The water treatment industry has several different types of materials and processes that it uses to consistently filter water and successfully remove particulate matter, including waste and other debris. One of the most simple yet critical materials used to this end is wire cloth and industrial wire mesh, carefully selected to be effective against the type of matter to be removed.
But where does the use of this wire cloth fit into the process of water treatment? Let’s find out!
In a water treatment plant, water is filtered using a series of steps that gradually remove contaminants in different phases, based on their physical and chemical properties. The first process is known as screening and is meant to remove the bulk of solid matter from the water. Both coarse and fine metal mesh screens can be used in this step, often one after another, to increase the chances of filtering out as much particulate matter as possible. This is such a fundamental step that it is often considered to be a part of pretreatment, or not even the central water treatment process itself.
Why does screening matter? Removing solid matter from water does make it cleaner. But, it’s critical to start the water treatment process with this screening step because it reduces the long-term wear and tear of the treatment plant’s machinery. Without screening, downstream machine parts interacting with the water to be treated would be susceptible to impact damage, clogging, and other potentially destructive interactions.
One key distinction is between coarse screens and fine screens, which function in slightly different ways to target solid contaminants a bit differently.
A coarse screen usually has an opening of at least 6 mm in width and is intended to remove larger solids from the water. Generally speaking, coarse screens can be cleaned either manually or mechanically. It’s important to clean them often because they gather up so much solid matter so quickly–and so large–that they can quickly become blocked off. To ensure screens are cleaned often and to reduce labor costs, mechanical cleaning of screens is typically employed in newer treatment plants.
A fine screen is generally 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm in width. There are also very fine screens that exist, with holes that are 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm in size. These screens are even more helpful in removing the types of solids that can gradually build up in the treatment of plant machines, which could reduce their efficacy.
The most robust metal mesh screen used in a water treatment plant is made of welded wire mesh. The metal mesh is preferred because it allows water to pass at high pressure while trapping solids, often into a basket or other similar container that can then be cleaned easily. Several layers of wire mesh can be welded onto a base plate, also made of metal, which strengthens the overall screen and helps secure it into place. The layers of the mesh also allow for more straining surface to be available so that debris can be reliably captured. The metals used to form these screens are corrosion-resistant so that they do not rust and can be used for some time before they need to be replaced–driving down long-term costs as well as labor needs.
Although critical to water treatment, customized filter cloth is not used exclusively in the water treatment industry. Newark Wire Cloth serves a wide range of industries including food and pharmaceuticals.
To find out more about how Newark Wire’s products can help your business optimize its processes, call us at (973) 321-4745 or email us at sales@newarkwire.com today.
When it comes to using wire mesh cloth, one of the most important things is knowing how to keep it clean. Indeed, no matter how high-quality your mesh wire may be, improper cleaning can destroy it in an instant. With that in mind, here is an overview of everything you need to know about wire mesh cleaning.
Although stainless steel is strong, it is not indestructible. One of the reasons it is so durable is that It is protected by a thin layer of chromium oxide. However, contamination reduces the effectiveness of the chromium oxide overall. Additionally, certain conditions, such as extreme heat levels, humidity, and/or corrosive chemical exposure tend to cause the surface to become discolored and can even lead to the actual breakdown of wires over time. Therefore, those who are using mesh wire in these types of conditions should clean and inspect 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:
In most instances, the best methods of removing the wire mesh, wire cloth, or test sieve are to clean the mesh wire most effectively. This is why having dual filter lines is beneficial as it allows the product flow to be redirected to a second line while cleaning the first line. Cleaning mesh wire horizontally is vital and you should also be sure to clean it with nylon or brass wire bristles. Generally speaking, and based on the application, stainless steel wire cloth, and mesh should be cleaned using the following mesh cleaning solutions:
It is equally important to clean your high quality wire mesh properly, as it is to never do things that can ruin it. Here are some of the top methods and materials that should never be used while caring for and maintaining stainless steel wire mesh:
Shop with Newark Wire Cloth, which is a recognized leader in the wire cloth manufacturing industry. This is a well-respected company that has specialized in the fabrication of wire cloth parts and assemblies for the past 105 years. Contact us today to find out how to wire cloth can help improve the quality and efficiency of your next filtration project or application. No matter where you purchased your wire cloth, be sure to take heed to the tips mentioned here to avoid damage and other issues.
