Conquering the Heat: Selecting a High Temperature Resistant Coalescer for Demanding Processes

Conquering the Heat: Selecting a High Temperature Resistant Coalescer for Demanding Processes

Many industrial processes operate at elevated temperatures where standard polymeric filter materials melt, degrade, or off-gas. A High Temperature Resistant Coalescer is a specialized solution engineered to maintain structural integrity, filtration efficiency, and safety in environments from hot process gases to direct steam or hot oil applications.

Challenges of High-Temperature Filtration

• Media Degradation: Common materials like polypropylene melt (~160°C). Untreated cellulose can char.

• Seal Failure: Standard elastomer O-rings (NBR, EPDM) harden and crack.

• Binder Vaporization: Resins used in some media can evaporate, contaminating the process stream and weakening the media.

• Thermal Expansion: Differential expansion between media, core, and cage can cause buckling or bypass.

Lefilter's High-Temperature Material Toolkit
We match materials to your specific temperature range and chemical environment:

1. For Moderate High Temp (150°C - 230°C / 300°F - 450°F):

• Media: High-temperature glass fiber (with inorganic binders), PTFE membrane, sintered metal fiber.

• Structural Components: Stainless steel cores and cages (304, 316L).

• Seals: High-temp fluoroelastomers (FKM/Viton®), expanded Graphite, or PTFE seals.

2. For Extreme High Temp (230°C - 400°C+ / 450°F - 750°F+):

• Media: Sintered metal fiber (stainless steel, Inconel), ceramic media, specialized mineral fibers.

• Structural Components: All-metal welded construction, often using high-grade alloys.

• Seals: Metal-to-metal seals, specialized high-temp graphitic gaskets.

Design Considerations for Reliable Performance

• Thermal Stress Analysis: Designing for even heat distribution and accommodating expansion.

• Heat Shielding/Insulation: Recommendations for housing insulation or cool-down loops if needed.

• Safety Factors: Incorporating robust burst pressure ratings to account for potential thermal pressure spikes.

Typical High-Temperature Applications:

• Process Gas Filtration: Hot syngas, reformer gas, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

• Polymer & Chemical Production: Vent gas filtration from reactors and extruders.

• Heat Treating & Forging: Off-gas and quench oil vapor recovery.

• Cement & Glass Industry: Hot kiln gas filtration.

• Hot Air/Gas Drying Systems.