06/03/2026
Not all filters are the same, but what sets them apart? (3/3)
Given the wide range of applications, filter media come in many forms. Different filter types have unique properties that directly impact the filtration process:
▪ Cellulose fibers: Natural, plant-derived, affordable and sustainable; however, flammable and water-absorbent
▪ Synthetic fibers: Made from polymers, chemically stable, non-brittle, and water-resistant
▪ Glass fibers: Capturing ultra-fine particles; highly resistant to chemicals, non-flammable, though brittle in handling
One principle applies across all of them: the finer the fiber, the greater the potential filtration efficiency.
Polymer membranes go even further. With tightly controlled pore sizes, they separate particles, salts, and molecules down to submicron or atomic dimensions – delivering product safety, resource efficiency, and sustainable performance.
But material is only part of the equation. A filter's real-world performance is determined by up to 20 different, sometimes competing, factors. The most important include:
▪ Differential pressure: The pressure drop across the filter
▪ Particle holding capacity: The amount of contaminants captured before reaching a set pressure limit
▪ Separation efficiency: How well the filter removes particles
Optimizing these factors for each specific application is key to delivering high-quality filtration solutions and thats why we are constantly advancing new filtration and separation technologies
Read the full article here: https://www.mann-hummel.com/en/leadership/expertise/separation-methods-differences.html?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=SMO&utm_campaign=CA&utm_content=FiltrationVsSeparation