There are many types of filters, and that shouldn’t come as a surprise when we discover how many industries use filters. From the food and automotive industries to the medicine and aeronautics industry, filters play a role in the operation, performance, and success of many companies across every business sector.
There are many types of filters, and different filter leaf designs made to perform particular functions. The role that a filter needs to perform, such as the substance it is filtering, dictates its construct and design. Do the residues, contaminants, or particulates being filtered need to be saved, stored, or reused? These are a few of the questions that help to determine the type of filters needed and also the filter leaf design.
Although there are different types of wire cloth filters, there are some constants among them. The most common types of filters are the vertical filter leaf, the filter leaf segment, and a few options for horizontal style filters.
Newark Wire Cloth has provided companies across many industries with the filters they need. Filters they use to keep their processes and their equipment running well, like filters used in the aerospace industry. There are filters used to ensure quality and safety, such as filters used in the field of medicine and other filters used in many other industries, from food and beverage to manufacturing.
While these are some of the most common types of filters, there are many variations within their basic construct. Those variations can range from the material used to make the filter to the filter design itself. Below we will go through the five main types of filter leaf applications, explaining their features and industries they’re used in:
The most critical part of the filter leaf is the drainage chamber. Companies like Newark Wire Cloth have been helping businesses find those answers and solutions for their filtration needs. Understanding filters is only a part of the equation because finding the right filter for your needs will be determined by other factors too such as the cleaning process, a high heat tolerance rating, and high capacity filter demands. These are a few factors to think about when looking for the right filter.
When looking for the right kind of filter leaf design and the right type of filter for your business, it is important to understand the types of filter options and the factors that dictate the correct filter. That includes a few of the following designs and considerations:
Filters and the filtration process plays a vital role in the production, manufacture, and operations of many businesses. Since 1911, Newark Wire Cloth has been helping companies to fulfill those roles with reliable quality filters, to fit every need for every size job. To find out more information or to place your order contact Newark Wire Cloth, and get the right filter for the job.
Weaving is everything when it comes to stainless and industrial wire cloth with woven wire mesh and wire mesh panels. The weave is what determines how the wire cloth can be used and in what capacity. With that in mind, here is a list of the types of weaves to choose from when purchasing wire cloth-related products.
First, let’s take a look at the pre-crimp weaves. These weaves are typically used for wire and space cloth that is more on the coarse side. The following is an overview of the three different types:
This is the most common type of weave used for wire cloths. In this case, there is no pre-crimping before the wires are weaved. Rather, the crimping of both the warp and shute is a result of the plain weave pattern requires that each shute wire must pass over and under successive rows of warp wires.
In terms of filter cloth, the types of weaves to be aware of are as follows:
Twill weave creates a wire cloth in which each shute and warp wire passes over and under the two adjacent wires successively; this occurs in both the shute and warp directions. This pattern makes it possible to weave heavier wires into various types of mesh.
Overall, when it comes to considering woven wire mesh sizes and the proper wire cloth, the type of weave is vital. No matter if you are seeking a balanced weave, dutch weave, or whatever type you prefer, we have products to suit your needs. If you need more help understanding the various types of weaves, contact our team of experts here at the Newark Wire Cloth today.
Filters, strainers, sieves, and other types of purification or cleaning devices are employed every day, and more often than most people know. These valuable and necessary tools help to deliver many of the everyday items we need and use. Some of these items we might never have even guessed need strained.
While there are different types of strainers, from industrial strainers to the household variety, they all play a role in the quality and happiness of our daily lives. Here are five everyday items you may not have known were strained.
At first, this doesn’t seem like a surprise to anyone. We all grew up watching our grandparents, parents, or perhaps even we were given the task ourselves as youths, to rinse and strain those potatoes, carrots, pasta, or whatever our families ate for dinner.
What might be more surprising, however, is to discover how many foods require some type of filtering and straining process. Did you know that foods like chocolate, butter, wine, and cheese are among the many foods that require industrial food strainers?
