Stainless steel filter cylinders and cartridges are the core filtration components used across hydraulic systems, water treatment plants, chemical processing lines, and food manufacturing facilities. Unlike disposable paper or polymer filters, metal mesh cylinders can be cleaned and reused hundreds of times, delivering lower total cost of ownership and consistent filtration performance under high pressure and temperature.
At ANPING MAOYE, we manufacture stainless steel filter cylinders in 304 and 316L grades, with options ranging from single-layer woven mesh to multi-layer sintered mesh bonded under high temperature and pressure. Every cylinder is built to customer specifications — mesh count, layer count, end fitting type, outer diameter, and length — with no minimum order quantity for standard designs and full OEM/ODM support for engineered solutions.
This guide presents our complete product line, specifications, and the selection criteria our engineers use to match the right cylinder to your application.
Product Overview: What We Manufacture
ANPING MAOYE produces three primary categories of stainless steel filter cylinders:
| Product Type | Construction | Best For | Pressure Rating | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-layer woven mesh cylinder | One layer of 304 or 316L wire mesh, spot-welded seam, end caps attached | Coarse filtration (20–100 mesh), pre-filtration, cost-sensitive applications | Up to 5 bar | -40°C to 400°C |
| Multi-layer woven mesh cylinder | 2–5 layers of different mesh counts, nested and welded | Medium-fine filtration (80–325 mesh), graded pore structure | Up to 10 bar | -40°C to 400°C |
| Multi-layer sintered mesh cylinder | 3–7 layers of wire mesh + support mesh, diffusion-bonded at 1,200°C | High-precision filtration (5–200 μm), high-pressure, backflushable | Up to 30 bar | -200°C to 600°C |
Material grades available: 304, 316L, 316, 321, 904L, and Hastelloy C-276 on request. All grades meet ISO 9001 material traceability standards.
1. Single-Layer Woven Mesh Filter Cylinders
Our most economical filter cylinder, the single-layer design uses a single sheet of woven stainless steel wire mesh formed into a cylinder and joined along the seam by spot welding or continuous TIG welding. End caps or fittings are attached by welding or crimping depending on the application.
Standard Specifications
| Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outer diameter (OD) | 15 mm – 500 mm | Custom diameters available on request |
| Length | 25 mm – 2,000 mm | Longer lengths use segmented construction |
| Mesh count | 10 – 500 mesh | See our mesh count to micron conversion chart for aperture sizing |
| Wire diameter | 0.025 mm – 0.50 mm | Matched to mesh count for structural integrity |
| Material | 304, 316L, 321 | 316L recommended for corrosive fluids |
| Seam type | Spot-welded or TIG continuous | TIG recommended for pressure >3 bar |
| End fitting | Plain, threaded, flanged, clamp | M20×1.5, G1/2, G3/4, DN25 flange as standard |
| Surface finish | As-welded or electropolished | Electropolishing for food/pharma applications |
Typical Applications
- Inline strainers for pump protection in water and oil systems
- Pre-filters upstream of fine sintered mesh cartridges
- Suction filters at hydraulic tank inlets
- Chemical processing where disposable filters are uneconomical
- Air filtration in HVAC and industrial dust collection systems
2. Multi-Layer Woven Mesh Filter Cylinders
The multi-layer woven design stacks two to five layers of different mesh counts to create a graded filtration structure. Coarse outer layers capture large particles, while finer inner layers handle the final polishing stage. The layers are nested and held in place by spot welding or end-cap crimping without high-temperature bonding.
Construction Details
| Layer | Typical Mesh Count | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Outer layer 1 | 20–40 mesh | Pre-filtration, structural support |
| Outer layer 2 | 60–100 mesh | Intermediate particle capture |
| Inner layer 3 | 150–200 mesh | Fine filtration |
| Inner layer 4 (optional) | 250–325 mesh | Polishing stage |
| Support layer | 10–20 mesh | Rigid backing, prevents collapse |
This layered approach extends service life by 3–5 times compared to single-layer cylinders of the same final rating, because the coarse outer layers absorb the bulk of the contamination load before it reaches the fine inner layer.
Standard Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter | 25 mm – 400 mm |
| Length | 50 mm – 1,500 mm |
| Layer count | 2–5 layers |
| Mesh count range | 10–500 mesh across layers |
| Burst pressure | 5–15 bar depending on layer count and support |
| End fitting | Threaded (BSP/NPT), flanged, tri-clamp, customized |
3. Multi-Layer Sintered Mesh Filter Cylinders
Sintered mesh cylinders represent the highest-performance category in our product line. Multiple layers of stainless steel wire mesh are stacked, placed in a vacuum furnace, and diffusion-bonded at temperatures above 1,100°C. The result is a monolithic porous metal structure with precisely controlled pore size, high mechanical strength, and excellent backflushability.
