How to Choose the Right Bag Filter Housing for Industrial Liquid Filtration: A Practical Guide
Choosing the right bag filter housing for your industrial liquid filtration process isn't just a technical necessity—it’s the difference between efficient, smooth plant operations and constant headaches with leaks, product contamination, or costly downtime. At CLARIBag, our mission is to equip engineers, maintenance teams, and plant designers with the knowledge and products to get this decision right the first time. Below, we break down what really matters, why these details impact your workflow, and how to match real project needs with engineered solutions.
What Does a Bag Filter Housing Actually Do?
Imagine a container that stands between your critical processes and the suspended solids you want to remove—safely, reliably, every time. The bag filter housing is that container. At its core, it is an engineered vessel (most commonly 304 or 316 stainless steel) designed to secure a replaceable filter bag, letting liquid flow through while catching particulates. Good design ensures simple bag changes, robust sealing, and long-term corrosion resistance—factors your maintenance teams will thank you for months or years down the line.
Key Features to Assess When Selecting a Bag Filter Housing
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Bag Size Compatibility
Typical bag filter housings in industry accept Size 1 (7" x 16"), Size 2 (7" x 32"), or Size 4 (4" x 15") bags. The bigger the bag, the higher the capacity and flow—with Size 2 being the industry workhorse for many sectors. -
Material of Construction
Strength and chemical compatibility are crucial. We supply housings in robust 304 Stainless Steel (suitable for most water, paint, and food applications), with options for 316 if you’re dealing with aggressive or corrosive fluids. Always match gasket and seal materials (like Viton) to your temperature and chemical resistance needs. -
Operating Pressure/Temperature Rating
Our standard range is rated for 10 bar (145 psi) and temperatures up to 80°C, suitable for a wide spectrum from water to food products and light industrial chemicals. -
Piping Connection
BSP threaded vs. Flange: Always verify what matches your plant piping. For example, our BFOS2-10/F80-A2 offers a 3” flange, perfect for higher throughput lines. -
Access & Maintenance Features
Look for housings with hinged/bolted lids, robust handles, and—ideally—clearance underneath for easy draining and maintenance. -
Regulatory Compliance
All our housings comply with PED for Group 2 liquids—vital for safety and insurance requirements.
Types of Housings and How to Choose
- Single-Bag Housings: Excellent for pilot plants, skid units, and medium batch operations. For instance, our BFOS1-10/G50-A2 supports size 1 bags with 2'' BSP connections—compact yet powerful.
- Large & Multi-Bag Housings: While not detailed in this guide, these suit high-capacity, high-flow operations where minimal intervention is critical.
- Side-Entry or Bottom-Outlet Designs: Ideal for areas with restricted headroom. A great compact solution is the ALSI4-10/G40-C2, for small system skids.
How to Size Your Bag Filter Housing Correctly
- Flow Rate and Dirt Loading: Always base your selection on the maximum expected flow and the type/amount of contaminants. Oversizing gives you margin to reduce change-out frequency, while undersizing means constant stoppages.
- Example: A food process needing to filter 25 m³/h can comfortably use a size 2 housing with a polypropylene felt bag, like the CB-PPF252WN-FB (25 micron, size 2).
Must-Have Accessories and Upgrades
- Drain Valves: Simplify maintenance and help avoid mess or contamination—from our catalog, see the robust BFOS Drain Valve 316SS 5179512000.
- Vent Valves & Pressure Gauges: Vital for monitoring bag loading (differential pressure = clogging alert). Consider the BFOS Pressure Gauge and Vent Valve Kit for straightforward installations.
- Replacement Seals/Gaskets: Avoid unplanned downtime due to leaks. For BFOS housings, get the BFOS Housing Lid Seal Viton 5179510502.
Installation Best Practices
- Allow for Access: Position so you can open the lid fully and remove the bag safely—aim for at least 0.6 m clearance above the housing when using filter bags and 1m if using magnets or rigid elements.
- Seal Check: Every install should be pressure tested to confirm no leaks around the lid, gaskets, or pipe joints.
- Correct Piping: Match threading (BSP vs. Flange) and ensure valves and gauges are easily accessible for operators. Incorrect installation can cost you operationally in both time and leaks.
Comparison Table: CLARIBag Bag Filter Housings
| Model | Bag Size | Piping Connection | Pressure Rating | Temp Range (°C) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFOS1-10/G50-A2 | Size 1 (7"x16") | 2" BSPP | 10 bar | -10 to +80 | Medium continuous or batch processes |
| BFOS2-10/G50-A2 | Size 2 (7"x32") | 2" BSPP | 10 bar | -10 to +80 | Larger volume or continuous process |
| BFOS2-10/F80-A2 | Size 2 (7"x32") | 3" Flange | 10 bar | -10 to +80 | Higher flow lines |
| ALSI4-10/G40-C2 | Size 4 (4"x15") | 1.5" BSPP | 10 bar | -10 to +90 | Compact skids, pilot lines, small continuous or batch |
Common Mistakes—and How to Prevent Them
- Undersizing: Leads to filter overload, frequent shutdowns and lost productivity. Always calculate your maximum flow and expected particle loading—add at least a 15% margin for safety.
- Material Incompatibility: Do not mix unsuitable bag/filter/housing materials with aggressive chemicals or high temperatures. If unsure, always ask for a compatibility chart or consult tech support.
- Neglecting Accessories: Skipping basics like vent valves, drain valves, or differential pressure monitoring can lead to unsafe operation and costly downtime.
A Practical Workflow for Sizing and Selection
- Define Your Process Parameters: Know your fluid’s chemical makeup, flow rate, temperature, and operating pressure.
- Select Appropriate Housing: Size, connection type, pressure/temperature rating. Review product datasheets carefully.
- Choose the Right Bag: Polypropylene felt for food/chemicals; nylon mesh for coarse solids. Select the right micron for your filtration target—from 5 micron to 1000 micron, CLARIBag offers a comprehensive line.
- Add Smart Accessories: Drain/vent valves, gaskets, differential pressure gauge and pressure kits for a smoother maintenance experience and longer component life.
- Plan for Maintenance: Monitor with pressure or DP gauges. Replace bags and seals proactively—not reactively.
Spotlight: Choosing a Housing for Food & Beverage
When filtering juices, beer, or soft drinks, reliability and food safety are paramount. We commonly recommend a size 2 housing paired with a 10 micron polypropylene felt bag for final clarification, or 25 micron for coarse pre-filtration. Bags are silicone free and suitable for food contact—something that matters at audit time!
Final Thoughts—and Where to Go From Here
Bag filter housings may seem simple, but making the wrong choice can ripple throughout your operation. At CLARIBag, we’re passionate about demystifying this process, offering a line-up that is engineered for the rigours of water, chemical, oil, food, and beverage processing; and sharing honest, practical advice to keep your process running—no matter what contaminants you’re fighting against. If you want consultation, specs, or guidance tailored to your plant, visit our website or get in touch—because the right housing does more than filter—it makes your operation flow.