Precision filtration solutions designed to protect hydraulic components and lubrication circuits. All-SS316L pleated filter cartridges deliver precise contamination control under high differential pressure — specifically suited for hydraulic systems and lubrication lines.
Filtration Challenges
Hydraulic and lubrication system reliability is directly tied to fluid cleanliness. Particulate contamination is the primary cause of premature component wear in hydraulic pumps, valves, cylinders, and bearings — even particles in the 5–15µm range can cause progressive damage to precision-clearance components operating at high pressure.
In hydraulic systems, a filter element that allows bypass — whether due to deformation under pressure or media collapse — is worse than no filter at all. It creates a false sense of protection while allowing the full contaminant load to reach sensitive components.
Pleated stainless steel filter elements are specifically suited for hydraulic and lubrication applications. Their large effective filtration area provides high dirt-holding capacity without the pressure drop that forces bypass, while the all-metal construction eliminates the risk of media collapse at maximum system pressure.
Product Selection
Three product lines covering precision filtration, high-pressure protection, and continuous service requirements across hydraulic and lubrication systems.
Large filtration area (0.17m² per 10" length) combined with all-SS316L construction — no bypass risk, no media collapse. Specifically designed for harsh operating conditions including hydraulic systems. Filtration ratings from 1µm.
Multi-layer diffusion-bonded construction provides maximum mechanical strength for high-pressure lubrication systems. Uniform pore distribution ensures consistent filtration accuracy under sustained operating pressure and temperature.
Low pressure drop and large open area make Basket Filter elements the preferred choice for coarse pre-filtration and strainer applications in hydraulic reservoir and lubrication system inlets. Extended service life with minimal maintenance.
Selection Guide
Matching filter type, micron rating, and construction to your system pressure, flow rate, and contamination targets.
| Application | Recommended Product | Filtration Rating | Material | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic power unit (HPU) | Pleated Cartridge | 1–25µm | All SS316L | No bypass at max system pressure |
| Gearbox lubrication circuit | Pleated or Sintered Mesh | 5–50µm | SS316L | High dirt-holding, cleanable |
| High-pressure lubrication line | Sintered Mesh Filter | 1–100µm | SS316L | Excellent mechanical strength |
| Reservoir inlet strainer | Basket Filter | 50–500µm | SS304/316L | Low ΔP, high flow, easy cleaning |
| Off-line kidney loop filtration | Pleated Cartridge | 1–10µm | All SS316L | Fine filtration, reusable |
Need help selecting the right micron rating for your system cleanliness target? Send us your system specs and we'll recommend the right configuration.
Application Cases
Filtration solutions delivered to hydraulic equipment manufacturers and industrial lubrication system operators.
Challenge: A European hydraulic equipment manufacturer was experiencing early component wear in their high-pressure power units. Analysis identified particulate contamination as the primary cause — the previous filter elements were experiencing media deformation at peak operating pressure, allowing bypass.
Solution: All-SS316L pleated cartridge filters, 10µm rating, custom length matched to the OEM's housing specification. Forward ΔP rating of 17 bar ensures no deformation or bypass at maximum system pressure.
Result: Component replacement interval extended by 60% across the HPU product line. Adopted as the standard filter element for the customer's full hydraulic power unit range.
Challenge: A North American industrial plant required filter elements for a centralized lubrication system serving multiple large gearboxes. The system ran at elevated pressure and temperature, and the previous fiber-based filter elements were compressing and losing dimensional accuracy over time.
Solution: Multi-layer sintered mesh filter elements with high-temperature diffusion bonding. 25µm rating selected to balance protection requirements with acceptable service interval. Custom dimensions matched to the existing lubrication unit housing.
Result: Consistent filtration accuracy maintained across 18 months of operation. Zero dimensional drift observed at scheduled inspection intervals.
Challenge: A Southeast Asian industrial equipment manufacturer needed durable strainer elements for hydraulic reservoir inlets across their product range. Existing strainers were corroding and required replacement every 6–12 months.
Solution: SS316L Basket Filter strainer elements with custom diameter and length, 150µm slot size. Non-clogging profile and abrasion-resistant construction selected for extended service life in high-flow reservoir inlet conditions.
Result: Service life extended to 3+ years per element. Standardized as the replacement strainer across the manufacturer's complete hydraulic equipment product line.
FAQ
Common questions about stainless steel filter elements for hydraulic and lubrication systems.
Pleated stainless steel filters combine a large effective filtration area (reducing pressure drop and maximizing service life) with the structural rigidity needed to resist media collapse at high differential pressure. Unlike fiber-based filter media, the stainless steel pleated structure will not deform under pressure surges — which means no risk of bypass at peak system pressure. They are also reusable, reducing long-term operating cost compared with disposable cartridges.
Our standard pleated SS316L filter cartridges are rated for 250 psid (17 bar) forward differential pressure and 50 psid (3.4 bar) reverse differential pressure. These ratings apply to the full all-SS316L assembly including media layers, support structure, and end caps. If your system operates at higher ΔP, or requires reverse-flow cleaning, please specify this when enquiring so we can confirm the appropriate construction and wall thickness.
Yes. SS316L is fully compatible with mineral-based hydraulic oils, synthetic lubricants, and most hydraulic fluids including HLP, HM, HV, and HVLP grades. The filter media and support structure are not affected by oil-based media. The only consideration is seal material — if your fluid contains specific additives or is fire-resistant (phosphate ester-based), please specify this so we can recommend the appropriate seal material (typically Viton or PTFE for these applications).
Stainless steel pleated filter elements can be cleaned by back-flushing with solvent, ultrasonic cleaning in degreasing solution, or high-pressure air blasting. The appropriate cleaning method depends on the contamination type (metal particles, scale, sludge). After cleaning, the element should be visually inspected and, if available, bubble-point tested to confirm that filtration integrity is maintained before reinstallation. We can provide specific cleaning guidance based on your contaminant type and operating conditions.
Yes — drawing-based customization is our standard working mode. We support all common connection types (DOE, 222/226, threaded M20–M42) and can manufacture to any OD, ID, and length combination. Send us your existing filter drawing or the dimensions of the element you need to replace, and we will assess feasibility, confirm tolerances, and provide an initial sample within 48–72 hours of drawing confirmation.
We support DOE (double open end), 222 / 226 with flat or tapered ends, and threaded types from M20 through M42. For hydraulic applications with custom housings, we manufacture to drawing — provide your end cap profile, OD, ID, and length, and we will match your existing housing geometry. Seal material options for hydraulic applications include EPDM, NBR, Viton (FKM), and PTFE, depending on your fluid compatibility requirements.
Share your system pressure, required micron rating, housing dimensions, and fluid type — we'll recommend the right filter configuration and provide a quote within 24 hours.
