Important Parameters for Choosing the Suitable Filter Papers

Filtration is one of the most widely used laboratory techniques we use in laboratories and elsewhere. Filter papers seem like a kind of magical paper that separates the solvent and the solid. You might spend a long time finding a suitable filter paper for your experiment or project and want this process to be easier.

Here are some important parameters for you to refer to when you choose the filter paper:

1. What particle size does it hold on to?
The particle size that a filter paper can effectively hold onto depends on its pore size, which is expressed in micrometers (µm) or millimeters (mm). Filter papers are available with various pore sizes, and the choice of pore size depends on the specific application and the size of particles you want to retain or remove.

2. Will the filtered chemical be compatible with your solution?
This can affect the contamination of the sample as well.

3. Will you be able to get the solid sample off the filter papers when you need to?
Depending on your product characteristics, if it is a non-stick powder or granules or crystals, just pat the filter paper lightly after drying. If the wet product sticks to the paper, just scrape it gently with a horn spoon after drying. Do not use a scraper, it is easy to scrape off the paper scraps.

You can also remove all the filter paper and solids, and bend the filter paper with the solid side outward, so that most of the solids will fall off. This operation is easier when the solid is completely dry.
4. How much solid sample could the filter paper hold before it gets clogged up?
This is known as loading capacity.

5. How quickly will the solution flow through the filter paper?
This is known as flow rate. It is quite related to the loading capacity.

6. Will the filter papers break during filtration?
This is in some way measured as wet strength.

Hawach provides Qualitative Filter Paper Disc Grade: BIO-1, uantitative Medium Flow Filter Paper Grade: BIO-40, Quantitative Cellulose Filter Paper Grade: BIO-44, Wet Strengthened Chemistry Filter Paper Grade: BIO-113, and other filter papers for your choice.