Filter assemblies are combinations of filter elements and filter housings that are assembled as one complete unit. These are commonly referred to as "filters", but are often called assemblies since many users refer to filter elements as "filters." Filter assemblies are common in the hydraulic and lubrication market since completed filter assemblies are often proof pressure tested to verify the integrity of the seal. These assemblies are shipped with the in and out ports plugged to protect against contamination to the filter assembly. Not all companies ship assemblies, however. Many manufacturers allow a customer to specify a filter housing and then select appropriate filter elements, cartridges or bags to meet their system requirements. In this case, it is the customer's responsibility to insert the filter element, cartridge or bag into the housing to make an assembly.
In the pharmaceutical, health care and electronics industries, for example, filter capsules are often used. These capsules are in fact assemblies. These assemblies do not have replaceable elements, but instead contain an element that is sealed within a plastic housing. When the terminal pressure drop of the assembly is reached, the entire assembly is discarded. For some applications, assemblies are used for "batches" of product. A new capsule may be used for each product batch.
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