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Home / Blog / Baghouse vs. Cartridge Filter: Similarities, Differences, and How to Choose

Baghouse vs. Cartridge Filter: Similarities, Differences, and How to Choose

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Author: Nikulin V, Head of Engineering

General Characteristics

Baghouse and cartridge filters operate on the same principle of mechanical filtration. Contaminated gas passes through the special material, where particles are trapped either on its surface or within its pores. The air is purified while the contaminants are retained, ensuring a top level of purification.

Both types of equipment can utilize synthetic, fabric materials, or special composites with high dust-collecting capacity.

The choice of materials depends on the operating conditions, such as temperature, aggressive environments, and particle size. It is essential that the materials ensure long service life and optimal performance. Cartridge and baghouse filters are classified as dry gas cleaning systems.
Comparison of Filters
These systems can be used together, forming a two-stage filtration process. We have experience in implementing such equipment. First, the gas is directed to the baghouse, and then to the cartridge filter for finer filtration. Implementation details.

Automation of Cleaning

Baghouses and cartridge dust collectors are often equipped with automated cleaning systems that typically utilize compressed air pulses to efficiently remove accumulated dust. These systems allow for the removal of accumulated solid particles without interrupting the equipment's operation.

As a result, the systems can operate for longer periods without the need for frequent replacements, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Compressed air cleaning restores the filter's throughput capacity and extends its service life.

Reusable Use

Both baghouse and cartridge filter systems are designed for multiple uses, as they continue to perform their function after cleaning until the filter element is fully worn out. This allows for savings on consumables and reduces operating costs.

Now, let’s look at the differences.

Cartridge Filters

It consists of a filtering element in the shape of a cylinder or cartridge, inside which there is a pleated surface. They are typically made from materials such as polyester, polypropylene, or synthetic materials. The cleaning surface is more compact due to the pleats, which increases the filtration area in a small volume.
AKMAN and FOEHN by TORCH-AIR

Operating Principle

Pollutants settle on the outer surface of the cartridge, while the purified flow passes through the filter material into the cylinder and exits through its center.

Regeneration usually occurs automatically using compressed air pulses or vibrations.

Baghouses

It consists of long cylindrical sleeves made of fabric or material that are secured to a frame inside the equipment. The bags can be made from various fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, or fiberglass, and may have special coatings to enhance abrasion resistance.
Pulse Jet Baghouse

Operating Principle

Contaminated gas enters the sleeves and then passes through their walls, leaving dust on the inner side. The purified gas exits outward. To remove the accumulated particulates, compressed air pulses, shaking, or reverse air flow are used.
When evaluating dust collection systems, it's important to consider the advantages of baghouse vs cartridge filters in terms of efficiency, maintenance, and operational costs.

How to Choose

Choosing the right system for a specific task depends on several factors that define operating conditions and filtration requirements. Below are the main criteria:

Type of Contaminants
If fine particle filtration is required, cartridges may be more suitable due to their dense and pleated structure, which provides a larger surface area.
Bags are better at handling larger particles and abrasive dust, as their thicker bags can withstand higher loads and pressure.

Temperature Conditions
Both types of equipment can be used for standard ambient temperatures (up to 100°C). However, for operations at high temperatures (up to 250-300°C), bags are preferable, as they can be made from heat-resistant materials that withstand thermal loads. This is particularly important in the metallurgy, glass, and cement industries.

Chemical Composition of Air
If the air contains aggressive chemicals that may affect the filtering materials (such as when working with acids or alkalis), it is necessary to select materials that are resistant to chemical exposure. Both types of systems can be suitable.
TORNADO-FB Fluidized Bed Scrubber
VORTEX Baghouse
Air Volume
Cartridges are better suited for systems with smaller volumes of gas to be processed, where compactness and excellent filtration efficiency in confined spaces are essential.
For handling large volumes of dust-laden gas, baghouses are preferable due to their ability to manage intense flows of contaminants.

Financial Costs
Cartridge equipment is usually less expensive to install due to its compactness and simplicity of design. Baghouses typically have increased operating costs. However, under heavy loads, they can be more economical due to their longer service life.
It's important to consider the balance between the initial installation cost and maintenance and replacement expenses.

Emission Requirements and Environmental Impact
If strict environmental standards for emission levels are crucial for your task, it is necessary to choose equipment that ensures a high level of purification. Both types of devices can meet stringent emission standards; however, baghouses generally perform better in handling heavy dust concentrations, especially on a larger scale.
TORNADO-FB Fluidized Bed Scrubber
FOEHN Modular Cartridge Collector
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We always perform precise calculations and offer expert assistance in selecting the optimal dust collection or gas cleaning systems, typically completing this process within 1 to 2 days
Head of Engineering,
Vladimir Nikulin
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