Membrane Pleated Filter Cartridge
Precision filtration with PP, PES, PTFE, PVDF and N66 membrane media
ECOFILTRONE supplies membrane pleated cartridges in different media and hardware configurations for process filtration, final filtration, gas and vent filtration, chemical filtration and replacement applications.
Membrane Media Selection
By filtration duty
PP
Particle filtration
PES
Aqueous liquid
PTFE
Gas / Chemical
N66
Solvents
PVDF
Food / Bio
Custom
Engineered
Hydrophilic / Hydrophobic Series‑dependent
Sterilization capability Up to 135 °C documented
Connection options D0E, 213, 222, 226 families
Seal materials Silicone/EPDM/FKM/PTFE/FFKM
Product Overview
Membrane pleated filter cartridge selection depends on more than pore rating
The process fluid, contaminant type, membrane chemistry, hydrophilic or hydrophobic behavior, operating temperature, differential pressure, sterilization requirement, housing interface and seal material should all be reviewed before selection.
A membrane pleated filter cartridge is a precision filtration cartridge using pleated membrane media to remove fine particles, biological load or selected contaminants from industrial liquids and gases. ECOFILTRONE supplies membrane pleated cartridges in different media and hardware configurations for process filtration, final filtration, gas and vent filtration, chemical filtration and replacement applications.
Correct cartridge selection depends on more than pore rating. The process fluid, contaminant type, membrane chemistry, hydrophilic or hydrophobic behavior, operating temperature, differential pressure, sterilization requirement, housing interface and seal material should all be reviewed before selection.
⚠ Selection note — For general industrial prefiltration or conventional RO security filtration, membrane-grade cartridges are not always the most economical or appropriate choice. PP pleated cartridges or depth filtration cartridges may be better suited when the duty is mainly particle removal and microbial-retention performance is not required.
Filtration Technology and Construction
Pleated structure increases filtration area within a cartridge format
ECOFILTRONE membrane pleated filter cartridges use pleated filtration media supported by cartridge hardware such as support layers, inner core, outer cage, end caps and sealing components. Depending on the cartridge series, PP is commonly used for cage, core and end-cap components, and media/support structures may be thermally welded to the end caps.
The pleated structure increases available filtration surface area within a cartridge format, but cartridge performance still depends on the selected membrane, pore rating, filtration area, fluid properties and operating conditions. Construction details should be confirmed by series, especially when the cartridge will be used for sterilization, high-purity processing, aggressive chemicals or replacement in an existing housing.
Filter Media and Configuration Options
Five membrane media directions for liquid, gas and chemical filtration
| Item | Documented Options or Guidance |
|---|---|
| Filter media | PP, PES, PTFE, N66, PVDF |
| PTFE behavior | Hydrophobic PTFE, hydrophilic PTFE and double-layer hydrophobic PTFE depending on series |
| PVDF behavior | Hydrophilic PVDF documented for ECPVA |
| PES pore ratings | 0.04 μm, 0.1 μm, 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm, 1.2 μm depending on PES series |
| PES double-layer ratings | 0.22 + 0.1 μm, 0.22 + 0.22 μm, 0.45 + 0.22 μm, 0.45 + 0.45 μm, 0.65 + 0.45 μm depending on series |
| PP removal ratings | 0.1–100 μm documented depending on PP series |
| Hydrophobic PTFE ratings | 0.01 μm gas rating and multiple liquid ratings documented depending on series |
| Hydrophilic PTFE ratings | 0.22 μm and 0.45 μm documented |
| N66 ratings | 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm, 1.2 μm |
| Hydrophilic PVDF ratings | 0.1 μm, 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm |
| Typical outside diameter | 69 mm for many standard documented series |
| Typical length | 5 inch to 40 inch for many standard documented series |
| Filtration area | Series-dependent; examples include 0.65 m² per 10-inch cartridge for PES ECPAA / ECPAB and PVDF ECPVA, and 0.56 m² per 10-inch cartridge for PES ECPAD |
| Maximum operating temperature | Commonly 80°C for many documented standard series; selected PTFE configurations are documented up to 100°C |
| Maximum operating differential pressure | Many documented standard series use 4.0 bar at approximately 20°C and 2.0 bar at 80°C; selected high-temperature PTFE configurations differ |
| Sterilization capability | Series-dependent; documented conditions include 125°C autoclave / SIP for selected PES products, 125°C SIP for N66 and PVDF, and up to 135°C for selected hydrophobic PTFE configurations |
| Validation information | Series-specific; some 0.22 μm PES, N66 and PVDF configurations include B. diminuta validation information |
⚠ Sterilizing-grade performance — A 0.22 μm pore rating does not automatically prove sterilizing-grade performance or regulatory suitability. Where microbial-retention or sterile-process requirements apply, the required validation status must be confirmed for the selected series.
