Single filter housing: when to choose this?

What is a single filter housing?

A single filter housing is a compact filter system that contains one filter element, usually a cartridge or filter bag. It is used to remove solids from liquids, such as water, in a variety of industrial applications. The simplicity of this type of housing makes it particularly suitable for situations where space, cost and ease of maintenance are considerations.

A single filter housing is often used as pre-filtration or as a stand-alone solution at lower flow rates. Thanks to its limited footprint and user-friendly construction, the system is popular within industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical water treatment, irrigation and process water filtration.

What types of single filter housings exist?

Within water filtration, we distinguish several varieties of single filter housings, each with its own applications.

Types based on filter element

• Single cartridge housing: For standard 10″, 20″ or 30″ filter cartridges.
  
• Bag-in filter housing: For larger volumes and coarse filtration (use of filter bags).
  
• Inline filter housing: Compact and suitable for piping systems with limited space.
  

Materials

• Stainless steel 304: Corrosion-resistant, economical, suitable for general industrial use.
  
• SS 316L: Extra corrosion resistant, ideal for chemical or pharmaceutical applications.
  
• Polypropylene: Lightweight and chemically resistant, suitable for non-aggressive media.
  

Choosing the right type depends on your specific application, chemical compatibility and maintenance requirements.

Single vs. duplex or multi-cartridge systems

Why choose a single filter housing when there are larger systems?

Advantages of a single filter housing

• Compact design: Ideal for limited installation space.
  
• Low initial investment: Budget-friendly for smaller installations.
  
• Easy maintenance: Quick replacement of filter element.
  
• Less chance of downtime: No complex components.
  

Restrictions

• Not suitable for high flow rates: Capacity limited to approximately 80 m³/h.
  
• Manual change required at filter saturation: No continuous flow as with duplex systems.
  

What to look out for when choosing?

When is a single filter housing really the right choice? Here are the main selection criteria.

• Flow rate (flow): Up to about 80 m³/h, a single filter housing is suitable.
  
• Working pressure: Check the maximum working pressure of the filter housing.
  
• Filtration rate: Typically between 1 and 100 microns.
  
• Chemical compatibility: Choose the right material for your medium.
  
• Ease of maintenance: Manual access and cleaning desired?
  
• Installation space (footprint): Does the system fit into the available space?
  
• Budget: Limited investment possible? Then a single filter housing is ideal.
  

Applications of single filter housings

Single filter housings are widely used in a variety of industrial processes where filtration of liquids plays a role. Some common applications:

• Water treatment: removal of contaminants in drinking and process water systems.
  
• Chemical processing: Filtration of aggressive or high-risk substances to protect process equipment.
  
• Industrial cooling systems: Removes dirt particles from cooling water, prevents clogging and protects heat exchangers.
  
• Food and beverage production: Ensures consistent water quality for production processes.
  
• Waste disposal: Removes coarse and fine particles from wastewater for safe disposal or reuse.
  

Sectors that benefit from filter houses only

Single filter housings are a trusted and proven filtration solution in many industries, including:

• Petrochemical industry: Purification of liquids in refining and transportation processes.
  

• Chemical industry: Improved safety and efficiency by filtering corrosive substances.
  

• Food and beverage industry: Essential for ensuring product safety and hygiene.
  

• Automotive industry: Used in manufacturing processes, especially cooling and surface treatment.
  

• Agriculture and horticulture: For filtration of irrigation water, important for plant health and system sustainability.
  

• Wastewater treatment: pre-filtration of process water before discharge or reuse.

Checklist: Is a single filter housing for you?

1. You will work with relatively low flow rates (up to 80 m³/h).
2. You’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly solution.
3. You have limited space for installation.
4. Your application requires frequent maintenance or cartridge changes.
5. Your process water is moderately to slightly contaminated.
6. You want manual control over filtration and replacement times.
7. You are looking for a pre-filtration for a downstream membrane or UV system.

Is the answer to most of these points yes? Then a single filter housing is a wise choice.

Need advice? We are here for you

At JMF Filters, we have years of experience in providing reliable and affordable single filter housings for a variety of water filtration applications. Our filter specialists will be happy to help you select the right solution for your process.

View our range of single filter housings