Filtration is a very standard and basic procedure that is used in laboratories, industries, and other everyday requirements. If you are doing chemical analysis, checking water quality, filter paper is very important in the separation of solids and liquids. But what is filter paper, and why is it so important? This article will discuss the types, applications, and advantages of filter papers in depth, explaining how to select the best one for your purpose. So, let’s get started.
Filter paper is a type of porous paper, specifically designed to filter out solid particles from gases and liquids. It is manufactured from cellulose fibres in various grades, porosity, and retention capabilities to accommodate specific uses. The filter paper varies according to the nature of the filtration process needed – whether qualitative, quantitative, or special filtration such as glass fibre filters.
For scientific, industrial, and food processing environments, the proper filter paper selection assures accuracy, effectiveness, and reliability in outcome. Borosil Scientific filter papers, with their high filtration capability and long shelf life, provide a top-level choice among professionals globally.
Filter papers are categorised based on their composition, retention capabilities, filtration speed, and application-specific properties. Here are the major types of filter paper that are commonly found and their most common uses:
These are used for general-purpose filtration where precise measurement of residue is not required. They are ideal for separating medium-fine precipitates and are widely used in food testing, beverage analysis, and sample preparation.
For applications that demand high precision and minimal residue, these filter papers leave behind very little ash content after incineration (typically less than 0.004%). They are commonly used in gravimetric analysis and trace element detection.
Ashless filters for routine gravimetric tests
Designed for tough filtration applications, these papers are treated to withstand high temperatures, acidic/alkaline solutions, and vacuum filtration.
In contrast to cellulose filter papers, glass fibre filters consist of 100 % micro-borosilicate glass fibres and are very chemically stable and resistant to high temperatures. They are extensively applied in environmental monitoring and water analysis.
These are specialised cylindrical filters that are usually used for extraction processes and are commonly found in Soxhlet extraction setups.
Selecting the right filter paper depends on several factors, which include but are not limited to:
Below is a comparison table that you can refer to for quick selection:
| Filter Paper Type | Retention (Microns) | Speed | Best For |
| Qualitative | 4-7 | Medium | General filtration, food analysis |
| Quantitative | 2 | Slow | Gravimetric analysis, soil testing |
| Hardened | <2 | Very Slow | Acidic/alkaline solutions, vacuum filtration |
| Glass Fibre | 1-3 | Fast | Water pollution, TOC/DOC analysis |
| Thimble | Variable | Fast | Soxhlet extraction, oil & grease analysis |
Using high-quality filter paper offers several advantages, making it essential for laboratory and industrial applications.
At Borosil Scientific, we realise the significance of employing the appropriate filtration solutions to achieve accurate and reliable results. Our qualitative, quantitative, and specialised filter papers are crafted to address the needs of laboratories, providing accuracy, durability, and chemical compatibility. You can browse through our collection to discover the ideal filter paper for your research and industrial applications.
You will need to have the right type of filter paper to obtain valid and reliable results through filtration. From qualitative to quantitative, or from hardened filters to glass fibre ones, selecting filter papers depends on the application.
At Borosil Scientific, we offer a diverse variety of high-purity and robust filter papers for effective filtration uses in various industries, ranging from pharmaceutical and chemical research to food and environmental analysis.
If you are looking for high-quality laboratory filtration products, discover our assortment of Filter Papers today and provide accuracy in every test.
