Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsGood price by the case.....if this is what you want.
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2013
These are slightly over $1.16 by the case of 50. A good price, a good
filter? Only maybe. These fit my filter housings snugly, precluding any
by pass. The nature of this type of filter makes tham "crushable", so
one doesn't need to be concerned if they seem too long.
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That said, I prefer the "string wound" filters over this type. The
exterior of this type of filter soon begins to become blocked as
the fine particles immediately start to collect on the SMOOTH outer
surface. Particulate matter doesn't collect within the filter media,
only on the limited surface. This is the first time I'v used this
"smooth outer" type, it will be the last. The string wound filters have
a longer practical service life what with their inherent design providing
more area to trap particulate matter.
.
I have pressure gauges before and after the (3 parallel) filters to monitor
pressure loss (drop). These appear to have roughly half the capacity (time before
excessive pressure loss) as the string type. They are very effective during
their short service span, however.
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My next move might be to try a set of pleated paper for comparison. More
$$$ however.
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UPDATE 5-13:I will certainly be obliged to source the 'string type' or pleated
paper filter(s). These, having a relatively smooth surface, become blocked in a fraction of the time as the 5 micron string type I have been using. I'll go through this box of 50 pretty fast. These are referred as "melt blown" filters. As I alluded previously, NO particulate matter is trapped within the filter. Only on the surface. These are becoming VERY common. IMHO they can be made cheaper and faster as compared to the string type. More $$$ for the manufacturer. Not a satisfactory filter at all for me. As a side note, this item has gone up $3.00 since my purchase ($54.01) 4-5-13. My water softener service man suggested I
rinse off the outside and reuse them a couple of times. After due consideration, this did seem viable. All the crud is on the outside and rinses off easily.
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Note 7-6-13: My water softener service guy reminded me of two issues on this type of filter. [1] It can soon restrict water volume so as to prevent my water softener from performing a proper 'rinse'. (And I had noticed a dimished "softness" in my water supply) [2] He again suggested I rinse the slime off the outside of these filters and reuse them. After doing so on some, I discovered the particulate "trapped" by these is TOTALLY on the outside surface. Absolutely NO 'depth' of filtration. The entire center to the outside surface serves no purpose at all! Rinse 'em off and as good as new (which isn't saying much)