This one might be a bit more surprising to those who aren’t in the know regarding the paper manufacturing process. Paper, during the pulping stages of manufacturing, goes through substantial straining steps to remove water. Did you know that the quality of the paper is linked directly to how well it was dewatered?
While most are aware that water generally goes through some type of purification process (even water pumped from a well typically has a rudimentary system), we might not realize that filtering is a big part of that purification system. There are different types of strainers and filters, from industrial basket strainers, conical strainers and y strainers, to those industrial strainers that might be found at the city water treatment plant too.
Once again, this isn’t necessarily a surprise at the onset as the vast majority of people are aware on some level that fuel gets filtered. Many of us have heard of or have had to replace a fuel filter in our vehicles. Don’t be mistaken, however, because that fuel filter is only another straining system for fuel. Did you know that before that fuel ever gets to the pumps, refineries and production plants use high levels of intense heat during a rigorous straining process in the making of fuel?
The pharmaceutical-grade medications so many people get every day must pass rigorous standards. From concerns such as ensuring injectibles are free of particulates, and other health and FDA standards, tools like test sieves are necessary. Straining plays a role in all of our lives, from the doctor’s office to our kitchen sinks.
Filters are everywhere, and they play an important role in the everyday items we use, and in our lives. Some of the ways strainers and filters benefit people and businesses include:
Filters and strainers are rarely thought of but always needed. They serve many roles and help in many ways. From keeping water and food safer to improving manufacturing or production operations, filters are unsung and unseen heroes of the everyday world.
If you are looking for top of the line filtration, from industrial strainers to basket strainers or any other type of wire cloth product, contact the experienced and professional team at the Newark Wire Cloth. Filter out what you don’t need, and get exactly what you do, and contact us today.
At Newark Wire Cloth, we go to great lengths to help our clients get their hands on the strainers they need for their industrial applications. While strainers crafted from wire mesh can always be customized in a range of sizes and styles, there are a handful of styles most often sought after.
Conical strainers or conical line strainers are fabricated most often to slip into a line or flange. These strainers have a rolled mesh implement that encloses to a narrowed tip on one end. The strainer portion of the conical build can be crafted out of everything from finer perforated metal and wedge wire to various sizes of wire mesh. These strainers can be crafted out of most types of exotic and nickel alloys, as well as stainless steel, which is a common option for several applications.
Each Basket strainer is custom-fabricated to meet the specific requirements of the application. The most common use for basket strainers is in the oil and gas industry where pipeline fluids have to be kept as clean as possible. These strainers consist of an interior metal mesh straining element and an exterior vessel and are designed to remove foreign particles and contaminants from fluids flowing through a system or line. With the smallest diameter mesh inside, these strainer systems are often used in sets of two for certain applications, which doubly delivers a clean outcome with the fluids. The internal strainer of the basket strainer system is removable so the strainer can easily be cleaned and repeatedly used. These strainers can also be configured in a duplex set-up.
Flat plate strainers are perhaps one of the simplest strainer forms, but can still yield effective straining results with the proper placement. Perfectly flat and consisting of a plane of metal mesh placed over a circular plate, these strainers can slip over a line easily and quickly as needed. For this purpose, you can find a lot of temporary flat plate strainers, but some are crafted for long-term use just the same. The surrounding plate can come with pre-drilled bolt holes for installation onto lines for long term use.
Y strainers serve the valuable purpose of aiding in the removal of contaminants from gas, steam, or fluid-filled lines. The integration of a straining element that is structured of durable perforated mesh allows the Y strainers to aptly collect a large amount of particulate matter that would otherwise cause problems. Y strainers can be used in a lot of different types of machinery, but they are most often a protective implement for:
When you need reliable functions in your industrial processes, the best mesh strainers are ever-important. At the Newark Wire Cloth, we have the quality metal mesh materials, years of engineering experience, and attention to detail to cater to client needs. Whether you need a prefabricated strainer or something configured specifically for a new application, we welcome your requests. Reach out to us at the Newark Wire Cloth for more information.
Test sieves serve important purposes in the context of production. Test sieves guarantee products are made in a truly precise manner. However, test sieves must be made in their nuanced way to ensure they can make products following specific standards. Let’s take a look at the basics of wire mesh sieves and how they are made.
