Filson: Your Premier Steam Filter Choice in China
Filson steam filter is an indispensable device on the conveying medium pipeline. It is usually installed at the inlet of pressure relief valves, ends of pressure relief valves, water relief valves, or other equipment.
Filson is specialized in fabricating steam filters for over 20 years, we offer a broad range of steam filters for OEM customers, including culinary steam filters, clean steam filters, sanitary steam filters, stainless steel steam filters, and so on.
Filson steam filter is designed and manufactured to remove dirt particles, scale, rust, or other contaminants from the steam. It avoids causing secondary pollution to the next sterilization process and reduces maintenance expenses.
Filson steam filter is mainly composed of a filter housing and a filter element, among which the steam filter housing is mostly made of 304 or 316L stainless steel, and the steam filter cartridge is made of sintered powder or pleated sintered metal.
Filson steam filters are widely applied to the food, dairy, and beverage industry, chemical and pharmaceutical industry, metal process, powder generation, and automotive industry for the process steam and culinary steam application.
Steam Filter
Why Choose Filson Steam Filter
Filson adopts advanced vacuum sintering technology to construct steam filter elements, which makes it resistant to high temperature, high pressure, and corrosive environment. With such good properties, It can fully meet your project or individual purpose.
Filson steam filter is customizable to suit the varying needs of different applications. The filter housing fits perfectly for installing diverse filter element sizes and the filter elements are available in various absolute particulate retention rates based on your requirement.
Filson steam filter component materials have passed the U.S. FDA listed for food contact use in accordance with CFR Title 21, as well as 1935/2004 EC certification, so you can trust Filson as your steam filter supplier.
If you still have doubts about the Filson steam filter, feel free to contact us, and a free sample would be allowed to be delivered for you to check the details we provide a one-year warranty for the sake of manufacturing defects.

