Quick video guide to union gaskets with filter

Do you know the difference between mesh 20 and mesh 60 when we talk mesh sizes on union gaskets with filters? In our newsletter back in March, we covered these products, and we also published an article about them here on our website.

In our latest YouTube video, Alexander Hold takes a closer look at the types of union gaskets, including the difference in mesh sizes and what to look for when choosing the right model.

Have you thought about how best to safeguard your most sensitive process points? If not, filtration is a good place to start. Union gaskets with screens offer a range of benefits as a filtration solution. This is largely due to their design, which allows you to incorporate them without having to rebuild your pipework. 

Whilst larger components such as Y-strainers and L-strainers often handle coarse filtration early in the system, the union gasket with screen acts as a discreet and space-saving safeguard right next to the most sensitive points in your plant. By placing the filtration directly within the union itself, you can capture small contaminants – such as fragments from worn gaskets or weld spatter arising after primary filtration – which could otherwise lead to unintended downtime in your expensive components. 

With connections ranging from SMS to Mini Clamp, it's easy to find a solution that fits your existing piping system perfectly. 

As Alexander demonstrates in the video, choosing the correct mesh size is crucial for maintaining the balance between effective filtration and an uninterrupted flow in your pipework. An insert is only beneficial to your production if it both captures the harmful particles and maintains the same uninterrupted flow. 

To help you make the right choice, we often follow these guidelines for your mesh size: 

• Coarse protection (e.g. mesh 20 / 0.5–1 mm): This is often your ideal choice for protecting pumps, valves and heat exchangers from coarse foreign matter in the system. 
• Fine filtration (e.g. mesh 60 / 50–150 μm): You should typically choose this mesh size closer to the end of the process, where your focus is on final product quality and precise particle control. 

Remember that if you choose a mesh size that is too fine for your medium, you increase the risk of frequent blockages and a significant drop in pressure. This can place a significant strain on your pumps and disrupt overall production. 

Your union gasket with screen must be able to withstand the specific environment in which it operates. This means it must be adapted both to the process medium itself and to your subsequent cleaning procedures. The filter mesh itself is made of AISI 316L stainless steel, which ensures high corrosion resistance and strength against pressure surges. 

For the filter’s gasket itself, you will often find common rubber materials such as: 

• EPDM: Often your preferred choice for water, steam and most acids/bases. 
• FKM (Viton): For applications involving high temperatures and more demanding chemical or oil-containing media. 
• NBR: A robust solution for tasks requiring good oil and grease resistance at moderate temperatures. 
• PTFE (Teflon): Extremely chemically resistant and suitable for the high hygiene standards in the pharmaceutical and food industries. 

Whatever suits your process, we ensure that your final choice meets the high hygiene standards found in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. 

Finding the right filtration strategy is about understanding your plant and the particles you wish to remove. The right combination of material and mesh size ensures stable production and greater peace of mind in your day-to-day operations. If you’d like to know more about your options, we’ve created the ultimate guide to help you choose the perfect filtration solution.  

If you’d like to get in touch with our specialists, they’re ready to discuss with you how best to implement point protection in your specific flow.  

Contact us today for a no-obligation chat – send an email to inquiry@alfotech.eu or call +45 7020 0422.