For their cartridge filters and filter-silencers, Universal offers three different types of filter elements. Pleated paper components are the most effective and are widely used. Wire mesh and pleated felt components have lower efficiencies but a longer lifespan. The three types are compatible with the CCS, CS, CF, and CCF filter housings and can be used interchangeably.
When the air flow resistance has increased by 4 inches of water over the initial clean resistance, paper and felt elements are typically cleaned or replaced. 20 inches of water is the recommended maximum restriction across the filter elements, but this amount may be more than the machinery can handle for optimum efficiency. When the wire mesh components are visibly dirty, they should be cleaned and retreated with Universal Oil-Free Adhesive or motor oil. Resistance is typically not a good indicator for cleaning wire mesh components; it is advised to follow a regular cleaning schedule. A straightforward differential pressure gauge can be screwed into the top of the housing for paper and felt elements, and it will visually indicate when the filter needs to be changed or replaced.
In addition to costing you horsepower ($$), excessive pressure drop in your system can cause equipment failure due to excessive temperature rise on the blower, excessive horsepower absorbed by your drive (like v-belts), and excessive horsepower on your motor causing overload and premature failure.
Service instructions for the paper air filter element: The paper element is typically treated as disposable and changed when it becomes soiled due to its affordability. But the paper component can be cleaned and used repeatedly.
Cleaning with water: Rap gently to remove accumulated dirt, then soak for at least 15 minutes in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly under low pressure water. Air dry – do not dry with compressed air.
Cleaning with compressed air: Carefully apply compressed air (100 psi maximum) in the opposite direction of the flow to the dry air filter element. After cleaning, inspect carefully for holes or cracks. If damaged, replace element.
Pleated felt components can be cleaned and reused several times, according to the felt service instructions. Follow the cleaning instructions for paper elements.
Instructions for Servicing Wire Mesh: Wire air filter elements need to be treated when new and after each cleaning for best efficiency. Spray Universal Oil Free Adhesive (P/N 81-0323) on both sides of the element for oil-free adhesive, as directed on the container. Before using, thoroughly drain the element after dipping it in SAE 30-50 motor oil for oil treatment.
Wash the wire mesh element in solvent or warm water and detergent in a container big enough for the element to be completely submerged in. Completely rinse, drain, and air dry or use compressed air to finish. Re-treat the element with oil-free adhesive or oil as described above after cleaning and drying. A clean filter element should have a pressure drop of 1 to 3 inches of water column (w). c. ). When the pressure drop exceeds 10-15′′w, filter elements should be changed. c. of pressure loss. Depending on how much power your machine uses, you might want to clean or replace the filter. Remember, excessive pressure drop will cost you horsepower ($$$!).
Long lead times are a problem for some of our product lines. Call us at 770-538-0020 if you want to check inventory before placing an order. ⚠ Dismiss.
How to Clean Washable Air Filters
For the sake of the people who live in those buildings, air conditioning in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutional buildings can be essential. In any commercial or residential environment, AC units with dirty air filters can be a concern. Who knew that the same thing that keeps us comfortable can also make us sick? This could make the air conditioner work harder than necessary and keep the same amount of dust and pollen in the air we breathe. Simply put, if we don’t clean our air filters, airflow will be restricted and we’ll have health issues.
This is easily preventable, especially if your air conditioner has washable filters. Our washable air filters are incredibly simple to maintain and clean.
How to Clean Wire Mesh 101
Although stainless steel is strong, it is not indestructible. It is shielded by a thin layer of chromium oxide, which is one of the factors that makes it so durable. However, contamination reduces the effectiveness of the chromium oxide overall. Additionally, certain circumstances, such as extremely high temperatures, high humidity, and/or exposure to corrosive chemicals, have a tendency to discolor the surface over time and may even cause the breakdown of wires themselves. As a result, those who use mesh wire in these situations ought to clean and check them more frequently.
There are several benefits of learning how to clean your metal mesh properly, as well as cleaning it regularly. They are as follows:
How to Clean Wire Mesh and Plastic Mesh Filters
In the long run, cleaning grease, dirt, and other contaminants out of wire mesh and plastic mesh filters might be more cost-effective than continually replacing them. Using brushes, detergents, and high pressure water jets, which can also damage wire mesh and plastic mesh, to remove contaminants is slower and less effective than using cavitation action in an ultrasonic cleaner. In institutional and restaurant kitchens, sonic cavitation is also very effective at cleaning the commercial range hood filters made of galvanized steel and aluminum.
In order to determine whether an ultrasonic cleaning system is practical for your operation, you must conduct a cost/benefit analysis. This will primarily concern the price of the ultrasonic cleaner, which is determined by the size of the cleaning tank necessary to fit the size of filters. The speed at which filters can be cleaned using ultrasonic cavitation versus manual scrubbing using detergents and high pressure water sprays. Hint: ultrasonic cleaning is way faster. An ultrasonic cleaning system may require less floor space than a manual operation. The difference between dirty water runoff from hoses and easily drained ultrasonic cleaning tanks.
We won’t go into great detail about choosing equipment, but we will draw your attention to these things:
1. The filter(s) should fit within the internal tank’s dimensions. The majority of ultrasonic cleaning is done in baskets that are slightly smaller than the internal tank dimensions.
2. Calculate the working depth you need to fully immerse filters. This is the distance, which is typically defined by a fill line or roughly 34 of the tank depth, between the bottom of the cleaning basket and the surface of the cleaning solution.
3. The bottom or sides of the cleaning tank’s filters should not be touched when filters are suspended from overhead supports.
4. Filter cleaning is made more efficient by features like sweep for uniform cavitation action, degassing to hasten the preparation of fresh cleaning solutions, a heater, and a timer.
With this knowledge, you can use the iUltrasonic website to shop for a cleaner.
Once you have your equipment you’re ready to clean.
1. Add the necessary amount of ultrasonic cleaning solution concentrate to the water in the tank. For filters we recommend elma tec clean A4 universal ultrasonic degreaser diluted to 2 to 5% This formulation demulsifies to remove grease and oils from metal and plastic.
2. To mix the solution and release trapped air, turn on the ultrasound and, if available, the degas mode. This is accelerated by the degas mode; otherwise, let the cleaner run for 15-20 minutes.
3. Set the timer for 10 minutes, the thermostat to 70°C for metal filters, or about 50°C for plastics. With experience you’ll determine optimum temperatures and time. Immerse the basket in the solution.
4. After the cycle, take out the filters and look them over. If satisfied, rinse them and allow them to dry. Otherwise repeat the cycle.
Elma Tec Clean A4’s cleaning action causes oils and greases to rise to the surface. Skim them off and set aside for proper disposal.
The cleaning agent needs to be replaced when it becomes ineffective. Drain the tank and properly dispose of it and the skimmed oils according to local regulations. Replace the solution for the subsequent jobs after cleaning the tank in accordance with the user manual.
Call 973 440-2191 to speak with the experts at iUltrasonic Cleaning about the best cleaning tools for metal and plastic mesh filters.