Webster describes a micron as: A metric unit of measure used to describe the size of molecules, colloidal particles, and other microscopic objects. A micron or micrometer is equal to 0.000001 meter or 1/25400 inch.
What types of objects are measured in 1 millionth of a meter?
| OBJECT
Viruses
Asbestos
Paint Pigment
Bacteria
Yeast
White Blood Cell
Pollen
Pin Point
Human Hair
Silica Sand
|
MICRON SIZE
.01 – .1 microns (requires nanofiltration to remove)
.08 – .8 microns (requires nanofiltration to remove)
1 .5 microns
.5 – 50 microns
2 -15 microns
25 – 30 microns
10 – 90 microns (limit of unaided detection)
75 microns
80 – 100 microns
100 – 200 microns
|
KEEP THIS IN MIND
When ordering a filter, first know what you want to filter out, then size accordingly. It’s a common mistake to size smaller than what is actually needed. This results in:
- Higher initial cost
- More maintenance
- More frequent filter changes or backwashing
- More removed particulate = greater volume of particulate to dispose of
Many times a mesh micron or decimal inch rating is required. The following chart converts the most common sizes.
| Mesh 600 325 200 100 80 60 40 20 |
Micron 25 44 74 149 177 250 400 840 |
Inches .001 .0017 .003 .006 .007 .010 .016 .033 |