Sintered Mesh Structure
A standard 5-layer sintered mesh cylinder consists of:
| Layer | Mesh / Function | Typical Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1 (outer) | 80×700 Dutch weave | Filtration layer, defines absolute rating |
| Layer 2 | 80 mesh square weave | Support and distribution |
| Layer 3 | 60 mesh square weave | Intermediate support |
| Layer 4 | 30 mesh square weave | Structural reinforcement |
| Layer 5 (inner) | 20 mesh square weave | Perforated metal or coarse mesh backing |
Dutch weave (also called twilled Dutch weave) uses thicker weft wires and a higher warp count, creating a zero-aperture surface that provides absolute filtration rather than nominal filtration. This is essential for hydraulic and aerospace applications where particle counts must be strictly controlled.
Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Filtration rating | 5 μm – 200 μm absolute |
| Bubble point (integrity test) | 2,000–8,000 mbar depending on rating |
| Permeability | 1×10⁻¹³ to 5×10⁻¹³ m² |
| Tensile strength | 200–400 MPa |
| Max operating pressure | 30 bar (higher on request with reinforced design) |
| Max operating temperature | 600°C (316L), 400°C (304) |
| Backflush pressure | Up to 10 bar reverse flow |
| Cleanability | Ultrasonic, chemical, steam, backflush — all compatible |
End Fitting Options for Sintered Cylinders
Sintered cylinders are typically fitted with machined stainless steel end caps:
| Fitting Type | Standard Sizes | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Threaded end cap | M20×1.5, M30×2, G1/2, G3/4, G1, NPT 1/2, NPT 3/4 | Screw into housing |
| Flanged end cap | DN25, DN40, DN50, DN80 | Bolted gasket seal |
| Tri-clamp (sanitary) | 1”, 1.5”, 2”, 3” | Quick-release clamp |
| Open-end / Plain | Custom length | Slip-fit into housing with O-ring |
4. Material Selection: 304 vs 316L for Filter Cylinders
The material grade determines corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and cost. For filter cylinders, the choice is driven by the fluid chemistry and operating temperature.
| Environment | Recommended Grade | 304 Suitability | 316L Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh water, pH 6.5–8.5 | 304 or 316L | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent |
| Chlorinated water (>1 ppm Cl⁻) | 316L | ⚠️ Risk of pitting after 3–5 years | ✓ Excellent |
| Seawater / brine | 316L or 904L | ✗ Not recommended | ✓ Good (monitor for crevice corrosion) |
| Hydraulic oil (mineral base) | 304 or 316L | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent |
| Hydraulic oil (synthetic, ester) | 316L | ⚠️ Some esters attack 304 grain boundaries | ✓ Excellent |
| Food & beverage (CIP, acid wash) | 316L | ⚠️ Acid cleaning can sensitize 304 | ✓ Excellent, FDA-compliant |
| Steam sterilization (SIP) | 316L | ✗ Chloride stress corrosion risk | ✓ Good up to 150°C |
| Sulfuric acid (<10%) | 316L | ✗ Rapid corrosion | ✓ Good |
| Nitric acid | 304L or 316L | ✓ Good | ✓ Excellent |
| Caustic soda (NaOH, <50%) | 304 or 316L | ✓ Good | ✓ Excellent |
For a detailed material comparison, see our 304 vs 316 stainless steel mesh guide.
5. Custom Manufacturing: Dimensions, Fittings & Finishes
ANPING MAOYE operates as both a stock supplier for standard filter cylinders and an OEM/ODM manufacturer for custom engineered filtration solutions. Our factory in Anping, Hebei, China, has been producing wire mesh and filter components since 2014.
