belt operation, this combination should therefore also be considered during the selection process. The decisive factors are the required filtrate quality, the needed throughput, and the specific system design.

Check the filtration rating and flow rate together

When selecting the filter medium, particle size, the viscosity of the cooling lubricant, the required filtrate quality, and the required flow rate must all be considered together. The filter medium must achieve the required filtrate quality while also allowing for the necessary flow rate during operation. The resulting filter cake—that is, the deposited solids—also influences the filtration result.

Therefore, a specification in micrometers alone is not sufficient for comparison. Determine the operating conditions under which it applies, and verify the filtrate quality using the intended cooling lubricant and representative contamination. The selection must accommodate the required flow rate even during operation.

When a continuous belt filter may be appropriate

An endless belt is a viable option if it achieves the required purity and allows for sufficient removal of solids. Depending on the filter design, mechanical cleaning and flushing are combined to achieve this.

Use a representative sample of contaminated coolant to check whether the flow rate and filtrate quality remain stable over several cleaning cycles. Especially in the case of adhering residues, the cleaning process must restore a sufficiently permeable filter surface.

When filter fleece may be the right choice

Filter fleece is an option when a suitable grade meets the required purity and throughput. The used section is replaced with fresh material. This can be crucial in an application where a continuous belt cannot be cleaned sufficiently. The feeding and discharge of the fleece must be compatible with the operational workflow.

KÖBO ECO>PROCESS offers pressure belt filters with either filter belts or filter fleece, depending on the model. The medium and the type of contamination are considered in conjunction with the system design.

Which costs should be included in the comparison

To ensure a reliable comparison, the relevant configurations are evaluated based on the same required filtrate quality and the same throughput. Depending on the system design, this includes operation using only filter fleece, operation using only continuous filter belts, and the combined use of both filter media. The following factors must be taken into account:

Reducing or eliminating filter fleece consumption can lower operating costs. However, whether a particular design is more economical can only be determined by evaluating the total operating costs under actual process conditions.

Suitable solutions from KÖBO ECO>PROCESS

KÖBO ECO>PROCESS tailors the filter media and system design to the specific process. Information on belt filter systems, pressure belt filters, and vacuum belt filters illustrates the available system configurations. For initial design, the following are helpful: cutting fluid data, flow rate, a contaminant sample, and the required filtrate quality.

Frequently asked questions

Suitable solutions from KÖBO ECO>PROCESS