In hygienic manufacturing—from food and beverage production and breweries to pharmaceuticals manufacturing—sanitary filtration is more than a matter of quality; it’s a non-negotiable necessity for maintaining safety, product consistency, and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re removing particulates to protect downstream equipment or ensuring that your product meets stringent purity standards, choosing the right filter starts with understanding nominal pore size.
Though sanitary strainers and sanitary filters may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and are designed to handle specific tasks within the processing pipeline. Read about the differences.
What Is Nominal Pore Size?
The nominal pore size of a filter refers to the approximate average size of the pores in the filter media, typically expressed in microns (µm). It indicates the size of particles the filter is designed to capture, though not necessarily with absolute precision. A nominal rating means the filter will capture a percentage (usually 85–95%) of particles at the specified size.
This is different from absolute pore size, which guarantees 100% removal of particles at a certain size, often required in sterile or ultra-pure applications.
Where to Use Disposable Sanitary Filters in a Hygienic Process
Disposable sanitary filters are ideal for:
- Pre-filtration before fine or sterile filters
- Pump and valve protection to remove particulates from fluids before they enter critical equipment
- End-of-line protection in filling lines, bottling operations, or packaging systems
- Clean In Place (CIP) systems to prevent system fouling from solid debris
- General particle filtration in water, syrups, dairy, sauces, beer, wine, and more
They are especially valuable in processes where frequent filter changes are required, making reusability impractical or cost-inefficient.
What Do Different Micron Ratings Remove?
Understanding what each micron rating can capture helps determine the best filter for your application. Here’s a breakdown of common nominal pore sizes and their typical uses:
| Micron Rating (µm) | Typical Removal Capabilities | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 40 µm | Removes large visible particulates like pulp, seeds, or sediment | Pre-filtration in juice, wine, dairy; coarse solids removal |
| 250 µm | Captures large fibrous debris, clumps, and aggregates | Pump protection; raw intake filtration for viscous fluids |
| 300 µm | Similar to 250 µm; allows slightly more flow while still trapping coarse debris | General coarse screening in CIP systems |
| 420 µm | For even larger particles; minimal flow restriction | First-stage filtration in heavy particulate systems |
| 500 µm | Captures very large solids while maximizing flow rate | Used in bulk transfer processes of viscous materials |
| 765 µm | Screens out the largest particles in unprocessed fluids | Raw ingredient filtering; protection of large diaphragm pumps |
Pro Tip: For multi-stage filtration setups, start with a higher micron rating and move toward finer filters. This stepwise approach extends filter life and improves process efficiency.
Why Choose Disposable Sanitary Filters from Sanitary Fittings?
- Designed for easy installation into standard sanitary housings
- Available in a wide range of pore sizes and lengths
- Cost-effective for single-use or high-frequency replacement processes
- Ready to ship with fast turnaround
Whether you’re looking to increase uptime, protect your pumps and valves, or improve product quality, disposable sanitary filters offer a clean, efficient solution tailored to your needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Filter?
Our team is here to assist you in selecting the correct pore size for your process. Contact us today or explore disposable sanitary filters available for immediate purchase.