Customization Capabilities
| Feature | Standard Range | Custom Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Outer diameter | 15–500 mm | 10–800 mm |
| Length | 25–2,000 mm | Up to 3,000 mm (segmented) |
| Mesh count | 10–500 mesh | Up to 635 mesh (for sintered) |
| Filtration rating | 5–200 μm | 1–500 μm (sintered) |
| Layer count | 1–7 layers | Up to 12 layers |
| End fitting | Threaded, flanged, tri-clamp | Any machined fitting from customer drawing |
| Material | 304, 316L, 321 | 904L, 310S, Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium |
| Surface finish | As-welded, electropolished | Passivation, PVD coating, PTFE coating |
| Marking / traceability | Laser batch code | Full serialization, QR codes, material certificates |
Quality Control Process
Every filter cylinder undergoes the following inspections before shipment:
- Dimensional inspection: OD, length, thread pitch, flange bolt pattern (±0.5 mm or per drawing tolerance)
- Mesh integrity: Visual inspection for broken wires, seam gaps, and layer alignment
- Bubble point test (sintered cylinders): Confirms pore size rating and absence of cracks
- Pressure test: Hydrostatic test to 1.5× rated pressure for 30 minutes, no leakage
- Material certificate: Mill test report (MTR) with chemical composition and mechanical properties
- Surface finish check: Ra measurement for electropolished surfaces (target <0.8 μm for food/pharma)
6. Industry Applications by Product Type
Water Treatment & Desalination
- Single-layer 60 mesh cylinders: Raw water intake strainers, protecting downstream pumps and membranes
- Sintered 20–50 μm cylinders: Reverse osmosis pre-treatment, seawater filtration
- 316L multi-layer cylinders: Brackish water and chlorinated municipal water filtration
Hydraulic & Lubrication Systems
- Sintered 5–40 μm cylinders: High-pressure hydraulic oil filtration for construction equipment, marine hydraulics, and wind turbine gearboxes
- Multi-layer 100–200 mesh cylinders: Return-line filtration, offline filter carts
- 304 single-layer cylinders: Tank breather filters and suction strainers
For hydraulic-specific guidance, see our hydraulic oil filter mesh guide.
Food & Beverage Processing
- 316L electropolished sintered cylinders: CIP/SIP-compatible filtration for dairy, brewing, and soft drink production
- Tri-clamp fittings: Sanitary design for quick disassembly and sterilization
- FDA 21 CFR compliant materials: Full material certification for food contact applications
For food-grade compliance details, see our food and beverage mesh guide.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Processing
- 316L and 904L sintered cylinders: Acid and solvent filtration, catalyst recovery
- Multi-layer cylinders with graded pore structure: Catalyst bed support and fluid distribution
- Passivated surfaces: Prevents ionic contamination in pharmaceutical-grade processes
Mining & Slurry Handling
- 304 single-layer coarse mesh cylinders: Slurry dewatering screens, vibrating filter panels
- Reinforced sintered cylinders: High-abrasion mining water filtration with backflush capability
7. How to Select the Right Filter Cylinder
Our engineering team recommends evaluating these parameters in sequence when specifying a filter cylinder. If you provide your application details, we handle the technical specification and send a drawing for approval before production.
Step-by-Step Selection Criteria
| Step | Parameter | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluid type | Water, oil, chemical, gas, steam — determines material grade |
| 2 | Contaminant size | Target particle retention size (μm or mesh count) |
| 3 | Operating pressure | Normal and peak pressure across the filter |
| 4 | Temperature range | Min/max continuous temperature |
| 5 | Flow rate | Volumetric or mass flow rate to size the cylinder |
| 6 | Housing dimensions | Inner diameter, length, and fitting type of existing housing |
| 7 | Cleanability requirements | Backflush, ultrasonic, CIP/SIP — determines sintered vs. woven |
| 8 | Certification needs | FDA, ISO, ATEX, material certificates |
Need help with the specification? Send us your fluid type, flow rate, and target particle size, and our engineers will recommend the exact cylinder configuration, mesh count, and material grade. Request a technical specification.
For a more detailed buyer’s guide, see our 7 factors for choosing stainless steel mesh.
8. Pricing & Lead Time
Filter cylinder pricing depends on material grade, layer count, diameter, length, and quantity. Below is a general reference for standard designs in 304 grade. Custom specifications and 316L carry a 20–40% premium.
| Product Type | Typical Unit Price (FOB Tianjin) | MOQ | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-layer woven cylinder, 50–150 mm OD | $8 – $25 | 50 pieces | 7–14 days |
| Single-layer woven cylinder, 200–400 mm OD | $25 – $80 | 20 pieces | 10–20 days |
| Multi-layer woven cylinder (3 layers) | $15 – $60 | 30 pieces | 10–20 days |
| Sintered cylinder, 5-layer, standard fitting | $50 – $200 | 10 pieces | 15–25 days |
| Sintered cylinder, custom fitting, 7-layer | $100 – $500 | 5 pieces | 20–30 days |
Volume discounts: Orders above 500 pieces qualify for tiered pricing. Long-term supply agreements (annual contracts) receive priority scheduling and locked pricing.
For a complete price breakdown by material and specification, see our stainless steel mesh price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stainless steel filter cylinder?