Technical Specifications
Specifications are series-dependent
The table below summarizes documented ECOFILTRONE product-family ranges and common configurations for initial selection.
| ITEM | DOCUMENTED OPTIONS OR GUIDANCE |
|---|---|
| Filter media | PP, PES, PTFE, N66, PVDF |
| PTFE behavior | Hydrophobic PTFE, hydrophilic PTFE and double-layer hydrophobic PTFE depending on series |
| PVDF behavior | Hydrophilic PVDF documented for ECPVA |
| PES pore ratings | 0.04 μm, 0.1 μm, 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm, 1.2 μm depending on PES series |
| PES double-layer ratings | 0.22 + 0.1 μm, 0.22 + 0.22 μm, 0.45 + 0.22 μm, 0.45 + 0.45 μm, 0.65 + 0.45 μm depending on series |
| PP removal ratings | 0.1–100 μm documented depending on PP series |
| Hydrophobic PTFE ratings | 0.01 μm gas rating and multiple liquid ratings documented depending on series |
| Hydrophilic PTFE ratings | 0.22 μm and 0.45 μm documented |
| N66 ratings | 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm, 1.2 μm |
| Hydrophilic PVDF ratings | 0.1 μm, 0.22 μm, 0.45 μm, 0.65 μm |
| Typical outside diameter | 69 mm for many standard documented series |
| Typical length | 5 inch to 40 inch for many standard documented series |
| Filtration area | Series-dependent; examples include 0.65 m² per 10-inch cartridge for PES ECPAA / ECPAB and PVDF ECPVA, and 0.56 m² per 10-inch cartridge for PES ECPAD |
| Maximum operating temperature | Commonly 80 °C for many documented standard series; selected PTFE configurations are documented up to 100 °C |
| Maximum operating differential pressure | Many documented standard series use 4.0 bar at approximately 20 °C and 2.0 bar at 80 °C; selected high-temperature PTFE configurations differ |
| Sterilization capability | Series-dependent; documented conditions include 125 °C autoclave / SIP for selected PES products, 125 °C SIP for N66 and PVDF, and up to 135 °C for selected hydrophobic PTFE configurations |
| Validation information | Series-specific; some 0.22 μm PES, N66 and PVDF configurations include B. diminuta validation information |
⚠ Sterilizing-grade performance — A 0.22 μm pore rating does not automatically prove sterilizing-grade performance or regulatory suitability. Where microbial-retention or sterile-process requirements apply, the required validation status must be confirmed for the selected series.
End Connections and Seal Options
Connection families include DOE, 213, 222 and 226
The 222 and 226 connection families may be supplied with different terminal styles, insert structures and sealing arrangements, so the complete interface must be confirmed.
| CONNECTION FAMILY | DOCUMENTED CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES |
|---|---|
| DOE | DOE |
| 213 | 213 / Flat |
| 222 | 222 / Flat, 222 / Fin, 222 Extended / Flat, 222 Extended / Fin, 222 Spear Fin, 222 SS Insert / Flat, 222 SS Insert / Fin, 222 SS Insert / Spear Fin |
| 226 | 226 / Flat, 226 / Fin, 226 Spear Fin, 226 PSU Insert / Flat, 226 PSU Insert / Fin, 226 SS Insert / Flat, 226 SS Insert / Fin, 226 SS Insert / Spear Fin |
| Additional supplier configurations | High 222 / Fin, High 222 / Wing, 222 / Wing, 226 / Wing, 215 / Fin, 215 / Flat, M30 / Flat |
Terminal and insert distinction — Flat, Fin, Spear Fin and Wing terminals should not be treated as interchangeable. PSU inserts and stainless steel inserts should also be distinguished from standard cartridge hardware when evaluating mechanical fit, operating conditions or replacement compatibility.
Documented seal materials across the broader product range include Silicone, EPDM, FKM / Viton, PTFE and FFKM. Seal availability depends on cartridge construction and series. Chemical compatibility should be evaluated across the membrane, hardware and sealing materials before final cartridge selection.
Typical Industrial Applications
Five process positions, five different selection logics
01 / Food & Beverage
Food and Beverage Filtration
Operating challenge
Food and beverage processes may require particle polishing, biological load reduction or final membrane filtration depending on product and process stage.
Filtration requirement
Media selection depends on fluid composition, required retention, sanitation conditions and compatibility with cleaning or sterilization procedures.
