For cosmetics formulation requiring 0.2 micron absolute retention, flow rates up to 45 m³/h, and pressure differentials not exceeding 3.5 bar, KOSA’s Filter Vessels & Housings range delivers repeatable batch integrity. These vessels support gentle handling of shear-sensitive emulsions, heat-labile actives, and low-viscosity aqueous phases without introducing metallic leachables or particulate shed. The 316L SS single cartridge sanitary housing with T style Tri-Clamp pipe fittings meets GMP, low extractables, and batch traceability expectations for high-value personal care products where sensory consistency is non-negotiable.
Material Selection Drives Extractables Control
316L stainless steel remains the baseline for cosmetics applications due to its superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and reduced iron migration versus 304. Carbon steel variants are excluded from this domain entirely — they introduce unacceptable corrosion byproducts during cleaning-in-place cycles. In practice, we typically observe measurable nickel and chromium release below 0.5 ppb in 316L housings after passivation per ASTM A967, provided electropolishing is specified. Surface finish matters: Ra ≤ 0.4 µm is required to minimize biofilm adhesion and simplify cleaning validation. Type 316 stainless steel bodies must be verified by the buyer via mill test reports showing Mo content ≥ 2.0% and C ≤ 0.03%.
Configuration Flexibility Without Compromising Sanitary Integrity
Multi-round cartridge filter housings with 4, 5, 6, 14 and 18 cartridges allow scalable throughput while maintaining uniform flow distribution across elements. Duplex filter vessels in Size 1 to Size 4 — with 15 inch and 30 inch basket depths — enable uninterrupted operation during element changeout. This configuration avoids batch interruption but introduces a trade-off: increased footprint and higher initial cost at the cost of operational continuity. Bag filter housings (Size 1 and Size 2, 15 inch and 30 inch basket depth) suit coarse prefiltration; their lower pressure drop suits viscous phase separation prior to final polishing.
Connection Compatibility and Validation Readiness
NPT threads (3/4 inch, 1 inch, 2 inch) remain viable for low-pressure utility loops but require thread sealant verification per ASME BPE. Flanged connections (2, 3, 4 and 6 inch) provide superior alignment repeatability and gasket compression control. For sterile transfer lines, the 316L SS single cartridge sanitary housing with T style Tri-Clamp pipe fittings eliminates dead legs and simplifies disassembly. Buyers should request dimensional drawings annotated with weld groove geometry and heat-affected zone markings to confirm compatibility with existing piping systems. All connection types must support full drainability to ≤ 1 mL residual volume.
| Vessel Type | Max Operating Pressure (bar) | Standard Basket Depth Options | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duplex filter vessels | 10 | 15 inch, 30 inch | Continuous polishing of fragrance oils |
| Size 1 & Size 2 bag filter housings | 6 | 15 inch, 30 inch | Pre-filtration of glycerin-based bases |
| 4, 6, 8, 12, 17, 23 bag multi-bag filter vessels | 8 | Not applicable | High-solids slurry removal in pigment dispersion |
The table highlights pressure and depth constraints across vessel categories.
Where This Selection Does Not Apply
This selection does not apply for ambient air filtration, solvent recovery under vacuum, or flue-gas streams containing sulfur oxides. It is unsuitable for applications requiring explosion-proof motor integration or continuous dust loading above 5 g/m³. Avoid using carbon steel bodies in any cosmetics process — corrosion limits service life and contaminates product. The Filter Vessels & Housings range is designed exclusively for liquid-phase filtration; for particulate-laden gas streams, refer to Dust & Flue-Gas Filtration.
- Verify surface finish Ra ≤ 0.4 µm on all wetted parts before installation
- Confirm passivation method matches your cleaning chemistry (nitric vs citric)
- Request mill test reports for Mo and C content in all 316L components
Integration into Existing Liquid Filtration Architecture
These vessels integrate directly into validated Liquid Filtration workflows without requalification if connection geometry and material certifications align. On site, engineers report faster commissioning when specifying flanged over NPT interfaces — alignment time drops by ~40 minutes per vessel. The 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 inch single cartridge filter vessels maintain consistent delta-P profiles across batches when paired with certified 0.2 micron polyethersulfone elements. Consistency stems from rigid housing tolerances, not just membrane quality.
Common questions on filter vessels & housings
How many cartridges should a vessel hold?
Start from the flow per element at the differential pressure you are prepared to run, then round up to the next standard housing: 1, 4, 5, 6, 14 or 18 cartridges. Rounding up costs footprint; rounding down costs change-out frequency.
When is a duplex vessel worth the extra cost?
When the line cannot stop. A duplex body lets one side be opened while the other keeps running, and on a continuous process that matters more than the capital difference. On a batch line it is usually the wrong call.
Does basket depth change flow or dirt holding capacity?
Both, but not in the same proportion. A Size 1 bag with a 15 inch basket and a Size 2 bag with a 30 inch basket are not interchangeable on flow alone: the larger basket buys surface area and dirt holding capacity, and the housing grows with it.