Filson: Your Leading Steam Filter Manufacturer
As one of the best steam filter manufacturers in China, Filson exports its products to over 40 countries and regions around the world. And till now, we have received a good reputation from our customers for our high-quality steam filters and responsible pre-sale and after-sale service.
Steam Filter and Accessories
In many applications, steam comes into contact with the product, for example, direct injection of steam into large vats of processed foods is one method used to cook those foods. In other cases, steam is used to clean or sterilize surfaces, tools, and containers used in the processing and packing of various products such as pharmaceuticals. Because of direct contact with the product, steam filtration is particularly important. At this point, the Filson steam filter can help you achieve the results you want.
In all cases, steam is being generated and distributed in the piping system, and these often end in small orifices or nozzles that can be easily soiled by contaminants in the system. Filtration of steam is essential to avoid product pollution and reduce equipment downtime. Here, the Filson steam filter can assist with high filtration accuracy.
To reach the goals mentioned above, Filson pays more attention to making steam filters eliminate dirt, scale particles, rust, and other unwanted particles from culinary steam or process steam. In particular, the Filson filter element is available with different filtration levels like 1 micron, 5 microns, 25 microns.
Surface Polished Finish for Steam Filter
Filson steam filter element is usually made into two forms, one is sintered powder 304/316L stainless steel, and the other is pleated stainless steel construction. Due to the stronger power of raw material, the product can withstand high heat, high pressure
In terms of the housing material, Filson steam filter housing in 304 stainless steel is suitable for process steam application. In applications or installation where corrosion resistance is a concern, 316L stainless steel as the material of construction is advisable. For culinary steam, food contact, and other sanitary applications, the sanitary grade, 3-A certificated housing is used.
The interior and external surfaces of varying specifications and models of Filson filter housing have been treated differently. Generally, it is externally polished with an internal natural finish. While some other inner surfaces have undergone pickled and passivated or bead blast upon request.
Connection Size for Steam Filter Vessel
Under the support of sintering technology, the Filson steam filter is featured with a rigid overall structure and good mechanical strength. Its rugged design and construction provide long-term reliability and durable element withstands repeated cleaning to extend tube life.
Furthermore, Filson steam filters are manufactured without the use of binders, adhesives, additives, or surface-active agents. It is absolutely safe to culinary steam which is coming into contact with food products.
Compared to a normal steam filter on the market, the Filson steam filter shows a 10% more flow rate at lower pressure drops. In addition, the Filson steam filter also has the advantages of simple structure, small volume, and lightweight. Thus, It is easy to install.
Steam Filter Housing Part List
After long-term use of the Filson steam filter, some impurities are deposited on the steam filter element, then the flow rate will decrease for the increase of pressure drop. In order to prolong the steam filter lifespan, you are recommended to clean the device regularly.
Filson steam filter is cleanable and reusable, there are three methods to wash it including counter-flow, solvent cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning.
- Backwash cleaning, Filson steam filter can be washed with either clean liquid or clean gas in a reverse or counter-flow cycle
- Solvent cleaning, Filson steam filter can also be washed by detergents or solvents in containing oil contaminants and dirt particles cases
- Ultrasonic bath, ultrasonic cleaning is a thorough and easy method to remove particles embedded into the filter element.
Stainless Steel Steam Filter in ANSI Flange Connection
It is worth mentioning that Filson can fabricate replacement steam filters for some leading brands such as Parker Domnick Hunter, Pall, RP Adams, Armstrong, and more. ISO quality and factory price are always our competitive advantages.
Choosing the proper size of the Filson steam filter is important for your application, it depends on different variables including flow rate, pressure and temperature, element micron rates, and accessible pressure drop across filtration system.
If you have any need for a Filson steam filter, we are always here to support you with satisfied service and awesome products. Get an instant quote for your next steam filter order.
More details to be known in the following ways:
Phone: +86-157 3695 8886
Email: sales@filsonfilters.com
Filson Steam Filter Function
- Eliminate dirt particles, scale, rust, and other contaminants from the steam, oil,
- Protect the integrity of the products and other equipment
- Increase the lifespan of the more fragile filters and downstream equipment
- Cut down operational costs and save consuming cleaning time of the sterilize parts
- Maintain a continuous clean and sterilizing environment
Filson Steam Filter Features:
- High flow rate up to 6900SCFM at a low differential pressure
- Good heat and corrosion resistance
- Rugged design and construction provide a long term reliability
- Washable and reusable by counterflow, the solvent ultrasonic cleaning method
- Durable permanent element withstands repeated cleaning to extend the life span
- Inline connection, no moving parts, easy to install
Working Principle for Steam Gas Filter
Filson Steam Filter Specification:
- Steam capacity: 59-22087 m3/hr
- Absolute retention rates: 1-250 micron
- Working temperature range: from -70℃ to 210 ℃
- Max differential pressure: 5.2 bar
- Filtration efficiency: up to 98%
- Connection mode: NPT thread, flange, and weld connection based on your application
- Connection size: from 1/8 to 8 inch or customized
Filson Steam Filter Application:
- Food and beverage industries
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biological and chemical industry
- Sterilizing and aseptic packing
- Metal processing industry
- Electronics industry
Filson Steam Filter Applications
People Also Ask
Steam filters are mechanical devices that are responsible for filtering and purifying generated steam.
They mainly eliminate any form of impurities or contaminants that may be present in the steam before use.

Steam Filter
Steam filters have several uses, they include:
- Filtering and purifying Steam – the steam filters extract and trap the common contaminants usually found in steam sources.
These contaminants include dirt, scale particulates, and rust.
Once these particles get removed, then the steam gets released to the downstream filters, such as sterile filters, to begin the sterilization process.
- Reducing differential pressure when the steam flow rate is high. Consequently, the steam flows smoothly to the subsequent filters.
Yes, there are specific requirements for steam filtration requirements.
Initially, an effective filtration requires an almost complete removal (about 95%) of all particulate that are more than 2 micrometers in size.
If done this way, it would mean that you eliminate all the hazardous particles.
Secondly, the process has to include a filtration component from where all these trapped substances get suspended.
The filtration component would also protect every part of your system from getting contaminated.

