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Substitute for Pall Ultipleat – In the world of industrial filtration, downtime is the enemy of productivity. If you are currently using Pall Ultipleat ®* High Flow filters, you know they are the industry standard for high-volume water and chemical processing. However, supply chain shifts and cost considerations often lead facilities to seek high-quality alternatives.
The K-Filter Highflyers Series High Flow Filter is engineered specifically as a 100% functional and structural substitute for Pall Ultipleat® High Flow series, offering seamless integration without requiring housing modifications.
Why Choose Highflyers as a Substitute for Pall Ultipleat?
Transitioning to a new filter brand can be daunting. The Highflyers Series eliminates this “transition friction” by matching every critical specification of the original Pall design.
1. Geometric & Structural Compatibility
The Highflyers Series features a large 6-inch (152mm) diameter and is available in standard lengths of 20, 40, and 60 inches. It utilizes the same inside-to-outside flow pattern, ensuring that all captured contaminants remain trapped inside the cartridge during change-outs.
2. Crescent-Shaped Pleat Geometry
Just like the Ultipleat® design, the Highflyers Series employs crescent-shaped pleat geometry. This specialized folding technique allows for:
- Higher Surface Area: More media packed into the same footprint.
- Uniform Flow: Prevents pleat bunching and ensures even fluid distribution.
- Lower Clean Pressure Drop: Reduces the energy required to pump fluids through the system.
3. Absolute Filtration Ratings
K-Filter utilizes high-performance polypropylene (PP) or glass fiber media to provide absolute-rated filtration (Beta ratio 5000). Whether your process requires 1, 5, 10, or 40 microns, the Highflyers Series provides the same particle retention efficiency as the Pall equivalents.
- NSF-Certified Materials: Our high flow filters are made with NSF 61 certified polypropylene or pleated media, guaranteeing safety for potable water use.
- Cost-Effective Performance: Fewer filter changeouts and reduced maintenance lower total cost of ownership.
- OEM & Custom Options: Available in DOE, SOE, and customized configurations to fit various housings.
- High Compatibility: Fully compatible replacements for brands like Pall Ultipleat™, 3M™ High Flow, and Parker Megaflow™.
- Global Supply Chain: We provide consistent quality and timely delivery, trusted by partners worldwide.
- High surface area：Lower energy costs as a result of lower initial differential pressures
- Wide range of removal ratings：Less rework due to inconsistent filtration
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Pall Ultipleat®* High Flow | K-Filter Highflyers Series |
| Outside Diameter | 6 inches (152 mm) | 6 inches (152 mm) |
| Flow Direction | Inside to Outside | Inside to Outside |
| Media Material | Polypropylene / Glass Fiber | Polypropylene / Glass Fiber |
| End Cap/Handle | Ergonomic Integrated Handle | Matching Ergonomic Handle |
| O-Ring Seal | Ethylene Propylene / Viton / Nitrile | Ethylene Propylene / Viton / Nitrile |
| Max Operating Temp | 82°C (180°F) | 82°C (180°F) |
Key Benefits of the Highflyers Series
- Cost Efficiency: Achieve the same filtration results at a significantly lower total cost of ownership.
- Direct Interchangeability: No need to change your existing Pall filter housings or purchase expensive adapters.
- Reduced Labor: The high-flow capacity means fewer filter elements are needed per housing, leading to faster change-outs and reduced disposal costs.
- Broad Chemical Compatibility: The all-polypropylene construction (standard) offers excellent resistance to a wide range of acids, bases, and salts.
Common Applications
The K-Filter Highflyers Series is ideal for industries where high flow rates and strict purity are non-negotiable:
- Power Generation: Condensate polishing and cooling water.
- Oil & Gas: Produced water, injection water, and completion fluids.
- Desalination: RO Pre-filtration.
- Food & Beverage: Process water and ingredient clarification.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Bulk chemical filtration and solvent recovery.
Key Factors for High Flow Filter Cartridge Selection
Choosing the right high-flow filter cartridge is about more than just matching a micron rating. Because these filters handle massive volumes of fluid—often upwards of 110 m³/h (500 gpm) per element—a poor selection can lead to premature clogging, bypass leaks, or even structural failure.
When evaluating high-flow options like the K-Filter Highflyers Series, consider these five critical factors to ensure optimal performance.
1. Flow Direction and Geometry
Standard cartridges typically flow outside-to-inside. However, true high-flow cartridges (like the 6-inch diameter format) utilize an inside-to-outside flow path.
- Contaminant Retention: This design ensures that all captured solids stay trapped inside the “basket” of the filter during change-out, preventing debris from falling back into the clean side of the housing.
- Pleat Stability: Look for crescent-shaped pleat geometry. This specialized folding allows for maximum surface area and prevents “pleat bunching” under high pressure, which can restrict flow and cause premature blinding.
2. Media Efficiency: Absolute vs. Nominal
Understanding the “Beta Ratio” is vital for process consistency.
- Absolute Rated: An absolute filter (typically β≥5000, or 99.98% efficiency) guarantees that a specific particle size will be captured. This is essential for protecting downstream equipment like RO membranes or spray nozzles.
- Nominal Rated: These are “best effort” filters (roughly 60%–90% efficiency). They are cheaper but allow more particles to “snake” through, which may jeopardize the final product quality.
3. Chemical and Thermal Compatibility
The filter media, core, and seals must be compatible with the fluid being processed to avoid structural degradation or leaching.
- Polypropylene (PP): The industry standard for water, acids, and bases. Ideal for temperatures up to 80°C.
- Glass Fiber: Better suited for higher temperatures or specific hydrocarbon applications.
- O-Ring Selection: Ensure the seal material (EPDM, Viton, or Nitrile) matches your chemical profile. A failed O-ring leads to bypass, rendering even the best filter useless.
4. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The cheapest cartridge often ends up being the most expensive over a year of operation. Evaluate TCO based on:
- Dirt Holding Capacity: A filter with higher surface area lasts longer between change-outs, reducing the “hidden costs” of labor, shipping, and disposal.
- Initial Clean Pressure Drop (ΔP): A lower initial ΔP allows the pump to work less, saving significant energy costs over time.
- Housing Footprint: Because one 60-inch high-flow cartridge can replace up to 20 standard 10-inch melt-blown filters, you can use smaller housings, saving valuable floor space.
5. Ease of Maintenance
In high-volume facilities, the time required to change a filter directly impacts downtime.
- Handle Design: Look for integrated, ergonomic handles that allow for quick removal without specialized tools.
- Hardware Compatibility: Ensure the cartridge is a 100% retrofittable substitute (like the Highflyers Series) so that no modifications to the existing vessel internals are required.
Selection Summary Table
| Factor | Requirement | Impact |
| Micron Rating | Absolute ($\beta$ 5000) | Consistency and protection |
| Diameter | 6-inch (152 mm) | High-volume capacity |
| Media Type | Pleated Polypropylene | High surface area / Long life |
| End Caps | Thermally Bonded | Eliminates bypass from adhesives |
| Flow Pattern | Inside-to-Outside | Clean change-outs |
Ready to Make the Switch?
Upgrading your filtration system doesn’t have to mean overpaying for a brand name. The K-Filter Highflyers Seriesprovides the reliability, efficiency, and exact fitment required to keep your operations running smoothly.
Contact our technical team today to find the exact Highflyers part number for your current Pall Ultipleat® configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
K-Filter Highflyers Series & High Flow Filtration
Whether you are looking to replace your current Pall Ultipleat® filters or designing a new system, these are the most common questions regarding the Highflyers Series high-flow technology.
1. Is the Highflyers Series truly a “drop-in” replacement for Pall Ultipleat®?
Yes. The Highflyers Series is engineered with the exact dimensions, end-cap configurations, and O-ring placements as the Pall Ultipleat® High Flow. You can install them into existing Pall housings without any modifications, tools, or adapters.
2. How does one Highflyers filter replace multiple standard cartridges?
Because of its 6-inch diameter and pleated design, a single 60-inch Highflyers cartridge has the surface area and flow capacity of approximately 20 to 25 standard 2.5-inch diameter cartridges. This allows for smaller filter housings and much faster maintenance.
3. What is the benefit of the “Inside-to-Outside” flow direction?
Traditional filters flow outside-in, meaning dirt builds up on the exterior. The Highflyers Series flows inside-out, meaning all contaminants are trapped within the hollow center of the filter. When you pull the filter out for replacement, the dirt comes with it, preventing any debris from falling into the clean side of the filter vessel.
4. What does “Absolute Rating” (β 5000) actually mean?
An absolute rating means that 99.98% of particles at the specified micron size are captured. Many “nominal” filters only capture 60-80% of particles. For critical applications like RO membrane protection, an absolute rating is essential to prevent downstream fouling.
5. Are these filters compatible with high temperatures?
Standard Highflyers cartridges are made of 100% Polypropylene, which is suitable for temperatures up to 82°C (180°F). For applications exceeding this, we offer specialized media options like glass fiber. Always check your O-ring material (Viton vs. EPDM) for high-temperature chemical compatibility.
6. Will switching to K-Filter affect my system’s pressure drop? No. In fact, because of the Crescent-Pleat geometry, Highflyers filters often provide a lower initial clean pressure drop than standard pleated filters. This can lead to reduced energy consumption for your pumps.
7. How do I know when it is time to change the filter?
We recommend a filter change-out when the differential pressure (ΔP) reaches 2.4 bar (35 psi). Running filters beyond this point can lead to pleat collapse or “bypass,” where contaminants are forced through the media.
8. Are these filters food-grade compliant?
Yes, our Highflyers Series is manufactured using materials that meet FDA requirements for food and beverage contact (CFR Title 21), making them ideal for ingredient water and process liquid filtration.
100% functional and structural substitute for the Pall Ultipleat® High Flow series following
HFU660UY020J,Ultipleat® High Flow series- HFU660UY045H, HFU660UY045H1, HFU660UY045H13,
HFU660UY045H4, HFU660UY045H4W,
HFU660UY045J, HFU660UY060H, HFU660UY060H1,
HFU660UY060H13, Ultipleat® High Flow series – HFU660UY060H4,
HFU660UY060H4W, HFU660UY060HW, HFU660UY060J,
HFU660UY1000H, HFU660UY1000H1, HFU660UY1000H13,
HFU660UY1000H13W, HFU660UY1000H4, HFU660UY1000H4W,
HFU660UY1000HW, Ultipleat® High Flow series – HFU660UY100H,
HFU660UY100H1, HFU660UY100H13, HFU660UY100H13W,
HFU660UY100H4, HFU660UY100H4W, HFU660UY100HW,
HFU660UY100J, HFU660UY200H, HFU660UY200H1, HFU660UY200H13,
HFU660UY200H13W, HFU660UY200H4, HFU660UY200H4W,
HFU660UY200HW, HFU660UY200J, HFU660UY400H, HFU660UY400H1,
HFU660UY400H13, HFU660UY400H13W, HFU660UY400H4,
HFU660UY400H4W, HFU660UY400HW, HFU660UY400J, HFU660UY700H,
HFU660UY700H1, HFU660UY700H13, HFU660UY700H13W,
HFU660UY700H4, HFU660UY700H4W, HFU660UY700HW,
HFU660UY700J
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*Brand name are used for reference only.
