Table 2.

5 Typical applications for filter fabrics

Material Suitable for: Maximum Principal advantage(s) Principal disadvantage(s)

service
temp °C
Cotton Aqueous solutions, oils, fats, waxes, 90 Inexpensive. Subject to attack by mildew and
cold acids and volatile organic acids. fungi.
Jute wool Aqueous solutions. 85 Easy to seal joints in filter High shrinkage, subject to moth
presses. attack in store.
Aqueous solution and dilute acids. 80
Nylon Acids, petrochemicals, organic 150 High strength or flexibility. Absorbs water; not suitable for
solvents, alkaline suspensions. alkalis.
Easy cake discharge. Long life.
Polyester Acids, common organic solvents, 100 Good strength and flexibility. Not suitable for alkalis.
(Terylene) oxidizing agents. Initial shrinkage.
PVC Acids and alkalis. up to 90 May become brittle.
Heat resistance poor.
PTFE Virtually all chemicals. 200 Extreme chemical resistance. High cost.
Excellent cake discharge.
Polyethylene Acids and alkalis. 70 Easy cake discharge. Soften at moderate temperatures.

Polypropylene Acids, alkalis, solvents (except 130 Low moisture absorption.

aromatics and chlorinated
hydrocarbons).
Dynel Acids, alkalis, solvents, petrochemicals. 110
Orlon Acids (including chromic acid), Over 150
petrochemicals.
Vinyon Acids, alkalis, solvents, petroleum products. 110
Glassfibre Concentrated hot acids, chemical solutions. 250 Suitable for a wide range of Lacks fatigue strength for flexing.
chemical solutions, hot or Abrasive resistance poor.
cold (except alkalis).