Description
Washable Big Blue Sediment Filter with Pleated Polyester Media
Overview
The Franklin FWPL Series is a washable pleated filter cartridge that can be rinsed and reinstalled instead of discarded after each use cycle. It removes sediment, sand, rust, silt, and suspended particles from water. It does not remove chlorine, chemicals, or taste and odor (use a GAC carbon filter for that). The pleated polyester media creates more surface area than a standard cylindrical cartridge, which increases dirt-holding capacity, reduces pressure drop, and extends the time between cleanings. When the pressure gauge shows the cartridge needs attention, remove it, rinse the pleats with clean water, and put it back.
10" x 4.5" OD Big Blue format. Four micron ratings: 1 (absolute), 5, 20, and 50. Sold individually or in cases of 18. Franklin Water also manufactures this cartridge in 4.5" x 20" Big Blue and 2.5" x 10" standard sizes.
Key Features
- Washable and reusable. Rinse with clean water to remove captured sediment and reinstall. Reduces cartridge replacement costs over time.
- Pleated polyester media loads sediment across the full depth of each fold, not just the outer surface like cylindrical cartridges.
- 1 micron absolute rating available (see FAQ below for what "absolute" means vs nominal).
- Low pressure drop maintains system flow even as the cartridge loads with sediment.
- Polypropylene core, polyethylene and plastisol endcaps. Durable construction for repeated wash cycles.
Applications
- Drinking water sediment filtration
- Reverse osmosis pre-filtration
- Cooling water systems
- Process water filtration
- Wastewater treatment
- Deionized water systems
- Plating chemical filtration
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | FWPL |
| Cartridge Size | 10" x 4.5" OD (Big Blue) |
| Part Numbers | FWPL10B01A (1µ abs), FWPL10B05 (5µ), FWPL10B20 (20µ), FWPL10B50 (50µ) |
| Media | Polyester / Polypropylene (pleated) |
| Core | Polypropylene |
| End Caps | Polyethylene / Plastisol |
| Micron Ratings | 1 (absolute), 5, 20, 50 |
| Max Operating Temperature | 37.8°C (100°F) |
| Max Differential Pressure | 4 Bar (58 psi) |
| Flow Rate | 3-15 GPM |
| Washable / Reusable | Yes |
| Case Quantity | 18 filters |
Compatible Housings
Fits any standard 10" Big Blue housing designed for 4.5" OD cartridges, including housings from Pentek, Culligan, Aqua-Pure, GE, iSpring, and most whole-house and commercial filter systems. Confirm your housing accepts a 10" x 4.5" OD cartridge.
Why Choose a Washable Pleated Filter
Disposable filters like string wound and spun polypropylene cartridges are designed for one use. When the pressure drop climbs, you discard the cartridge and install a new one. In systems that go through cartridges frequently, the replacement cost adds up.
A washable pleated filter like the FWPL can be rinsed and returned to service multiple times before it eventually needs replacing. The pleated polyester media is structurally stronger than melt blown polypropylene and holds its shape through repeated wash cycles.
The trade-off: the FWPL has a lower maximum operating temperature (100°F vs 150°F for spun poly) and costs more per cartridge upfront. Over its full reusable lifespan, the cost per gallon filtered is lower.
Buy Washable Pleated Filters from Cleanflow
Cleanflow stocks the Franklin FWPL washable pleated filter cartridge in all four micron ratings as part of the Franklin Water catalog. Available individually or by the case (18 filters). Also available in 4.5" x 20" Big Blue for higher-capacity systems.
Free shipping on orders over $199. 30-day return policy. Ships across Canada and the United States. Email info@cleanflow.ca for volume orders, returns, or help choosing between pleated and disposable cartridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a pleated filter cartridge?
Remove the cartridge from the housing, rinse the pleats with clean water using a garden hose or faucet, rotating the cartridge to flush sediment from between the folds. Do not use a pressure washer or chemicals. Let the cartridge drain, then reinstall. Replace the cartridge when rinsing no longer restores acceptable pressure drop.
How many times can a pleated filter be reused?
It depends on the sediment load and water quality. In light-sediment water, a pleated cartridge can be washed and reused many times before the media degrades. In heavy-sediment water, the reuse cycles are fewer. Monitor the pressure drop after each cleaning. When the clean cartridge no longer brings the pressure drop back to near-initial levels, replace it.
What is the difference between 1 micron absolute and 1 micron nominal?
A 1 micron absolute rating means the filter captures particles at or above 1 micron with a defined efficiency (typically 98%+). A nominal 1 micron rating is an approximate guideline with no defined efficiency threshold. The FWPL 1 micron (FWPL10B01A) is rated absolute. The spun poly FWPS 1 micron is rated nominal.
What is the difference between pleated and spun poly filters?
Pleated filters are washable, have more surface area, and the FWPL offers a 1 micron absolute rating. Spun poly filters are disposable, handle higher temperatures (150°F vs 100°F), and cost less per cartridge. Choose pleats for lower long-term cost through reuse. Choose spun poly for higher-temperature applications or when replacement cost per cartridge matters more than reusability.
What micron rating should I choose?
Use 5 micron for general residential and commercial sediment. Use 1 micron absolute for fine particle removal before RO membranes or in systems requiring defined filtration efficiency. Use 20 or 50 micron as a first-stage pre-filter in heavy-sediment water to extend the life of finer downstream cartridges.
Manuals & Documentation
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