Steam Filtration Process
- Removal of unwanted particles and contaminants – conventionally, most people consider steam as sterile and micro-organism free.
However, during the piping, steam may contain some contaminants, as earlier mentioned.
Besides, chemicals from boiler water additives and condensed water might be present.
You must eliminate all these contaminants before using the steam.
And that’s what Steam Filtration systems do.
- It increases the lifespan of the more fragile filters or downstream equipment.
Steam filters clean and remove the coarse particulates from steam, which, if left, may tamper with the other subsequent filters.
Therefore, it lengthens the life span of such downstream filters.
- An effective steam filtration system has got a high level/high efficiency rate of capturing unwanted particles of up to 10 microns.
- Cuts down operational expenses – the operational costs reduce by a reduction in the more costly and time-consuming cleaning.
Moreover, there would be a significant reduction in the maintenance costs of the sterilizer parts, including valves, and door seals.
- Steam filters eliminate the non-reactive boiler feed additive chemicals.
- The filters reduce the degree of wetting and staining of the sterilizer by-products. From the sterilizer, the filtrate emerges while dry and clean besides.
- They are safe for coming into contact with food.
Note that the Steam filter is always installed in the steam line just upstream of the sterilizer regulator valve.

Filtration Process
Now, the steam from the line enters the filtration system via the filter housing straight into an expansion chamber.
At this point, the incoming steam abruptly changes direction and flow velocity.
Consequently, a lot of the condensate gets expelled from the steam.
Afterward, the steam flows upwards still in the housing and passes through the microfiber filter tubing; then it flows downward, heading to the exit port.
The microfiber filter tube removes all the solid particles suspension and the condensate.
Usually, the filter tubes are more than 98% efficient for the expulsion of 0.1 micron and bigger particles.
Eventually, via the automatic condensate drain, the draining water from the filter tubes and the expansion chamber automatically drips.
Solid particles eliminated remain embedded deep in the filter tubes while liquid water.
On the other hand, drips intermittently from the filter tube into the automatic drain.
With that procedure, you obtain a clear and uncontaminated steam filtrate.
Yes, you could experience problems during steam filtration.
The problem might result from the build-up of contaminants on the filter elements, thereby hampering the efficiency of filtration.
The filtration process may also face differential pressure drop and contamination by rusts, carbon particles present in the piping.

Steam Filter Element
Except for clean steam, the conventional steam you generate from the boiler does contain large quantities of contaminants.
These contaminants do come from the piping and the boiler feed additives, which you need to filter finely.
Filtering the steam would thus help in ensuring:
- No damage to critical orifices.
- No contamination of products
- Increase in efficiency of the processes.
- It offers enough protection to the downline filters.
Some of the main common types of steam include

Steam Curve
i. Culinary Steam
Culinary steam refers to the kind of steam applied in the food processing industry.
Such sort of steam must comply with the 3A sanitary standard and 3A Accepted Practices for dairy and food processing.
Culinary steam when the need is may come into direct contact with the end product.
ii. Process Steam
Process steam is a general term used for referring to all the classification of steam for transfer of energy for applications, including heating, pressure control, or mechanical drive system.
iii. Saturated Steam
Saturated steam is a type of steam that would not take in more heat energy in a specified capacity unless pressure is capable of rising.
Saturated steam is suitable for thermostatic processes, including cleaning and sterilization.
iv. Dry Steam
Dry steam contains entirely 100% water vapor in the gaseous phase.
It is mostly useful in petrochemical and pharmaceutical applications.
v. Superheated Steam
Superheated steam is achievable by continually adding more heat energy leading to a continuous rise in temperature.
It applies to the production of electricity and other mechanical applications.
Steam filters are widely applied in several sectors/ areas including but not limited to:
- Chemical industry
- Aseptic packaging
- Dairy products industry
- Breweries
- Food and drinks industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Electrical/ electronics industry
- Fermentation industry
The essential components of the steam filter system consisting of a steam filter element and steam filter housing.
1. Steam Filter Element
The steam filter element forms the base of the extraction of particles from the filtered stream.
Therefore, due to the aggressive and harsh vapor it handles, it is highly durable.
Besides, the filter element has a bigger capacity for accommodating the trapped dirt.