A stainless steel filter cylinder is a tubular filtration element made from woven or sintered stainless steel wire mesh. It is used to remove solid particles from liquids and gases in industrial processes. Unlike disposable filters, metal cylinders can be cleaned and reused, making them cost-effective for high-volume or high-temperature applications.
What is the difference between a woven mesh cylinder and a sintered mesh cylinder?
A woven mesh cylinder is made from a single sheet or multiple layers of woven wire mesh that are rolled and welded into a tube. It is lower cost and suitable for coarse to medium filtration. A sintered mesh cylinder is made by bonding multiple layers of mesh under high temperature and pressure, creating a rigid, monolithic porous structure with precise pore size control. Sintered cylinders withstand higher pressure, provide absolute filtration ratings, and are fully backflushable.
Can I get a custom-sized stainless steel filter cylinder?
Yes. ANPING MAOYE manufactures custom filter cylinders from 10 mm to 800 mm in diameter and up to 3,000 mm in length. We accept customer drawings or work from your housing dimensions and performance requirements. Custom end fittings, materials, and surface finishes are all available.
What is the filtration rating of a stainless steel filter cylinder?
For single-layer woven cylinders, the rating is nominal and depends on mesh count — typically 20 mesh (≈840 μm) to 500 mesh (≈25 μm). For multi-layer sintered cylinders, the rating is absolute and ranges from 1 μm to 200 μm depending on the Dutch weave layer specification. See our mesh count to micron conversion chart for woven mesh ratings.
How long does a stainless steel filter cylinder last?
Lifespan depends on the application, contamination load, and cleaning method. In typical industrial use, single-layer woven cylinders last 2–5 years, while sintered cylinders last 5–15 years with proper maintenance. Coarse pre-filters in clean water may exceed 15 years; mining slurry filters may need replacement every 6–18 months due to abrasive wear. For detailed lifespan data, see our stainless steel mesh lifespan guide.
How do you clean a stainless steel filter cylinder?
Cleaning methods include backflushing (reverse flow), ultrasonic cleaning in detergent solution, chemical soaking (alkaline or acid depending on contaminant), and steam cleaning for sanitary applications. The best method depends on the contamination type and cylinder construction. For detailed cleaning procedures, see our stainless steel mesh filter cleaning guide.
What end fittings are available for filter cylinders?
Standard fittings include threaded (BSP, NPT, metric), flanged (DN25–DN80), tri-clamp (sanitary, 1”–3”), and plain open ends. Custom machined fittings can be produced from customer drawings or CAD files.
Is 316L better than 304 for filter cylinders?
316L is significantly better in corrosive environments — seawater, chlorinated water, acids, and steam sterilization. The molybdenum content in 316L provides superior resistance to pitting and stress corrosion cracking. In neutral, non-corrosive environments (clean air, mineral oil), 304 performs equally well at a lower cost. For a full comparison, see our 304 vs 316 mesh guide.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Standard single-layer woven cylinders: 50 pieces. Multi-layer woven: 30 pieces. Sintered cylinders: 10 pieces. For custom designs, MOQ is typically 5–10 pieces depending on complexity. Sample orders of 1–3 pieces are accepted for evaluation and qualification.
Do you provide material certificates and test reports?
Yes. Every order includes a mill test report (MTR) with chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat number traceability. Sintered cylinders additionally include bubble point test reports confirming pore size rating. FDA, ISO 9001, and custom inspection certificates are available on request.
Conclusion
Stainless steel filter cylinders are not a commodity — they are engineered components whose performance depends on material selection, layer construction, end fitting design, and manufacturing quality. Whether you need a simple single-layer strainer for pump protection or a multi-layer sintered cylinder for high-precision hydraulic filtration, the specification must match the operating conditions.
ANPING MAOYE manufactures filter cylinders in 304 and 316L grades, with full customization capability for diameter, length, mesh count, layer count, and end fittings. Our factory-direct pricing, material certification, and engineering support reduce procurement risk and ensure consistent filtration performance across your production line.
Ready to specify your filter cylinder? Contact us with your fluid type, flow rate, target particle size, and housing dimensions. We will return a technical specification and quotation within 24 hours.
Related Reading
- Stainless Steel Mesh Lifespan: When to Replace Your Filter Cylinder
- 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Mesh: Which Grade for Your Cylinder?
- How to Choose Stainless Steel Mesh: 7 Factors Engineers Must Know
- How to Clean Stainless Steel Mesh Filter: 5 Proven Methods
- Stainless Steel Mesh Price Guide: Cost Per kg & Per m² (2026)
- Mesh Count to Micron Conversion: Complete Chart