Product direction
PP, PES, PVDF and N66 cartridges may be considered depending on whether the duty is general particle filtration, fine polishing, biological load reduction or final membrane filtration.
02 / Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical and Biological Processing
Operating challenge
Pharmaceutical and biological liquids may require controlled fine filtration, microbial-retention review, sterilization compatibility and documentation for the selected cartridge series.
Filtration requirement
Required pore rating, validation status, extractables, sterilization method, integrity testing requirement and fluid compatibility should be reviewed before selection.
Product direction
PES, N66, PVDF and PTFE may be evaluated depending on whether the process involves aqueous liquid, biological liquid, solvent, gas or vent filtration.
03 / Gas & Vent
Gas and Vent Filtration
Operating challenge
Process vents, compressed air, nitrogen and fermentation feed air require filtration media that can handle gas flow and resist wetting where hydrophobic behavior is required.
Filtration requirement
Gas duty should consider membrane behavior, pore rating, operating pressure, condensate risk and sterilization conditions where applicable.
Product direction
Hydrophobic PTFE is a primary documented membrane option for process venting, compressed air, nitrogen, fermentation feed air and aseptic packaging gas.
04 / Chemical Processing
Chemical Liquid Filtration
Operating challenge
Chemical processes may involve acids, alkalis, oxidizing liquids, solvents or mixed fluids that can affect membrane, support, hardware and seal materials differently.
Filtration requirement
Chemical identity, concentration, pH, temperature, exposure duration and cleaning chemistry should be reviewed for the complete cartridge.
Product direction
PTFE, hydrophilic PTFE, N66, PP or PVDF may be considered depending on fluid chemistry and retention requirement.
05 / Water & RO
Industrial Water and RO-Related Filtration
Operating challenge
Industrial water and RO systems often need particle control to protect downstream equipment, but the required cartridge type depends on contaminant load and filtration objective.
Filtration requirement
Feed water quality, required micron rating, flow rate, differential pressure trend and operating cost should be reviewed.
Product direction
PP pleated cartridges are commonly relevant for particle prefiltration and RO prefiltration. Membrane cartridges may be considered only where finer or specific process filtration is required.
Not listed?
General process filtration review
Send process fluid, filtration objective, required retention and operating conditions for membrane cartridge selection review.
Operating Behavior
Differential pressure and service life depend on multiple factors
Differential pressure changes as contamination accumulates on or within the cartridge. Initial differential pressure depends on media, cartridge size, flow rate, filtration area and fluid properties. A rising differential pressure trend may indicate contaminant loading, reduced filtration capacity or changes in upstream pretreatment performance.
Service life should not be treated as a fixed value. It depends on contaminant load, flow rate, pore rating, pretreatment, operating conditions, cleaning chemistry and sterilization requirements. Rapid pressure-drop increase, premature fouling or short replacement intervals often indicate that pore rating, media selection, upstream filtration or operating conditions should be reviewed.
Chemical Compatibility
Compatibility must be evaluated for the complete cartridge
Chemical compatibility must be evaluated for the complete cartridge, not only the membrane. The membrane, support layers, core, cage, end caps, inserts and O-rings may respond differently to the same process fluid.
Actual suitability depends on chemical concentration, temperature, exposure duration, pressure, mixture composition, cleaning cycle and sterilization conditions. A chemically resistant membrane does not automatically make the complete cartridge compatible if the selected seal or hardware is unsuitable.
⚠ Mixed chemicals and proprietary formulations — For mixed chemicals, proprietary formulations, CIP fluids or high-temperature exposure, provide full process conditions for material review before cartridge selection.
Selection Guide
Ten-step sequence for membrane filter cartridge selection
1⃣️
Define the process fluid: aqueous liquid, food or beverage, biological liquid, solvent, acid, alkali, oxidizing liquid, gas, compressed air, nitrogen or other fluid.
2⃣️
Define the filtration objective: particle prefiltration, fine particle filtration, biological load reduction, microbial retention, liquid chemical filtration, gas filtration or vent filtration.
3⃣️
Identify the contaminant type: suspended solids, biological load, process particles, corrosion products, colloids or other contaminants.
4⃣️
Select the required pore rating or removal rating, and clarify whether particle retention or microbial retention is required.
5⃣️
Select the media direction: PP, PES, hydrophobic PTFE, hydrophilic PTFE, N66 or PVDF.
6⃣️
Review chemical compatibility for the membrane, support structure, hardware and seal material.
7⃣️
Confirm operating temperature, pressure, differential pressure, flow rate and fluid viscosity.
8⃣️
Confirm cartridge length, outside diameter and filtration area requirements.
