Introduction
Filter housings come in two main material types: stainless steel and plastic. The choice between them affects not only system durability and pressure tolerance but also the chemical compatibility, hygiene level, and overall cost-efficiency. Understanding their differences helps ensure optimal performance and compliance in filtration systems.
1. Structure Comparison
| Feature | Stainless Steel Housing | Plastic Housing (PP, PVDF, PVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Stainless steel 304 or 316L, polished surface | Polypropylene, PVDF, or PVC thermoplastic |
| Pressure Resistance | High (up to 1.6 MPa and above) | Moderate (typically up to 0.6 MPa) |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 150°C | -10°C to 60–90°C (depends on polymer) |
| Chemical Compatibility | Resists acids and solvents moderately | Excellent resistance to strong acids, alkalis, and salts |
| Surface Finish | Sanitary internal polish for hygienic applications | Smooth injection-molded interior, economical design |
| Durability | Extremely robust, long lifespan | Lightweight, easy to handle and replace |
| Cost | High initial investment | Low to medium cost |
2. Advantages of Stainless Steel Filter Housing
- Exceptional pressure and temperature resistance suitable for sterilization and CIP/SIP cleaning.
- Ideal for hygienic industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing.
- Supports multi-cartridge configurations for high flow rates.
- Long operational life reduces total cost of ownership.
3. Advantages of Plastic Filter Housing
- Excellent corrosion resistance against aggressive chemicals.
- Lightweight and easy to transport or mount in compact systems.
- Best for low-pressure or disposable applications.
- Economical — suitable for laboratories and small-scale filtration setups.
4. Application Suitability Guide
- Pharmaceutical & Biotech: Stainless steel housings are preferred for sterile, validated, clean operations.
- Chemical Processing: Plastic housings, especially PVDF, resist aggressive solutions effectively.
- Food & Beverage: Stainless steel for hygienic filtration of liquids, ensuring ease of cleaning.
- Water Treatment: Plastic housings offer cost-effective large-scale installations.
- Electronics: Plastic housings for ultra-pure chemical filtration.
5. How to Choose the Right Filter Housing
- Evaluate required pressure tolerance and temperature conditions.
- Determine chemical compatibility with process media.
- Identify hygiene or sterility requirements (GMP/FDA compliance).
- Consider installation scale — single-use, laboratory, or industrial systems.
- Balance performance with total cost including maintenance and life span.
Conclusion
Both stainless steel and plastic filter housings play vital roles in modern filtration systems. Stainless steel is the benchmark for robustness and hygiene, while plastic alternatives offer superior chemical resistance and economic value. Selecting the right housing material ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective filtration fitting your process requirements.
Purchase Suggestion
Contact our technical team for expert assistance in assessing your filtration process needs and choosing the most suitable housing material and configuration.