Proper Maintenance of Titanium Filter Cartridges

Maintenance of titanium filter cartridges can be carried out using physical and chemical methods based on the pollution conditions and the chemical properties of the pollutants, combined with the physical and chemical properties of titanium metal. Physical methods mainly include: clean liquid backwashing, clean gas backblowing, and ultrasonic cleaning methods. Chemical methods mainly include: dilute acid, dilute alkali, oxidants, and surfactants. The above methods can also be used alternately.

Based on common applications, cleaning methods are as follows:

• In the decarbonization filtration of the pharmaceutical and chemical engineering fields,backwashing and backflushing methods should be frequently used in combination with ultrasonic cleaning for optimal results.
• In the water treatment industry,since the contaminants retained on the filter element surface are mostly insoluble salts and oxides, soaking in 5% nitric acid is generally sufficient to achieve cleaning effects without the need for ultrasonic cleaning.
• For the filtration of the original solution, the cleaning methods should be selected based on the chemical properties of the pollutants as follows:
  • Alkaline cleaning: Soak in a 3–5% sodium hydroxide analytical pure solution for 30–60 minutes at a temperature of around 40 °C, preferably in an ultrasonic cleaner. After soaking, rinse inside and outside with filtered deionized water or sterile water until neutral, and measure the conductivity. Dry with clean air at a pressure of 20.4 MPa.
  • Acid cleaning: Soak in a 5% nitric acid solution for more than 8 hours at a temperature of around 40 °C, preferably in an ultrasonic cleaner. After soaking, rinse inside and outside with filtered deionized water or sterile water until neutral, and measure the conductivity. Dry with clean air ≥ 0.4 MPa.
  • Organic pollutants can be cleaned with surfactants, and the cleaning effect of enzyme treatment on cell debris contamination systems is ideal (high-concentration citric acid can be used for cleaning in the food and beverage industry).

The above methods can be used individually or in combination with each other. If conditions permit, combining with an ultrasonic cleaner yields the best results. Regular online backwashing (using pure compressed air, filtered liquid, or clean water for backwashing) can reduce the frequency of cleaning with the above methods.