Primer on Nonwoven Media
Nonwoven filtration media have had a profound impact and one of the mainstays in the filtration industry for the last 30 years. The total nonwoven filtration market is approximately $2.2 billion worldwide and $850 million in North America
Principal fibers used in filtration are polypropylene followed closely by polyester. Other fiber at distance include cellulose, glass, nylon, polyethylene, aramid, PPS and PTFE.
Filtration media is available in many forms, including both spunbond and meltblown, which are made in a one step process from a melt directly forming the media. Needlepunch, airlaid, through-air bonded, wetlaid and all other media are formed in a secondary fabric forming process from pre-made fibers.
Some of the more common uses of nonwoven fabrics include needlepunch for automotive transmission filters, liquid filter bags, baghouse filters and industrial air filtration. Spunbond fabrics are used as filtration media and/or pleat support in liquid cartridges and a leading media in coolant filtration. Wetlaid glass media is common in HEPA/ULPA and hydraulic cartridges.
Airlaid and resin bonded fabrics are popular for in air filtration. Meltblown materials are primarily used where low micron ratings are needed in pleated cartridges, spray-spun cartridges and in industrial air filters.
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