- Hydraulic Filtration
Hydraulic Filter Media Explained: Micro-Fiberglass vs. Cellulose vs. Stainless Steel
Choosing a hydraulic filter involves more than finding an element that fits the housing. The filter media inside the element affects how contaminants are captured, how the filter performs in the system, and whether the element is suited to the operating environment.
Three common media options used in hydraulic filtration are micro-fiberglass, cellulose, and stainless steel. Each has different characteristics, and the right choice depends on the filtration requirement, fluid, operating conditions, service expectations, and equipment involved.
Swift hydraulic filters are available through KELTEC, giving customers access to a broad range of hydraulic filtration options along with KELTEC’s broader industrial filtration, cross-reference, technical support, and custom filtration capabilities.
Explore Swift Hydraulic Filters →
Why Hydraulic Filter Media Matters
Hydraulic systems depend on clean fluid to operate reliably. The filter media is the material within the element that captures contamination as hydraulic fluid passes through the filter.
Media selection can influence several aspects of filtration performance, including:
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Particle-capture efficiency
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Dirt-holding capacity
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Filtration rating
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Fluid compatibility
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Durability
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Cleanability and reusability
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Suitability for the operating environment
No single media type is the best choice for every hydraulic application. Selection should be based on the requirements of the system rather than media type alone.
Understanding the differences among the primary options is a useful starting point.
Micro-Fiberglass Hydraulic Filter Media
Micro-fiberglass media is designed for applications where effective contaminant removal and high particle-capture efficiency are important.
Swift micro-fiberglass filter media is manufactured from fine glass fibers bonded with a stable resin into a multi-layer composite. The fine, uniform fiber structure provides high particle-capture efficiency and high dirt-holding capacity.
Key Characteristics of Micro-Fiberglass Media
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High capture efficiency
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High dirt-holding capacity
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Fine, uniform fiber structure
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Multiple available filtration ratings
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Designed for applications requiring effective contaminant removal
For systems where contamination control is a significant consideration, micro-fiberglass can provide an efficient filtration option. The correct rating still needs to be selected according to the requirements of the hydraulic system and equipment.
Cellulose Hydraulic Filter Media
Cellulose provides an economical filtration option for standard hydraulic and lubrication applications.
Swift cellulose media is designed to provide reliable contaminant removal in a disposable filter-element construction. The supplied literature identifies cellulose as a cost-effective option with high porosity, strength, durability, and versatility.
Key Characteristics of Cellulose Media
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Cost-effective filtration
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Disposable construction
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High porosity
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Strength and durability
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Broad versatility
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Suitable for standard hydraulic and lubrication applications where the element meets system requirements
Cellulose can be an appropriate choice when the application does not require the filtration characteristics or reusable construction offered by other media types.
As with any hydraulic filter, media should not be selected on price alone. Filtration requirements, fluid compatibility, equipment specifications, and operating conditions should also be considered.
Stainless-Steel Hydraulic Filter Media
Stainless-steel filter media provides another approach to hydraulic filtration, particularly when durability, fluid compatibility, and cleanability are important.
Swift stainless-steel wire cloth elements are available in different mesh sizes so the filtration media can be matched to specific filtration and system requirements.
Key Characteristics of Stainless-Steel Media
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High fluid compatibility
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Cleanable and reusable
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Available in different mesh sizes
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Suitable for demanding applications
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Durable construction
Performance varies according to mesh size, element design, and fluid-system requirements.
Swift filtration capabilities also include crimped, welded, epoxy-bonded, and sintered stainless-steel constructions for different industrial operating conditions.
Those options illustrate why “stainless steel” should not be treated as a single universal filter specification. Construction, mesh, element design, fluid, pressure, temperature, and application requirements all matter.
Micro-Fiberglass vs. Cellulose vs. Stainless Steel
Each media type serves a different filtration need.
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Consideration |
Micro-Fiberglass |
Cellulose |
Stainless Steel |
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Primary characteristic |
High-efficiency contaminant removal |
Economical general filtration |
Durable, reusable filtration |
|
Construction |
Fine glass fibers in a multi-layer composite |
Resin-impregnated cellulose |
Stainless-steel wire cloth or other stainless construction |
|
Dirt-holding capability |
High |
Application dependent |
Application dependent |
|
Disposable or reusable |
Depends on element design |
Disposable |
Cleanable and reusable where applicable |
|
Filtration options |
Multiple micron ratings |
Product dependent |
Multiple mesh and filtration options |
|
Fluid compatibility |
Verify for application |
Verify for application |
High compatibility; verify for specific fluid |
|
Typical fit |
Applications requiring effective contaminant removal |
Standard hydraulic and lubrication filtration |
Demanding applications requiring durability or cleanability |
The best choice is not determined by a single characteristic. A lower-cost medium may be appropriate in one application, while another system may require higher filtration efficiency, specific compatibility, or reusable construction.
