At W.S. Tyler we talk a lot about our knowledge of woven wire mesh. It’s the heart of our business and something that is used in industries all over the globe.
As our wire mesh filter solutions have been used for over 100 years, we strive to develop new weave patterns and types of woven wire mesh that offer optimal filtration in terms of durability and precision.
In 1954, a special Minimesh weave of ours was used in Nasa’s aviation and space programs and enabled smoothly functioning control systems and engine units.
Since then, our Minimesh wire mesh filter has become one of our most reliable and trusted products in woven wire mesh industry.
In this article, we are going to talk about the benefits of using Minimesh wire mesh filters over other media like paper or plastic. We are also going to talk about how it compares to plain weave or more standard square mesh patterns.
What Is MINIMESH Wire Mesh Filter Cloth?
Wire mesh filter cloth is best defined as a metallic cloth comprised of a predetermined amount of metal wires that are interwoven to form pore openings that are rigid and precise. Specifications, such as opening size, mesh count, wire diameter, alloy, and weave pattern, are calculated before the wires undergo a centuries-old weaving process.
Now, filter cloth is specifically designed to screen and remove impurities from various liquids and gases. They are often used for applications like filtration, fluidizing, drying, and screening.
MINIMESH is W.S. Tyler's line of filter cloth and consists of seven different weave patterns, each with their own unique qualities. These weaves are more intricate and precise than standard square mesh patterns.
Minimesh micron ratings range from 314 microns down to 7 microns.
What Are the Benefits of Minimesh?
There are a handful of beneficial qualities that MINIMESH filter cloth weaves have to offer, especially when compared to other filter media like wedge wire and metal fiber felt. These qualities include cleanaability, precise cut, optimal flow rate, low blinding tendency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Cleanability
Cleaning your filter media is an important part of any filtration system. This ensures you are getting accurate results each time.
One of the primary benefits of MINIMESH, in particular, is that it is easy to clean and maintain.
As MINIMESH is known for its durability, back flushing can be used between uses. This type of cleaning is not always possible with other filter media like paper or plastic, as they will not hold up to the pressure.
Precise Cut-Point
The geometric filter structure of wire mesh filter cloth is uniform throughout the entire surface area. This helps to deliver a level of consistency and accuracy that is not achievable when using other filter media.
High Flow Rate
When fluid flows through a filter medium, a pressure difference is generated between the inlet and outlet sides of the filter. The severity of this pressure difference is dependent upon the structural properties of the filter, the load, and the properties of the fluid.
Even when finer specifications are used, MINIMESH wire mesh filter cloth works to achieve a high flow rate with a low-pressure drop coefficent. This, in turn, establishes greater energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout the filtration process.
Low Blinding Tendencies
Blinding is the occurrence in which particles get stuck in the mesh openings, preventing other particles from passing through. While there are ways to help combat this problem, MINIMESH filter cloth weave patterns naturally eliminate a lot of these concerns.
The decreased risk of blinding ultimately stems from the profile of the weaves themselves.
As stated previously, MINIMESH weave pattern help facilitate higher flow rates. This helps particles seek openings faster, minimizing buildup and preventing blinding from happening.
Durability
Minimesh is typically constructed from either 304 or 316 stainless steel. That said, other alloys are available upon specific request to ensure your mesh is durable and long-lasting.
It is able to withstand the pressures created in a filter system that would cause other filter media to fail. Resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion are also major benefits of the metallic nature of MINIMESH filter cloth.
Despite delivering desirable durability, it's important to know that wire mesh filter cloth can be formed into custom components, ensuring it fits into your process seamlessly.
Cost-Efficiency
As Minimesh is so durable and reliable, it is not easily damaged. This means you will not be replacing it nearly as often as other types of filtration media.
This will result in less downtime for your process as well as reduced expenses associated with potential replacements.
Weave Types
MINIMESH brand encompasses seven different weave patterns. These patterns are RPD HIFLO-S, twilled reverse plain dutch weave, reverse plain dutch weave, broad mesh twilled dutch weave, dutch twilled weave, HIFLO, and single plain dutch weave.
Below you will find 3D renderings of each weave pattern, allowing you to visually understand how each profile differs.
RPD HIFLO-S - High Performance Metal Filter Cloth
RPD - Reverse Plain Dutch Weave
DTW - Dutch Twilled Weave
SPW - Single Plain Dutch Weave
How to Know Which MINIMESH Weave Pattern Is Right for You?
When designing a woven wire mesh solution, there are several parameters that must be considered, including what weave pattern you should be using. The two things that are going to lead you to a suitable weave pattern for your needs are the pore size needed to screen the desired particle size range and the amount of pressure in your system.
This graph was designed to help you determine which weave pattern is right for you based on those two properties.
Explore the Capabilities of Wire Mesh Filter Cloth
Minimesh wire mesh filters are a great solution for your filtration needs, especially when a very specific level of filtration is needed.
If you have any other questions about the capabilities of our Minimesh wire mesh filter cloth, send us a message and we'd be happy to discuss it with you.
Want all the latest industry trends and innovations sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter today!