Test sieves are used in myriad industries to gauge product uniformity. Woven cloth is placed atop a round and rigid metal frame. The size and shape of the openings are the same to ensure test sieves properly evaluate the process necessary for production. Certain standard testing sieves are constructed for wet washes while others are made for dry particles. At Newark Wire Cloth, we offer superior quality test sieves with SuperlaSieveTM technology.
The first test sieves were made more than a century ago. Today, all sorts of complex components are required to build test sieves. The assembly process necessary to build test sieves is quite intricate. This process constructs the skirt, frame, and screening media. At Newark Wire we follow three types of test sieve construction:
The metal used for construction of these test sieves is Pure Tin Solder, which is used to secure the sieve cloth to the frame. This test sieve is most commonly used in the Pharmaceutical, Food, and Beverage industries and can be used in both wet and dry sieving applications. Pure Tin Soldered Test Sieves should not be used with temperatures greater than 350 and are not recommended for exposure to a caustic cleaning solution or acid as it can break down over time.
These test sieves are assembled using a proprietary polymeric adhesive to secure the sieve cloth to the frame to effectively seal the joint between the two. This sieve is the perfect choice for most dry sieving applications since it can break down and become weak overtime is wet sieving is used.
In welded construction, no filler metal is used. The Sieve Cloth is welded directly to the frame whether a coarse mesh or fine mesh sieve. Although they can be used for most wet and dry sieving applications, they are ideal for critical pharmaceutical applications as they can handle exposure to caustic cleaning solution or acid.
In Test sieve construction, the cloth is not woven in the same manner as other types of wire mesh strainers and products. As test sieve mesh is weaved, there is close monitoring of the loom to guarantee the openings of the mesh are exact and adhere to the tolerances established by ASTM. The mesh must be visually analyzed after removal from the loom to determine if there are any problems. Additionally, all of our sieves are constructed with “Cleaner by Design” sanitary construction.
Ideally, the components required for the building of test sieves will be made in-house. At Newark Wire, we are self-reliant in such a manner to ensure test sieve orders can be shipped promptly. The components are made ahead of time so they can be assembled as soon as an order is placed.
The frame of the test sieve requires the placement of a stainless steel coil into the stamping machine. This approach punches out blanks suitable to the sieve’s diameter size. The blanks are drawn, generating the frame’s cylindrical shape. However, there is the potential for sharp edges to result if the frame’s lip is not curled appropriately.
The next step is for the skirt to be stamped. Tensioning is added to the mesh of the test sieve so it has the appropriate tightness. The mesh is subsequently soldered to the skirt’s top edge. At this point, the frame is positioned atop the skirt and held in place. Our test sieve construction offers a “clean and smooth” transition from the sidewall to the surface of the sieve since there are no epoxy beads in our sieves for product to get caught in.
The final step is the use of laser etching. This etching is used on all types of sieves to engrave the serial number to the exterior of the sieve frame which states the point in time at which the sieve was constructed and also the machine that made it. At Newark Wire Cloth, each test sieve is identified with a serial number and a matching Test Sieve Certification of Compliance.
Our wire cloth specialists are here to serve you and your business. From fabricating wire cloth parts to strainers and filters, we have the nuances of fabrication perfected. Reach out to us today to learn more about our wire mesh products, test sieves, wedge wire products, and additional offerings. You can contact us by dialing 1-800-221-0392 (the US only) or 973-778-4478. If you would like to reach out to us on the web, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.
How does filtration work? Liquid-solid filtration is known as the separation of a single solid (or more) from the liquid process stream. Being a “unit operation,” it operates on the stream itself as it changes the stream’s characteristics. However, it’s the filter device that is responsible for such a procedure. Learn the entire filtration process below!
The filter itself accepts the incoming fluid (also known as influential liquor) and then discharges the liquor (also known as filtrate or effluent) clear of the contaminants that were previously in it. The contaminants will remain on the filtering surface inside of the filter, which will then either save the contaminants if valued, or discharge them to a designated disposal site.
