Wedge Wire Screen FAQ

Wedge Wire Frequently Asked Questions

Wedge wire screens are superior for retaining media, filtering, and sizing. In comparison with wire mesh and perforated metal, wedge wire continuous slot screens have more open area, have very precise openings, are stronger and more durable, are virtually non-clogging and reduce media abrasion. Wire mesh and perforated metal may be less expensive initially, but wedge wire screens offer easier installation and long-term operating and cost benefits. Wedge wire screens have maximum design flexibility, can be constructed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes from a variety of corrosion resistant alloys such as type 304, 316, 316L, 321, and 410S stainless steels, as well as nickel alloys such as C-276.

Wedge Wire Screens are All-Welded for Strength

Each intersection of rod and wire in a wedge wire screen is welded. The strength achieved by this method offers several vital benefits:

• Reduced costs, since wedge wire screens have a very long life.
• Greater resistance to stresses of differential pressure and temperature cycling.

Wedge Wire has Precise Slot Sizes

Precise slot sizes are available to meet system requirements. Screens can be fabricated with slot openings from 0.025mm to 12.5mm in 0.025mm increments to dependably retain catalysts, resins, or filter sands of even very small size particles.

Wedge Wire has Low Head Loss

The high open area of wedge wire screen contributes to low head losses through the screen surface.

Wedge Wire is Non-Clogging

Wedge wire screens are fabricated by helically wrapping parallel support rods with a continuous V-shaped wire. The uninterrupted slot formed with this procedure allows only two-point contact of particles in the screen slot to minimise clogging. This means:

• Maximum effective flow area and operating efficiency is maintained.
• Costly downtime for cleaning plugged screens is minimised.

Wedge Wire is Economical

Economy is achieved through the simple design, which results in a screen with low initial cost, minimum maintenance needs and simplified installation.

Reduced Installation Costs:

• Costly support media can be eliminated.
• Components are easily assembled.

Reduced Operating Costs:

• Non-clogging slot design results in low head loss for lower operating cost.
• Non-clogging slot design results in reduction of downtime caused by plugged screens.
• High strength and durability reduces chance of screen failure and loss of media.

Reduced Maintenance Costs:

• Due to the smooth surface and rigid construction, abrasion of media particles is eliminated, increasing the effective life of expensive media, resulting in longer intervals between cleaning cycles.
• Screens constructed with wedge wire have significantly greater durability than perforated metal and wire mesh.