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A decolorization filter cartridge is a cylindrical filter element designed to remove color bodies from liquids. The version we’re talking about here uses borosilicate glass fiber as the filtration media, wrapped or reinforced with a protective mesh—usually stainless steel or polyester.
The glass fiber media is pleated or wrapped in multiple layers to create a dense, tortuous path. The protective mesh serves two purposes:
It holds the glass fiber layers in place, preventing media migration or blow‑by under pressure.
It protects the fragile glass fiber from mechanical damage during handling, installation, and operation.
Unlike carbon cartridges that lose effectiveness as the adsorption sites fill up, glass fiber cartridges work purely by mechanical capture. They don’t “wear out” chemically—they simply fill up with particles. And because the pore size is uniform and well‑controlled, they deliver consistent filtration from the first drop to the last.
Let’s clear up a common confusion. Activated carbon removes color by adsorption—contaminant molecules stick to the internal surface of the carbon pores. Glass fiber removes color by mechanical entrapment.
Here’s what happens inside a decolorization cartridge:
The liquid enters from the outside (or inside, depending on design). It first hits the protective mesh, which catches any large, stringy debris that could clog the glass fiber prematurely. Then the liquid moves into the glass fiber layers. The fibers are arranged randomly, creating a three‑dimensional network of pores. As the liquid winds through this network, solid particles—including fine pigments, carbon black, rust, and other color‑causing particulates—collide with the fibers and get stuck.
Particles smaller than the nominal pore size can still be captured because the path is so tortuous. That’s why glass fiber depth filters often achieve higher efficiency than their nominal rating suggests.
The protective mesh on the outside (and sometimes inside) ensures that even under pressure surges or backflow, the glass fiber layers stay in place. No media migration, no “channeling” where fluid finds a shortcut around the media.
| Specification | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Media | Borosilicate glass fiber (pleated or wrapped) |
| Protective Mesh | 304 or 316 stainless steel (or polyester for non‑corrosive) |
| Micron Rating | 0.5 μm – 50 μm (absolute) |
| Outer Diameter | 2.5″ – 6.5″ (63 – 165 mm) |
| Length | 10″ – 40″ (250 – 1000 mm) |
| End Caps | Polypropylene, stainless steel, or nylon |
| Max Temperature | 120°C (248°F) for polypropylene; 300°C+ for all‑metal |
| Max Differential Pressure | 3 – 5 bar (depending on construction) |
| Flow Direction | Outside‑in or inside‑out (housing dependent) |
| Seals | NBR, Viton, EPDM, silicone |
Because these cartridges remove fine particulates rather than dissolved organics, their applications overlap with—but are not identical to—carbon‑based decolorization.
Not all decolorization filter cartridges are the same. Here’s what to look for.
Huahang Filter has been manufacturing industrial filters since 2009. Unlike many sellers who rebrand generic products, Huahang makes its own glass fiber decolorization cartridges from raw materials—glass fiber rolls, stainless steel mesh, end caps, and seals.
The company operates a dedicated clean assembly area for glass fiber products, because fiber contamination is a real risk. Huahang’s protective mesh is precision‑welded or heat‑sealed to prevent fraying. Every cartridge is tested for media integrity before it leaves the factory.
Huahang holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and supplies decolorization filters to edible oil refineries, chemical plants, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial lubricant manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
True borosilicate glass fiber media with consistent fiber diameter
304 or 316 stainless steel protective mesh (or polyester for non‑corrosive duty)
Multiple micron ratings: 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 μm absolute
Standard lengths: 10″, 20″, 30″, 40″; custom lengths available
End caps: polypropylene, stainless steel, or food‑grade nylon
Seals: NBR, Viton, EPDM, silicone to match your fluid
Outside‑in or inside‑out flow configuration
Custom sizes based on drawing or sample
Q: Can a glass fiber decolorization cartridge remove dissolved color?
A: No. Glass fiber only removes solid particles. If your color is caused by dissolved molecules (like dyes or tannins), you need activated carbon or an adsorption resin. If you’re not sure, run a lab test.
Q: What does the protective mesh actually do?
A: Two things: it prevents the glass fiber layers from shifting or unraveling under flow, and it stops fibers from shedding into the clean liquid. Without the mesh, a glass fiber cartridge can “blow out” at higher pressure drops.
Q: How do I know if my color problem is particulate or dissolved?
A: Take a sample and filter it through a 0.45 micron lab syringe filter. If the filtrate is clear, the color was particulate. If the filtrate is still colored, it’s dissolved.
Q: Are these cartridges reusable after cleaning?
A: No. Glass fiber depth filters are disposable. Cleaning will not restore the pore structure. Use them until the pressure drop tells you to replace.
Q: Do you offer custom sizes?
A: Yes. Huahang manufactures custom diameters, lengths, and connection types based on your drawing or sample. Minimum order for custom is typically 20–50 pieces, but sample quantities are welcome.
Q: Can I use this cartridge in a standard 10″ or 20″ housing?
A: Yes, if the housing is designed for glass fiber cartridges (i.e., has proper sealing and end cap adapters). Huahang can supply the correct end cap configuration (DOE, SOE, 222, 226, etc.) to match your housing.
Q: Do I need a pre‑filter before this cartridge?
A: If your liquid contains large debris (over 50 microns), yes—install a coarse strainer or bag filter upstream. Otherwise, the large particles will blind the outer mesh quickly.