As for the filter, it consists of a vessel that houses the surfaces of the internal filter. These are the filter components or surfaces that one should be concerned with, as the most common component being the “Filter Leaf”. The style, size, and type of filter leaves and filter are determined by several different factors. Some of the governing factors include pressure, temperature, process hydraulics, particulate level and type, the importance of filtrate or cake, and type of process. At Newark Wire Cloth we manufacture different styles of filter leaves such as vertical, horizontal, arc sided, “Sweetland” style, and center hub outlet style. You can see our filtration diagram of filter leaves here:
Here, we will discuss the importance of such products in the context of the filter aids in filtration, the filter leaf, filtration examples, and how they filter.
The main objective of the filter leaf is to offer a screening surface in which the filter aid can be applied. Industries like food, chemical, beverage, and wastewater treatment are types of filtration in which they employ filter leaves in their filtration procedure. However, it’s the filter aid coating (on the metal mesh screen) that handles the retention process. To meet specifications, filter aids have this determined by the size and condition of the contaminant. The type of weave and retention of the filter cloth (on the leaves) is then determined by the specifications and type of filter aid.
With leaves being pre-coated, influent liquor will then be admitted to the filter. From here, the contaminant can be retained on the surface of the pre-coat as the clear liquor can pass through. All in all, this is the filter cycle.
For several different filter operations, they might even utilize a body feed, which is known as a device that inserts small amounts of filter aid (during the filter cycle) to the influent.
A body feed separates contaminant particles and stops the particles from sealing off the surface of the pre-coat layer (which would prevent filtration flow.) The body feed will create an addition of porous material (continuously) between non-porous contaminants so that the influent can move around the contaminants.
The filtration cycle is the process of how filtration works. Below is a description of some steps in the filtration method.
Depending on the design and filter type, cleaning the leaves will vary. Having a properly designed filter leaf is crucial to assure the maximum filter cycle and even cake buildup. Some filters can have sluicing devices built internally to spray off the filter cake, as some can reverse the backwash to blow off the cake. However, many can be opened to be hosed down. Some equipment will utilize vibrators to aid in the removal of the cake.
Since the filter leaf is a major part of the filtration process, it is responsible for:
– Retaining pre-coat media evenly on the surface.
– Allowing the uniform resistance to flow.
– Remain rigid and flat during operation.
Considering the information above, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to one’s filter. Thankfully, Newark Wire is here to help. Contact us today for further information!
For industrial filtration applications, pressure vessels with loose media or sand are widely utilized. The backwash is fluidized in order to shake and loosen filter media as a means to release the trapped dirt, which is then removed in the flow of backwash. Once the backwash cycle is complete, the bed is capable of settling before the filter resumes service, including or excluding normal flow. It’s here where a “filter-to-waste” cycle is utilized (after they settle for assurance) and the filtration media is re-stratified. In addition to this, any loose dirt is pulled from the collectors/underdrain.
Multimedia filtration is known as the pressure filter vessel that handles three or more types of media, as opposed to a “sand filter” which oftentimes only utilizes one grade of sand for filtration media. For single media filters (on the setting cycle), the smallest or finest media particles will remain on top of the bed as the heavier, larger particles tend to stratify (in proportion to their mass) lower in the filter. At Newark Wire Cloth we manufacture Hub and Header Lateral Systems to provide uniform distribution and collection within the media bed.
Given what these “sand filters” do, there’s only limited use of media depth since almost all particles that have been filtered are trapped at the highest point of the filter bed. They can also be trapped with only 1-2 inches of space in the filter with the least amount of space between them. It is crucial to have the correct amount of space between the Lateral system and Filter Nozzle to assure flow equalization. So given this, these filter run times tend to be short due to the filter “blinding” and stopping the flow altogether.
A multimedia water filter will typically utilize at least three layers of media for filtration, which are garnet, sand and anthracite. These certain media are often selected due to how drastically different their densities happen to be. Anthracite happens to be the lightest media for filtration in units per volume, which is then followed by sand and garnet respectively.
The main concept behind the utilization of media with considerable differences is that the backwash cycle places the lightest media, that has the largest particles, at the top of the filter. Intermediate sized particles such as sand will rest in the middle, as heavier media (with the smallest particles) such as garnet will rest at the bottom of the filter.