Steam Filter Element
2. Steam Filter Housing
The housing is suitable for the substitutable filter elements, which are specific for distinct filtration grades of 1, 5, 25µm.
For turgidity purposes, the housing is stainless steel.
Still, the housing is customizable to suit the varied needs of different applications and to fit perfectly for installing the different filter element sizes.
For instance, the housing component of the food and Beverage applications must suit 3-A sanitary standards.
Regardless, the housing may adhere to the European directive standards of 97/23/EF.

Steam Filter Housing
You can specify team filters based on the following key criteria:
· Specify the Type of Filter Media
The kinds of filters applicable for steam filtration are can be grouped into three major categories, namely: sintered, pleated mesh, and pleated sintered.
Every type of filter performs a unique kind of filtration suitable for a specific application.
· Determine the Right Steam for your Application.
Importantly, you need to evaluate your application while considering the type of steam you aim at achieving.
With the right kind of vapor in comparison with your use, you can now settle down on the suitable steam filter element.
For instance, process steam requires 5 microns or 25 microns pleated and sintered filters, respectively.
Culinary steam for culinary grade steam filter, while clean steam is suitable, is achievable with a 5-micron filter.
· Consider the Material of the Filter Element
Stainless steel material is the absolute top-grade material for the element.
The end caps of the filters, porous filter media too should be stainless steel.
The type of steel makes the element durable.
Another conventional material for the filter element over the past is carbon.
Carbon though is suitable for temperatures of a maximum of 260 degrees Celcius and pressures of 27.5 bar.
Elsewhere, stainless steel withstands temperatures of up to 371 degrees Celsius and more pressure than the carbon type.
· Choose a Suitable Size of the Filter for your Application
You can choose a stainless steel element media from a wide range of formats such as 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 25, 40, and 50 microns concerning your requirements.
For culinary system applications, the 5-micron element would be highly efficient.
· Check Conformity to Quality Standards
Just like other mechanical products, always verify if the steam filter element complies with the cGMP requirements.
Selecting a steam filter housing may be challenging yet very critical. Consider the following issues to assist you in deciding on the best type.

Steam Filter Housing
· Consider the Steam Filter Housing Material
Stainless steel material makes the housing strong enough to withstand high differential pressure of up to 250psi operating pressure or more.
Specifically, 304 SS is appropriate for process steam filtration applications.
If your use involves corrosive chemicals, then 316 L SS is advisable.
Culinary steam, food, and other sanitary applications require sanitary grade, 3 –A housing.
Therefore, the 304 SS suits several applications; however, 316 L is better since it is highly resistant to corrosion.
· Pick one with a Valid Warranty
You may opt for filter housings that come with a multi-year unlimited warranty for the sake of manufacturing defects.
· Choose one that Complies with Quality Standards
Ensure you verify if the steam filter housing complies with some of the significant quality standardizations.
· Identify a Suitable Size
The filter housings are available in at least ten varied sizes, and they have got several capacities, so you must ensure that you specify your preferred size.
· Number and Type of Connections
Filter housings come with different associations, others one, two, or even three.
The regular connections include (BSP, ASA or DIN, NPT, ANSI)
The steam filters fall into three major categories, namely: sintered, pleated mesh, and pleated sintered metal fiber.
· Sintered Filter Type
The sintered filter type gets manufactured from metal powder in conditions of extreme temperatures and pressures.

Sintered Filter Media
The filter types possess the following features:
- The tight pore structure
- has got a small surface area.
- Little rates of flow
- They are relatively less costly.
· Pleated Mesh
The pleated mesh is achievable by merging metal wires to produce a mesh.
Thus the pleated mesh has the following features.

