Filter Media: Dirt Holding Capacity 500-2000 g/m², pH Range 6-9

Component Specifications

Definition

Filter media is the critical functional element of a marine ballast water treatment system filter cartridge, designed to capture and retain suspended solids, microorganisms (including zooplankton, phytoplankton, and bacteria), and other particulate matter from ballast water. It operates through mechanical filtration mechanisms, typically using depth filtration or surface filtration principles, with pore sizes ranging from 10 to 50 microns to meet IMO D-2 discharge standards. The media must maintain structural integrity under varying flow rates (typically 200-1000 m³/h), pressures (1-6 bar), and water conditions (salinity, temperature, turbidity) while preventing biofouling and minimizing pressure drop.

Working Principle

The filter media operates on mechanical filtration principles where ballast water is forced through a porous matrix. Particles larger than the media's pore size are trapped via direct interception, while smaller particles may be captured through inertial impaction, diffusion, or electrostatic attraction depending on media design. Depth filtration media captures contaminants throughout its thickness, while surface filtration media forms a cake on the surface. The filtration efficiency is governed by pore size distribution, media thickness, and surface characteristics, with typical removal rates exceeding 99% for organisms ≥50 μm and 90% for organisms 10-50 μm.

Materials

Polypropylene melt-blown non-woven fabric (most common), polyester needlefelt, stainless steel mesh (316L), ceramic membranes, or composite materials with antimicrobial coatings. Materials must be corrosion-resistant to seawater, chemically inert, and mechanically stable with tensile strength >30 N/cm² and elongation at break >100%. Antimicrobial treatments may include silver nanoparticles, copper oxide, or quaternary ammonium compounds.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Porosity	70-90%
PH Range	6-9
Flow Rate	200-1000 m³/h
Surface Area	2-10 m² per cartridge
Burst Strength	>5 bar
Filtration Rating	10-50 microns
Temperature Range	0-40°C
Operating Pressure	1-6 bar
Differential Pressure	0.5-2.0 bar (clean)
Dirt Holding Capacity	500-2000 g/m²

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 16890, ISO 2941, DIN 24550, IMO Ballast Water Management Convention

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Marine Ballast Water Treatment System Filter Cartridge

This cylindrical filtration cartridge is a replaceable component designed for marine ballast water treatment systems.

View Product Details

HEPA Filtration Unit

A filtration device that removes airborne particles and microorganisms from the air supply in sterilization systems

View Product Details

Filter Drum

The rotating cylindrical component of an industrial rotary drum vacuum filter that provides the filtration surface.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Media clogging from high sediment loads
Biological growth reducing efficiency
Structural failure under pressure surges
Chemical degradation from water treatment additives

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Excessive particulate loading
Failure: Rapid pressure increase and flow reduction
Mitigation: Install pre-filters, implement automatic backwashing, monitor differential pressure

Trigger: Chemical incompatibility
Failure: Media degradation and loss of structural integrity
Mitigation: Material compatibility testing, protective coatings, regular inspection

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Must remove ≥99% of organisms ≥50 μm and ≥90% of organisms 10-50 μm per IMO D-2 standards

Test Method

ISO 11711 for marine environment filtration testing, IMO G8 guidelines for type approval

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Filter Media

7 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

HIFINE

Suzhou, Jiangsu, CN

Also makes: Activated Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter

Managed by the manufacturer
Listed on the company's own website

Listed there as: “Activated carbon filter media”
View source page ↗ hifinefilter.com · recorded 2026-08-25

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Airy Filter

Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN

Also makes: Activated Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, Pre-Filter and 1 more