Description
FDA Grade Polypropylene String Wound Sediment Filters for Potable Water, Process Water, and RO Pre-Filtration
Product Overview
The Franklin FWSW Series is a string wound sediment filter cartridge manufactured from 100% polypropylene cord wound around a polypropylene core. FDA grade material. The winding pattern varies by micron rating to target specific particle sizes, from fine silt at 1 micron to coarse sediment at 50 micron. Available in 10" and 20" lengths. Fits standard 2.5" OD filter housings. Sold individually or by the box (50 count for 10", 25 count for 20").
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | FWSW |
| Filter Type | String wound (depth filter) |
| Media | 100% Polypropylene Cord |
| Core | Polypropylene |
| Sizes | 2.5" x 10" (9.88" actual), 2.5" x 20" |
| Micron Ratings | 1, 5, 20, 50 |
| Max Operating Temperature | 55°C (130°F) |
| Nominal ΔP for Replacement | 1.0 Bar (15 psi) |
| Max Pressure Drop @ 20°C | 1.5 Bar (22 psi) |
| Material Grade | FDA grade polypropylene |
| Housing Compatibility | Standard 2.5" OD filter housings |
Part Numbers and Flow Rates

Lower micron ratings produce lower flow rates at the same pressure because the tighter wind pattern creates more resistance. When sizing a system, match the flow rate to your application and select the micron rating that captures the particle sizes you need to remove.
Key Features
- Manufactured from 100% polypropylene cord wound around a polypropylene core. No other materials in the media or core construction.
- FDA grade polypropylene construction is safe for potable water, food and beverage, and other applications requiring food-contact-grade materials.
- The variable wind pattern creates a gradient density structure: looser on the outside to catch coarse particles, tighter toward the core for finer filtration. This depth-loading design extends cartridge life compared to surface-only filtration.
- Low pressure drop at rated flow rates reduces energy costs and maintains consistent system throughput between cartridge changes.
- Fits standard 2.5" OD filter housings from most manufacturers, including single, duplex, and under-counter systems.
Applications
- Potable water filtration for residential, commercial, and municipal systems
- Process water and cooling water filtration
- Pre-filtration and post-filtration for reverse osmosis systems
- Food and beverage processing
- Water purification systems
- Chemical processing
Cross-Reference: Hypurion to Franklin Part Numbers
Franklin Water Treatment Canada acquired the Hypurion and Waterite filter lines. The FWSW string wound cartridge replaces the former Hypurion standard string wound series with identical performance and specifications.

If your system previously used a Hypurion HSW-series cartridge, order the corresponding Franklin FWSW part number above. The cartridge dimensions, micron rating, and performance are unchanged.
Buy String Wound Sediment Filter Cartridges from Cleanflow
Cleanflow stocks the Franklin FWSW string wound sediment filter cartridge in both 10" and 20" lengths, all four micron ratings, as part of the Standard Water Filters collection. Sold individually or by the box (50 for 10", 25 for 20").
Need a higher temperature? The FWSW-HW hot water version uses a stainless steel core and is rated to 118°C (245°F). Need a larger format? The FWSW Big Blue 4.5" OD string wound handles higher flow rates for whole-house and commercial systems. Free shipping on orders over $199. 30-day return policy at returns.cleanflow.net. Call 1-866-335-1078 or email info@cleanflow.ca for box pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a string wound and a melt blown (spun poly) sediment filter?
A string wound filter uses polypropylene cord wound around a core. The winding pattern creates a gradient density that traps particles at different depths. A melt blown filter uses thermally fused polypropylene fibers in a three-layer matrix. Both remove sediment. String wound cartridges tend to have higher dirt-holding capacity for coarse particles like sand and rust. Melt blown cartridges provide more consistent micron ratings across the filter depth. Cleanflow carries both: the FWPS spun poly (NSF 42 certified) and this FWSW string wound (FDA grade).
What is the difference between the standard FWSW and the hot water FWSW-HW?
Both use the same polypropylene cord media. The standard FWSW has a polypropylene core and is rated to 55°C (130°F). The FWSW-HW replaces the polypropylene core with a stainless steel core, which raises the max operating temperature to 118°C (245°F). Choose the standard FWSW for cold and ambient water. Choose the FWSW-HW for hot water lines, boiler pre-filtration, or any application above 55°C.
How do I know when to replace a string wound filter cartridge?
Replace when the pressure drop across the housing reaches 1.0 Bar (15 psi) above the clean-cartridge baseline. This is the nominal replacement threshold from the manufacturer's spec sheet. The maximum allowable pressure drop is 1.5 Bar (22 psi). Monitor the pressure gauge on your housing rather than relying on a calendar schedule alone, since replacement frequency depends on water quality and sediment load.
Which micron rating should I choose?
5 micron is the most common choice for general potable water sediment filtration. 1 micron provides the finest filtration and is typically used as a pre-filter ahead of RO membranes or UV disinfection. 20 and 50 micron work as first-stage pre-filters to catch coarse sand and rust before finer downstream cartridges. If your water has heavy sediment, start with a 20 or 50 micron cartridge and follow with a 5 or 1 micron cartridge in a second stage.
