In the bed layering filtration, it’s the smaller particles that rest into the lower layers, as the larger contaminants stay stuck in the first filter layer. The trapping of such contaminants (in this manner) allows more efficiency for removal and longer run times when the project is underway. Simple sand filters are expected to eliminate any particle to at least 25-50 microns, which is in comparison to a multimedia filter that can remove them to 10-25 microns. This is where the filter leaves are crucial. If the filter leaf is properly designed it results in even cake buildup, avoidance of “bridging,” and maximum filter cycle flow.
In events where operations are working at a higher pressure, particles can be driven so far into the media bed that a simple backwash cycle isn’t capable of removing all of it. Given this scenario, the dirt goes deep into the filter and it only continues to build up, which leads to high differential pressures and shortened filter runs. To help loosen the packed dirt, filter backwash might involve air scour to the media bed. In the event this step is utilized, it is followed by a “drain down” moment so that the water can be bled from the filter.
Given the information above, we’ve learned that:
– The backwash step is what cleans out the filter.
– Multimedia filtration is known as the pressure filter that handles three or more media.
– Filtration bed layering is the order in which particles are organized.
If you have any other questions regarding your filtration needs and wants, contact Newark Wire today!
When deciding on the proper filtration system for your operation, it can be difficult to navigate the vast amount of materials and types of strainers. This glossary will break down some of the most common terms used in the wire filtration industry.
Having different materials in how they’re created and being utilized for particle sample collection, Test Sieve Shakers are essential in laboratories throughout the world. Being made of materials such as brass or stainless steel, Test Sieve Shakers are utilized for sample analysis in laboratories to see what particles are being filtered.
In order to test the Test Sieve Shaker samples, the testing sieve shaker is manipulated or shaken, which then provides a data analysis. The use of what’s known as a mechanical sieve shaker, determines how large, or small, the particle ranges in a sample. Depending on the shaker (or model) used to retrieve the sample, dry and/or wet samples may be analyzed with software applications and screen controls.
Test sieve brushes are utilized for cleaning all sieve cloth grades when used for Test Sieves. Test sieve brushes work best when used for fine mesh sieve cleaning, which are mesh sieves that are the #100 United States Standard (or finer). Test sieve brushes can be used for brass or stainless steel sieve cloth. If the test sieve brush has nylon bristles, it will not damage the wire cloth if used gently.
Whether it be wire mesh, screen, or wire cloth, all of these terms are all interchangeable and perform the same task: to filter debris. Wire cloth is used in many fields, such as optical lens manufacturing, mineral processing, ore processing, microwave screening, radio screening, sanitation, hygiene, processing for waste water, paper production, medical, pharmaceutical, food handling, chemical, architectural, automotive, aerospace and so much more.
Wire cloth has endless possibilities and is given the following attributes: Doubles Crimp/Plain Weave, Pre-Crimp Weave and Twill Weaves.
Welded Wire Cloth is a slew of perpendicular strands of wire that become resistance welded at every intersection in which they cross. Such wire is versatile and economical, carrying a clean appearance with uniform patterns. This wire cloth can be made out of many materials, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, steel and many others.
The thickness and strength are measured by factors such as temperature, time, and weld pressure. Another perk that comes with welded wire cloth is that it can be cut or bent to form any shape one desires – without the wires coming apart in the process.
Its mat-like construction and design allows it to remain in place firmly, even in situations where it is holding concrete.
Selecting which wire cloth micron retention for your desired application is what will ensure that your process specifications are met and your operation costs remain low. Cloth retention is expressed in microns, with 1 micron being equal to 1/1000 of a millimeter.
However, the retention of a cloth is only a small aspect of the equation. Efficiency is one of the more important aspects, as not looking into it can lead to over-filtration or insufficient filtration. Cloth efficiency is broken down into two types, absolute and nominal. Nominal efficiency wire is 70 percent effective, as absolute wire is more expensive and almost 100 percent effective.
Wire cloth flow rate is very much related to pressure drop (rate in which the materials are flowing through a filter) and viscosity (the type of materials that pass through a filter). If there’s a required flow rate for one of the processes that you’re running, one will want to consider their Percentage of Open Area so the proper cloth product can be determined. If you have any further questions regarding such terms or if you’re in the market for a new filtration system for your operation, contact Newark Wire today!