Pleated Mesh Filter Media
- High surface area
- Elevated rates of flow
- Relatively costly
- They have got a lot of open structures.
· Pleated Sintered Metal Fibre
The pleated sintered metal fiber comes as a result of sintering all together both the high temperature and pressure little metal fibers.
This technique produces a material that is a metallic kind of glass microfiber element.
- These types of filters have the following characteristics:
close-fitting pore structure - Large surface area
- A high degree of flow
- Costs more than pleated mesh.
A micron rating is a unit that we use to show the capability of a steam filter to extract contaminants by the respective sizes of the particles.
However, filter specialists suggest that a micron rating alone cannot entirely describe the operation of a filter.
Thus associated beta ratio or the filter’s removal efficiency of the particular size particles must be considered.
Nevertheless, a filter of micron rating of “10 microns” is capable of capturing small particles of 10-micron size.
Above all, a micron rating is available in several variations.
The widely used micron ratings are nominal and absolute ratings:

Beta Ratio
Nominal Micron Rating
Nominal Micron Rating refers to the capability of a filter to extract particle contaminants of a specific dimension but at an efficiency ranging between 50% and 90%.
For example, when given a nominal rating of say 60% at 20 microns, it means that the filter can capture 60% of contaminants 20 microns in size.
However, you need to note that nominal micron ratings themselves have varied efficiency.
They may range between 50 – 98.6 % efficiency when extracting a specific particle dimension.
Absolute Micron Rating
Absolute Micron Rating refers to a filter that can remove a minimum of 98.7 % of a particular size particle.
To determine the rating, the manufacturers either use a single pass or multipass test.
It is a technique whereby fluid/ steam that contains measurable particles follows through a flat sheet of the filter media.
Afterward, they measure and count particles that go through.
Most manufacturers prefer this rating as opposed to the nominal micron rating because it is more detailed.
So next time, remember to ask your manufacturer if the micron rating presented to you is either a nominal or absolute rating.
Besides, seek to get the percentage of efficiency rating as well as the capacity of the contaminant.
This kind of information will enable you to assess the functioning of the filters.
Steam filter sizing refers to the distinct pore size of the filter element or media.
Therefore, you need to select a suitable filter size that efficiently removes the smallest microorganism/ contaminant you wish to extract.
When purchasing a steam filter, it is vital to do steam filter sizing.
However, you need to consider the following issues to pick the most suitable size for your application.
i. Establish the LargestPermissible Pore Size.
Try to select a suitable pore size, possibly.
A lesser pore size than necessary cut short the lifespan of the steam filter element while also generating a higher pressure drop.
Elsewhere, one with a bigger pore size than necessary effectively lowers the lifespan and efficiency of the downstream sterile filter.
ii. Operating Flow Rate
Determine the flow rate of the steam involved in your system in lb/h or km/h. the flow rate then subsequently determines the size of the filter.
iii. Vapour Pressure
each specific filter has a rating of maximum operational pressure.
Thus you need to have a precise measurement of the maximum pressure when sizing the steam filter.
The pressure is usually measured as bar or psi.
iv. Permissible Pressure Drop
The pressures are measured in psi or bar.
Manufacturers recommend the use of a pressure drop of at least 1.0 psi or 0.07 bar.
Remember, extreme pressure drop decreases the general lifespan of the steam filter element.
Nominal (NPS) and Absolute pipe size for the inlet and outlet of the already installed filter.
Also consider the mode of connection, for instance, NPT, plumbing, spigot, or flange.
Installing a steam filter system is quite easy and does not require several auxiliary appliances.
Most suppliers and manufacturers are shipped when completely assembled; it comes with a filter element already installed and ready to connect into your steam line.
Both the inlets and outlet ports are distinctly separated, for example,1-inch NPT for some filters.
The filter does not weigh a lot, and therefore your steam line can quickly and efficiently support the filter.
Besides, you do not require any additional mounting bracket for use during installation.
Again, install the filter on the upstream segment of the sterilizer steam control valve, and should be very close to lessen the condensation.
For precautionary measures, insulate the filter housing to the level of the external compression ring and the filter’s vapor piping downstream.
The insulation usually prevents the condensation between the filter and the sterilizer.
Replace any iron pipe downstream of the filter with a corrosive resistant pipe, usually stainless steel, to avoid further contamination.
Steam filters are replaceable when they become hugely defective and inefficient.
However, mostly, you would replace the filter media discs, and that’s all.
Manufacturers propose that the steam filters would last for approximately six years when properly used and maintained.
