Cages / Retainers

Pulse-jet style baghouses are designed to utilize fabric filter bags with internal support structures commonly referred to as cages. Cages provide a means of holding the filter bag open during the particulate collection cycle. Cages must be strong to withstand the pressure from the filter bag exerted during the particulate collection cycle.

Additionally, cages must be selected with the proper structure design to conform to the fabric requirements. Gas stream chemistry will determine whether special metals or special coatings will be required to reduce or eliminate corrosion to the cages' metal surfaces. Cage sizes, both length and diameter, can be crucial to the success or failure of the filter bag.

The strongest filter bag cage for pulse-jet baghouses is known as the "rigid wire" cage. It is designed to provide uniform support to the overall length of the fabric filter, utilizing "stringer" wires that are equally spaced around the circumference of the cage. Each stringer wire is then welded to support rings that are spaced along the length of the cage. The diameter of these rings plus the wire gauge of the stringers determines the overall diameter of the cage. Special cage tops, such as roll band and roll flange styles, are also welded to the stringer wires; thereby developing a strong internal assembly from which to attach the cage and filter bag to the baghouse tubesheet. The cage bottom is either interlocked to a stringer ring or welded to the stringers. Either method is equally sufficient for support.

The number of stringers used in cage construction depends on the applicable requirements and fabric used for the filter bag. 10, 12, and 20 wire stringers are the standards. 10 wire stringers are usually used on heavier weight felts. 12 wire stringers are usually used on lighter to medium weight felts. 20 wire stringers are usually used on fiberglass fabric filters and other media that require maximum support, thereby reducing the excessive flexing of the fabric yarns that usually causes premature bag failure.

Where moisture or chemical conditions create an environment that is corrosive to metal, 10, 12, and 20 wire cages can be produced from stainless steel or carbon steel with a variety of available coatings. Coatings such as epoxy are commonly used for corrosive environments. Special paints or electro-processed finishes such as electro galvanizing are also available to guard against corrosion.

Menardi manufactures ridged wire cages in 10, 12, and 20 wire stringers in a variety of sizes and with a variety of cage-top designs. Additionally, they are available with a variety of coating and finishes in both carbon steel and stainless steel. Each cage, regardless of design, is produced consistently to specification. Diameter, overall length, and other close tolerances are held uniformly due to exclusive automated and state-of-the-art production equipment. Production runs are continually destruction-tested to monitor and maintain construction integrity.

Menardi personnel know the importance of properly fitting the filter bags to the ridged wire cages, according to the above criteria