Explore Swift Hydraulic Filters →
How Micron Ratings and Filtration Efficiency Affect Selection
Media type is only one part of hydraulic filter selection.
A filter’s micron rating describes the size of particles associated with its filtration performance, but the micron number alone does not provide a complete picture of how effectively an element removes contamination.
Filtration efficiency is also important.
The Beta ratio describes the relationship between the number of particles upstream of a filter and the number downstream at a specified particle size. When evaluating hydraulic filter performance, micron rating and stated filtration efficiency should therefore be considered together.
Different filter media may also be described using nominal, absolute, or efficiency-based ratings depending on the media and product.
For that reason, two filters described with the same micron number should not automatically be assumed to provide identical filtration performance.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Hydraulic Filter Media
Filter-media selection should be made in the context of the entire hydraulic system.
Fluid Type and Compatibility
The media, adhesives, seals, and other element materials must be suitable for the fluid being filtered.
Contamination-Control Requirements
Some systems require more efficient removal of fine particles than others. The filtration requirement should be based on the equipment and system needs.
Filtration Rating
The required micron rating and filtration efficiency need to match the application rather than being selected simply because a finer filter appears better.
Operating Conditions
Pressure, temperature, flow, viscosity, and other operating conditions can affect filter selection.
Differential Pressure
Hydraulic elements need to perform within the differential-pressure requirements of the system and housing.
Service and Maintenance Requirements
Disposable media may make sense in one maintenance program, while a cleanable stainless-steel element may be valuable in another.
Equipment and Housing Requirements
The replacement element must fit and function properly within the hydraulic filter assembly.
These variables are why an existing part number, equipment specification, or verified system requirement is often the best place to begin when selecting a replacement filter.
When Standard Hydraulic Filters Aren’t Enough
Not every filtration challenge can be solved with a standard hydraulic replacement element.
Swift offers specialty filtration capabilities for more specific operating requirements, including:
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Water-removal filter elements
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Anti-static filter elements
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Stainless-steel specialty elements
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High-pressure filtration
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Specialty industrial filter elements
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Custom-designed filter elements
Water contamination, for example, can be a serious issue in hydraulic and lubrication systems. Swift filtration capabilities include elements that can be co-pleated with water-absorbing media for applications where water removal is required.
For hard-to-find filters or applications that require a specialized approach, KELTEC can also help connect customers with custom filtration capabilities and technical support.
Swift hydraulic filters are part of KELTEC’s expanding industrial filtration offering. That broader capability can support filtration requirements across hydraulic systems, compressed air, fluid and process applications, dust filtration, and other specialty industrial applications.
How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Filter for Your Application
Selecting the right hydraulic filter starts with understanding the system rather than selecting a media type in isolation.
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Identify the existing filter or filtration requirement. Start with an existing element number, equipment information, or verified system specification when available.
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Confirm the required filtration performance. Determine the required micron rating, filtration efficiency, and contamination-control requirement.
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Review the operating environment. Consider the fluid, pressure, temperature, flow, viscosity, and other system conditions.
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Determine the appropriate media characteristics. Evaluate whether the application calls for efficient contaminant removal, economical disposable filtration, reusable stainless-steel construction, or another specialized media.
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Verify compatibility before replacing the element. Do not assume that dimensional similarity alone means two filter elements are interchangeable.
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Get technical assistance when the requirement is unusual or uncertain. Hard-to-find elements and challenging operating conditions may require a specialty or custom filtration solution.
Explore Swift Hydraulic Filters Through KELTEC
Swift hydraulic filters are available through KELTEC for a wide range of hydraulic equipment and applications.
The Swift hydraulic filtration portfolio includes micro-fiberglass, cellulose, and stainless-steel media, along with specialty filtration capabilities for requirements that go beyond a standard replacement element.
Through KELTEC, customers can also access broader industrial filtration expertise, product discovery, cross-reference resources, technical support, and custom filtration capabilities.
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