Condensate is the crucial cause of the blockage of the steam filter.
Large quantities of Condensate come from the steam mains, especially on fresh start-ups from cold.
Allowing large amounts of condensate to form in the distribution channels continually causes debris to come from the base of the pipe.
The waste then gets collected and transferred onto the filter chambers by the condensate.
That phenomenon results in the breakage of a culinary-grade steam filter very quickly.
So the ultimate solution is to eliminate the condensate; with that, you significantly reduce the chances of picking up contamination from the pipes.
Steam filter regeneration refers to the process of reconverting or re-establishing the original operational ability of the filter.
The significant reasons for regenerating the filter are to eliminate settled contaminants, lower pressure drops, and avoid a lasting contamination backlog.
Regeneration thus involves several techniques, although the common one is by cleaning.
Yes, it is advisable to clean your steam filters.
The more you frequently wash the filter element, the better it is regenerated.
You can effectively clean the stainless steel steam filter elements using a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, water, air, or ultrasonic bath.
Also, you should clean your steam filter elements whenever the differential pressure clocks 1.0 bar (approximately 15 psi).
However, some filters, even after washing, would still maintain a pressure drop of about ten psi or 0.7 bar.
Such steam filter elements have fully exhausted their lifespan.
You can use the following techniques to clean the steam filters.
I. Counter Flow
With this method, you wash the filter media using either a clean liquid or clean gas in a reverse or counter-flow manner.
You can also pulse the flow to detach the sticking particles on the media, thereby enhancing cleaning.
Counterflow is efficient when extracted particles attach to the surface of the filter media rather than cleaning the particles penetrated inside the media pores.
You can use a nylon brush or wire to enhance the counter-flow method of cleaning.
II. Solvent Cleaning
Solvent cleaning or use of detergents is effective if oil or oily contaminants present in the steam make the particles retain inside or on the filter media.
The solvent/ detergents would then scrap away the oily pollutants as well as the trapped particles.
III. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is the most thorough or effective technique of cleaning.
For this technique, you immerse the filter elements in a solvent or water bath.
Under the solvent trough or water bath is the ultrasonic vibrations that loosen or remove the particles that stick on the filter media.
Below are the standard guidelines you can use to select a steam filtration system.
- Select the filter system with a suitable material.
The material should be chemically well suited with the kind of steam you need to filter and which best fits your application.
Therefore choose between 304 SS, 316L SS, or carbon.
- Establish if you will require a single-stage or multi-stage filtration system. If you need a multi-stage filter system, then choose the final filter first.
Again, multi-stage filtration is essential with plugging streams.
- Before selecting the final filter, determine the smallest size of particle you would wish to retain. When done, now select the proper pore size.
- Choose the prefilter compartment that you may install before the final filter to provide the best blend of retention and capacity.
- If so, choose the final prefilter, which has retention that is close to the one in the last filter.
- Assess if the differential pressure is compatible with the filter and the filtration procedure. Note that the eventual differential pressure across the cartridge, ie. the change out pressure drop is a definition of the particle and filter interaction.
Carbon steam filters are a traditional filter media tracking back to the 1950s.
Carbon is suitable in temperatures of up to 260 °C and pressure of 27.5 bar per squared inch gauge.
But since carbon has a sandpaper-like texture, most granulated carbon tubings shed particles during usage.
On the contrary, stainless steel can withstand a high temperature of up to 371 °C and much more pressure.
Besides, you can ultrasonically clean the stainless steel filters a maximum of six times before you replace them.
The above distinct differences make stainless steel the better option in the three applications.

Carbon Micron Filter

Stainless Steel Steam Filter
To comply with Dairy Needs – The stainless steel Filter elements comply with the regulations of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).
Production of culinary–grade steam – the stainless steel filter media conforms to the 3-A standards.
First, The steel media does not shed fiber.
Two, stainless steel filters have no binders, additives, adhesives, or any other surface reactive agents that might leach during the filtration.
It withstands water hammer – stainless steel is highly resistant to chipping, shattering, or cracking.
I hope you have learned a lot about steam filters.
Most likely, you could be having more specific or personalized questions regarding steam filtration systems.
You can contact Filson Filters experts now for free consultations.