9⃣️
Confirm end connection, terminal style, insert configuration and O-ring arrangement.
🔟
Review sterilization, integrity testing or validation requirements where applicable.
Selection priority — Membrane filter cartridge selection should prioritize filtration requirement, fluid compatibility, retention performance, operating conditions and mechanical compatibility before cost optimization.
Replacement and Compatibility Considerations
Replacement evaluation requires more than matching dimensions
Replacement evaluation requires more than matching length, diameter and pore rating. Two cartridges with similar dimensions may still have different end connections, terminal geometry, insert materials, O-ring arrangements or housing sealing interfaces.
For replacement evaluation, provide available information such as existing manufacturer, existing model number, cartridge length, outside diameter, filter media, pore rating, end connection, terminal style, insert configuration, O-ring quantity and position, seal material, housing model, operating temperature, operating pressure and process fluid.
Visual confirmation recommended — Photographs of the full cartridge, top end, bottom end, O-ring area and any model markings can help confirm the housing interface when the original model cannot be decoded reliably.
ECOFILTRONE Engineering Support
From selection to replacement evaluation and custom configuration
ECOFILTRONE supports membrane pleated filter cartridge selection for new projects, replacement projects and custom configuration requirements. Engineering review may include media selection, pore rating selection, chemical compatibility review, end connection confirmation, seal material selection, sterilization requirement review and replacement compatibility evaluation.
For quotation or technical recommendation, send the available project information:
| INFORMATION TYPE | USEFUL DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Application | Industry, process position and filtration objective |
| Process fluid | Fluid name, concentration, pH, temperature and mixture composition |
| Contaminant | Particle type, biological load, suspended solids or other removal target |
| Filtration requirement | Required pore rating, retention requirement, validation requirement or sterilization requirement |
| Operating conditions | Flow rate, operating pressure, differential pressure, current cartridge life and cleaning chemistry |
| Existing cartridge | Manufacturer, model number, length, outside diameter, media, pore rating and photos |
| Housing interface | Housing model, end connection, terminal style, insert configuration, O-ring arrangement and seal material |
| Documentation | Drawings, photos, operating data or replacement samples when available |
How to submit — Send available application data to ECOFILTRONE for membrane pleated filter cartridge selection, replacement evaluation or customized cartridge quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Membrane pleated filter cartridge — technical questions
How do I choose between PES, PTFE, PVDF, N66 and PP?
Start with the filtration duty and fluid. PP is commonly considered for particle filtration and prefiltration. PES is relevant for hydrophilic aqueous liquid filtration. Hydrophobic PTFE is commonly used for gas and vent filtration. Hydrophilic PTFE is considered for aggressive liquid chemical filtration. N66 may suit fine liquid filtration involving organic solvents or aqueous co-solvent systems. PVDF may be considered for food, beverage and biological liquid processing.
How do I choose between DOE, 222 and 226 connections?
Confirm the installed housing interface. DOE, 222 and 226 are different connection families, and 222 or 226 cartridges may also differ by Flat, Fin, Spear Fin, Wing, Extended, PSU insert or stainless steel insert configuration.
How does chemical compatibility affect cartridge selection?
Compatibility must be checked for the membrane, support layers, core, cage, end caps, inserts and seals. Chemical concentration, temperature, exposure duration, pH, mixture composition and cleaning conditions can change material suitability.
Can membrane pleated cartridges be used for RO pretreatment?
They may be used where finer or specific process filtration is required, but RO pretreatment does not automatically require PES, PTFE, PVDF or N66 membrane cartridges. For conventional RO security filtration, PP pleated or depth filtration cartridges may be more suitable depending on contaminant load, required micron rating and operating cost.
Does 0.22 μm automatically mean sterilizing grade?
No. A 0.22 μm rating alone does not prove sterilizing-grade performance, microbial validation or regulatory suitability. Validation status must be confirmed for the selected cartridge series and configuration.
What information is needed for replacement evaluation?
Provide the existing manufacturer, model number, cartridge dimensions, media, pore rating, end connection, terminal style, insert type, O-ring arrangement, seal material, housing model, process fluid and operating conditions. Cartridge photos are useful when the model code is unclear.
What affects membrane cartridge service life?
Service life depends on contaminant load, flow rate, pore rating, filtration area, upstream pretreatment, fluid viscosity, operating temperature, differential pressure limits and cleaning or sterilization requirements.
Request a Selection Review
Send your process conditions — we return a membrane cartridge selection assessment
Process fluid, filtration objective, required pore rating, contaminant type, operating temperature, pressure, flow rate, end connection, seal material, sterilization requirement and existing cartridge details where applicable.