Choosing the right filter press is important, but choosing the right filter cloth is just as critical. In many of the articles we discussed earlier—especially those explaining how filtration works and why cycle time or moisture levels matter—you may have noticed something: the filter cloth quietly determines almost half of the machine’s performance.

For factories using equipment from Fujian Province Tianfu Long Environmental Science and Technology Co., Ltd., the filter cloth is not just a spare part. It’s the key to achieving stable filtration, cleaner filtrate, and a longer equipment lifespan. But how do you know which cloth suits your materials and your goals?

Let’s break it down in a simple, beginner-friendly way.

1. Understand Your Slurry First

Before choosing any cloth, you need to identify what you are filtering. Different industries require different cloth characteristics.

Ask yourself:

• Is the slurry fine or coarse?

• Is it highly viscous?

• Does it contain corrosive chemicals?

• Does it require food-grade materials?

• Do you need very clear filtrate or just basic dewatering?

For example:

• Ceramic and kaolin plants need cloth with excellent fine-particle capture.

• Chemical plants need cloth that resists corrosion.

• Mining requires strong mechanical resistance.

• Environmental projects often prioritize durable cloth that can withstand heavy sludge loads.

This step directly affects the next decisions you make.

2. Choose the Right Material: Polyester, Polypropylene, or Nylon?

Filter cloths are usually made of:

• Polypropylene (PP) — Most common; excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption

• Polyester (PE) — Good for higher-temperature filtration

• Nylon (PA) — High strength but not ideal for very acidic environments

Since Tianfu Long’s filter presses serve industries ranging from chemicals to metallurgy and food processing, choosing the correct material ensures both durability and safe operation.

3. Consider the Filtration Precision (Micron Rating)

The “micron” rating determines how fine the filtration is.

General guidelines:

• 1–10 microns: very fine filtration (chemicals, metallurgy, pigments)

• 10–50 microns: common industrial filtration (ceramics, minerals)

• 50–100 microns: coarse filtration (initial sludge dewatering)

A smaller micron rating means clearer filtrate but also slower cycle times. It’s all about balance.

4. Think About Cake Release

A good filter cloth does not just filter—it should release the filter cake easily.
If your team spends too much time shaking off mud or scraping sticky material, the cloth type may be wrong.

Look for:

• Smooth surfaces

• Good air permeability

• Anti-clogging weave patterns

This directly affects daily efficiency, especially for materials like:

• Bentonite

• Starch

• Slurry with fine organic particles

5. Check Cloth Durability and Washing Performance

A filter cloth that needs replacement every few weeks will quickly increase operating costs.

Good cloth should:

• Withstand repeated washing

• Maintain tension without stretching

• Resist chemical cleansing agents

• Maintain stable filtration after long-term use

For heavy industries—such as mining, metallurgy, or environmental protection—durability matters even more.

6. Match the Cloth to Your Machine Type

This is where Tianfu Long’s engineering experience becomes valuable.

Different machines—chamber press, membrane press, fast-opening press—may require:

• Different cloth sizes

• Different cloth weaves

• Special reinforcement areas

• Customized drain hole patterns

Using the wrong cloth may lead to:

• Leakage

• Lower pressure resistance

• Shorter cloth life

• Poor cake formation

A perfectly matched cloth maximizes the performance indicators we mentioned in earlier blog posts—moisture content, filtration speed, and output capacity.

7. Work With a Supplier Who Understands Your Industry

The best factories don’t just buy “filter cloth.”
They choose a partner who understands their materials and their process.

With more than 20 years of filtration experience, Tianfu Long not only manufactures filter presses but also assists customers in choosing the correct cloth for their slurry type, pressure conditions, and performance goals. This ensures that the equipment consistently meets the demands of industries like ceramics, chemicals, metallurgy, oil refining, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection.

Choosing the right filter cloth doesn’t have to be complicated.
Just follow these key steps:

1. Understand your slurry

2. Select the proper material

3. Match the filtration precision

4. Consider cake release

5. Evaluate durability

6. Ensure compatibility with your machine

7. Work with a knowledgeable supplier

With the right cloth, your filter press will operate faster, last longer, and deliver cleaner results—no matter which industry you’re in.