Industrial filter fabric for chemical processing

Application

Chemical Industry

Chemically resistant filter fabrics for the most demanding process environments. Engineered for acids, alkalis, solvents, and elevated temperatures.

The Challenge

The chemical industry requires filter fabrics that withstand aggressive media — concentrated acids, strong alkalis, organic solvents, and process temperatures up to 260°C. Standard textile materials quickly degrade under these conditions, leading to product contamination, unexpected downtime, and safety concerns.

Beyond chemical resistance, precision filtration is often critical: catalyst recovery, product purification, and intermediate separation all demand defined particle retention and high filtrate clarity. The right fabric choice directly impacts product quality, yield, and process economics.

Typical Chemical Filtration Tasks

Catalyst recovery and recycling

Pigment and dye filtration

Acid and alkali neutralisation sludge

Polymer and resin intermediates

Titanium dioxide production

Pharmaceutical precursor purification

Agrochemical processing

Salt crystallisation and separation

Key Fabric Requirements

Chemical process filtration demands materials and constructions selected for extreme conditions.

Chemical Resistance

Concentrated H₂SO₄, NaOH, HCl, and organic solvents attack standard fabrics. Material selection — PP for acids, PA for moderate alkalis, PEEK for extreme conditions — is critical.

Temperature Stability

Many chemical processes operate at elevated temperatures. PEEK handles up to 260°C continuously; PPS up to 190°C. Standard PET is limited to 150°C.

Precision Retention

Catalyst recovery and product purification demand precise particle cut-off. Controlled weave patterns deliver defined retention from 1 µm to 100 µm+.

Filtrate Purity

Product contamination is unacceptable in fine chemicals and pharma. Monofilament fabrics minimise fibre shedding and particle release into the filtrate.

Cleanability

Chemical cloths must be easily cleanable — often with aggressive wash solutions. Smooth monofilament surfaces resist residual buildup and simplify CIP procedures.

Regulatory Compliance

Food-contact chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, and environmental regulations may require certified materials and documented traceability.

Material Selection Guide

Choosing the right polymer is the foundation of chemical filtration success.

Material	Acids	Alkalis	Solvents	Max Temp.
PP (Polypropylene)	Excellent	Excellent	Good	100 °C
PET (Polyester)	Good	Moderate	Good	150 °C
PA (Polyamide)	Poor	Good	Moderate	120 °C
PEEK	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	260 °C