Filtration Guide
What Is Filtration?
Filtration is the removal of contaminants from fluid. The better the filtration the longer the component life. In general filtration that removes the most contaminants is the best filter. The degree of filtration is expressed in terms of the size in microns of the smallest particle that will not pass through the filter.
Selection of the ideal filter for your application not only depends on the degree of filtration but other elements like the cost of filtration, and the pressure drop caused by filtration. Fine filtration requires almost constant maintenance. It also can cause excessive pressure drops which contribute to inefficiencies in the system and undue strain on the transfer equipment. There are many variables to consider when selecting filter sizes and equipment. Please contact Midway Industrial Supply when you need help selecting the filters your application requires.
Relative Size Of Micronic Particles


Table of Comparison Micron Values for Common Micronic Objects
Lower Limit of Visitibility (Naked Eye) | 40 Microns |
White Blood Cells | 25 Microns |
Red Blood Cells | 8 Microns |
Bacteria (Cocci) | 2 Microns |
Wire Screen Mesh vs. Micron Comparison Chart
MESH | MICRON |
5 | 3000 |
7.5 | 1980 |
10 | 1480 |
16 | 975 |
20 | 750 |
30 | 500 |
40 | 375 |
50 | 300 |
60 | 238 |
80 | 175 |
100 | 149 |
140 | 100 |
200 | 74 |
250 | 60 |
270 | 50 |
325 | 40 |
400 | 35 |
Screen Sizes
Meshes Per Linear Inch | U.S. Sieve # | Opening in Inches | Opening in Microns |
52.36 | 50 | .0117... | 297 |
72.45 | 70 | .0083... | 210 |
101.01... | 100 | .0059... | 149 |
142.86... | 140 | .0041... | 105 |
200.00... | 200 | .0029... | 74 |
270.26... | 270 | .0021... | 53 |
323.00... | 325 | .0017.. | 44 |
.00039... | 10 | ||
.000019... | .5 |