Description
Washable 20 Inch Big Blue Pleated Filter for RO Pre-Filtration, Process Water, and Commercial Systems
Overview
The Franklin FWPL 20" x 4.5" is a washable pleated sediment filter cartridge built for 20 inch Big Blue housings. The pleated polyester and polypropylene media captures sediment on the surface, where it can be rinsed off and the cartridge reused. This reduces replacement cost compared to single-use depth filters. Available in four micron ratings (1 Absolute, 5, 20, 50) with flow rates from 3 to 30 GPM depending on micron.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | FWPL (20" Big Blue) |
| Filter Type | Pleated (surface filter), washable and reusable |
| Media | Polyester, Polypropylene |
| Core | Polypropylene |
| End Caps | Polyethylene, Plastisol |
| Size | 4.5" x 20" (Big Blue) |
| Micron Ratings | 1 Absolute (FWPL20B01A), 5 (FWPL20B05), 20 (FWPL20B20), 50 (FWPL20B50) |
| Max Operating Temperature | 37.8°C (100°F) |
| Max Differential Pressure | 4 Bar (58 psi) |
| Flow Rate | 3-30 GPM (depends on micron rating) |
| Washable | Yes |
| Case Quantity | 9 |
| Case Dimensions | 37 x 37 x 53 cm (14.5 x 14.5 x 21 in) |
| Case Weight | 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs) |
Key Features
- Pleated polyester surface design provides more filtration area per cartridge than wound or melt blown filters of the same length, supporting higher flow at lower pressure drop.
- Washable and reusable. Rinse with clean water or backwash to remove accumulated sediment. Reuse until cleaning no longer restores acceptable flow.
- 1 Micron Absolute (FWPL20B01A) available for applications requiring guaranteed particle removal, including RO membrane protection and food processing.
- Polypropylene core maintains structural rigidity under operating pressures up to 4 Bar (58 psi) and temperatures up to 37.8°C (100°F).
How to Size an FWPL Pleated Cartridge Filter
The FWPL pleated cartridge comes in three sizes, each designed for a different housing format. Choose based on your housing dimensions and flow requirements:
| Size | Housing Type | Flow Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5" x 10" | Standard 10" slimline | 3-10 GPM | Residential, under-sink, light commercial |
| 4.5" x 10" (Big Blue) | 10" Big Blue | 3-15 GPM | Residential whole-house, light commercial |
| 4.5" x 20" (Big Blue) | 20" Big Blue | 3-30 GPM | Commercial, industrial, high-throughput systems |
If your system runs above 15 GPM or you need longer intervals between cartridge washes, the 20 inch Big Blue filter is the right size. The doubled length provides twice the filtration surface area and dirt-holding capacity of the 10" Big Blue version.
Applications
- Reverse osmosis pre-filtration
- Process water and cooling water systems
- Potable drinking water filtration
- Wastewater treatment
- Deionized water filtration
- Plating chemical filtration
Buy 20" Big Blue Pleated Filter Cartridges from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company carries the Franklin FWPL 20" Big Blue pleated filter in all four micron ratings (1 Absolute, 5, 20, 50). Browse the full Big Blue Water Filters collection or explore the complete Franklin Water lineup. Sold individually or by the case (9). Looking for a depth filter instead? The FWPS melt blown and FWPS-DG dual gradient are available in the same Big Blue format.
Free shipping on orders over $199. 30-day return policy. Email info@cleanflow.ca for case pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do pleated cartridge filters work?
Pleated filters use folded media to create a large surface area inside a compact cartridge. Sediment collects on the outside of the pleats rather than embedding in the media, so the cartridge can be rinsed clean and reused. This is surface filtration, and it works differently from depth filters (melt blown, string wound) where particles are trapped inside the media and the cartridge must be discarded.
What size Big Blue filter cartridge do I need?
Measure your housing. Big Blue housings come in two lengths: 10" and 20". Both accept 4.5" OD cartridges. If your housing is 20" long, use the 20" cartridge (this page). If it is 10", use the FWPL 10" Big Blue. The 20" version handles higher flow rates (up to 30 GPM vs 15 GPM) and holds more sediment between washes.
What is the difference between a pleated filter and a melt blown or string wound filter?
A pleated filter captures sediment on the surface and can be washed. A melt blown or string wound filter traps sediment within the media depth and is single-use. Pleated filters cost more upfront but last longer because they are reusable. Depth filters cost less per cartridge but must be replaced when loaded. Choose pleated for lower long-term cost in systems with moderate sediment. Choose depth filters for heavy-sediment water where washing frequency would be impractical.
Can you wash and reuse a Big Blue pleated filter?
Yes. Rinse the pleated media with clean water to remove sediment from the surface, or backwash if your housing supports it. The cartridge can be cleaned and reused multiple times. Replace when the media is visibly damaged or when washing no longer restores acceptable flow and pressure drop.
What filter should I use before an RO membrane?
For RO pre-filtration, use the FWPL20B01A (1 Micron Absolute) to remove fine particulates before they reach the membrane. For water with heavy sediment, add a coarser pre-filter (20 or 50 micron) upstream to extend the life of the 1 micron cartridge. Pair with a carbon block filter to reduce chlorine, which damages RO membranes over time.
Manuals & Documentation
Similar Products
Featured collection
