Cartridge strainer consists of a replaceable element fitted into a pressure vessel and has to be securely sealed to prevent leakage. Cartridge filters can act by a depth filtration mechanism, by a straining mechanism or by a combination of the two.
The mechanism depends on the medium used. Cartridge filters used for straining are often pleated. Cartridge can be thrown away when they are clogged or cleaned or reclaimed by the manufacturer. Cartridge working entirely by straining are usually cleanable although it may be not economic to clean the element.
Cartridge filtration units generally operate most effectively and economically on applications having low particle content. For heavier contamination applications, cartridges filter are normally used as final polishing filters.