Micron Ratings - A Better Understanding & Breakdown

An important part of any filtration system is the filter’s micron rating. It helps determine the amount and size of debris that gets filtered or removed from liquids. Micron ratings can give important information in their number alone. Being able to effectively read and understand micron ratings allows you to easily decide between different filtration options. Below, we have provided information about several common micron ratings used in industrial strength filtration systems.

(Note, micron ratings can range from 1 micron up to over 800 micron)

 

Micron Sizes - Particle Size by Diameter

1 Micron = 1 Millionth of a Meter

1 Micron = 1 Thousandth of a Millimeter

1 Micron = 39 Millionth of an Inch (0.000039)

25.4 Micron = Visible with Magnification

40 Microns = Visible with Magnification

40 to 90 Microns = Diameter of a Human Hair

5 Micron
Filters with a 5 micron rating remove a large amount of debris from liquid. While there are other, smaller micron ratings, those filters below 5 micron are prone to intense clogging or quick debris buildup. The smaller the micron rating, the faster the filter fills up. To prevent clogging, it is sometimes suggested to use more than one filter when there are a lot of particles, dirt, and debris to be filtered. A 5 micron rating works well in many industries, including the food and beverage industry.

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10 Micron
This rating filters a little less than the 5 micron rating. Filters with a 10 micron rating can remove some unseen materials from liquid but not bacteria or viruses. However, 10 micron is still very small and can benefit many industries, from oil to chemical plants, because of their ability to filter so much. Like the micron ratings lower than this, 10 micron rated filters tend to clog quickly.

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25 Micron
This micron rating has the ability to filter out anything larger than the size of a white blood cell. The 25 micron filters work well in chemical processing industries, as well as many others due to their ability to filter small particles without clogging badly. When paired with other filters they become even more efficient. This is the largest micron size that we offer that filters debris that cannot be seen by the human eye.

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50 Micron
A rating of 50 micron is the perfect cross between some of the much smaller micron ratings and the larger ones. Filters that are 50 micron only filter out particles that can be seen with the human eye. Still, this rating is able to filter debris the size of the diameter of human hair and larger. The main benefit for this micron rating is that it filters a lot from liquid without the clogging issues that come with smaller microns. The versatility of this rating makes it popular in many industries.

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Micron Size to Inches and Millimeters

 

Common Material to Relative Particle Size in Microns

 

At Commercial Filtration Supply, we currently offer liquid filter bags in a range if micron sizes, ranging from 1 micron to 800 micron. They are available in filter bags and filter cartridges, though the sizes vary for each type. While we have only discussed a few of the most used micron ratings, each of our product pages describes micron ratings further. If you have any questions about micron ratings, feel free to contact us at (855) 236-0467!

Fuel injectors, carburetors, and electric fuel pumps can be harmed by relatively small particles. To keep your car running at peak performance you need to choose a filter with the right micron rating and element type.

Micron Ratings

A micron is so small it can’t be seen by the naked eye. Micron ratings on filters typically range between 2 and 100. The lower the number, the smaller the particle it will filter out reliably. You don’t always want the lowest micron filter you can get because they can clog up. Follow these recommendations depending on where the filter is and what type of fuel system you have.

• 100 Micron Filters are usually used as pre-filters to protect fuel pumps and keep larger debris from clogging your post-pump filter. They can be mounted in-line before the pump or in the tank. Pre-filters in the tank are often called “sock filters” or “fuel strainers”
• 40 Micron filters are generally used for carbureted engines after the fuel pump. It’s a good idea to use these along with a 100 micron pre-filter even with a mechanical fuel pump.
• 10 Micron Filters are used after the fuel filter with fuel injected engines and must be used along with 100 micron pre-filter.

Filter Element Types

When choosing your filter’s element material you should consider fuel compatibility, reusability, and position in your fuel system.

• Paper filters are often referred to as cellulose filters and are usually disposable.
  • Paper filters should not be used with methanol or fuels containing more than 20% ethanol
• Stainless-steel filters are compatible with all fuels and can typically be cleaned and reused.
• Micro Glass filters are for post-pump use only and are disposable. 

Fuel Filter Elements and Compatible fuels

 

Fuel types

Filter Element type

 

 Stainless Mesh

 pre / post pump

  Paper / Cellulose

 pre / post pump

   Micro Glass

 Post pump only

Pump Gas And Race gas

87 octane to 120 octane

x x x Diesel Fuel x x x Methanol x   x Ethanol and Ethanol Based fuels (E85) x   x