Full Comprehensive Analysis of Coalescing Separation Filter Elements for Petrochemical and Aviation Fuel Oil-Water Dehydration

1. Introduction

Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are precision-engineered core consumables designed for deep oil-water separation

 of petrochemical refined products (gasoline, diesel, light hydrocarbon solvents) and aviation jet fuel. During crude oil refining, 

pipeline transportation, tank storage, and aircraft refueling processes, external rainwater, condensed water, underground seepage, 

and process emulsified water continuously mix into fuel – forming free water, dissolved water, and stable surfactant-wrapped 

micro-emulsified water droplets ranging from 0.1μm to 10μm. Untreated water pollution triggers severe risks: metal corrosion 

of tanks and pipelines, blockage of precision metering valves, degradation of fuel additives, abnormal combustion, and even 

flameout failure in flight – bringing huge safety hazards and economic losses to refineries, oil depots, and civil aviation systems.

Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are divided into two matched core components: primary coalescing cartridge and 

secondary hydrophobic separation cartridge – forming a complete two-stage integrated purification system. Unlike single-layer 

ordinary filter media that only intercept solid particles, multi-layer gradient borosilicate glass fiber coalescing media employs 

customized hydrophilic-oleophilic surface modification technology to break stable oil-water emulsions, capture submicron water 

droplets, and aggregate them into large droplets over 200μm. Matched PTFE hydrophobic separation cartridges block secondary 

entrainment of coalesced water droplets – achieving outlet residual free water below 5 ppm for aviation fuel and below 15 ppm

 for petrochemical fuel, fully complying with EI 1581, GJB610, and GB/T 39208 international and domestic mandatory standards.

2. Complete Matching Structure of Coalescing & Separation Dual Cartridge System

Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements feature two independent functional cartridges working in series: inner coalescing 

cartridge (first stage) and outer separation cartridge (second stage). All dimensional tolerances, bonding processes, 

and sealing configurations are unified according to EI 1581 Category C aviation grade standard – realizing 1:1 interchangeability

 with imported mainstream coalescing elements.

2.1 Multi-Layer Gradient Composite Coalescing Cartridge (First Stage)

Fluid flows from inside to outside through the coalescing cartridge. Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements feature a five-layer

 integrated composite structure:

Layer Material & Specification Function

Inner Support Tube Epoxy-coated carbon steel / 304 stainless steel mesh, 1.2–1.5mm wall thickness Prevents fiber layer collapse

 under differential pressure

Fine Core Coalescence Layer Borosilicate micro-glass fiber, 0.7–1.2μm diameter, hydrophilic modification Captures 0.1–3μm 

emulsified droplets, breaks surfactant film

Gradient Transition Buffer Mixed fiber 1–3μm and 3–5μm, gradient pore design Balances flow resistance and dirt holding capacity

Outer Pre-Filter Layer Loose coarse glass fiber, 3–5μm diameter Intercepts rust, catalyst powder, debris >10μm

Outer Flow Guide Thin polyester non-woven fabric Uniform fuel distribution, reduces local scouring

Upper and lower end caps are molded reinforced polyamide or epoxy steel plate – bonded with high oil-resistant high-temperature 

epoxy adhesive, equipped with integral NBR/FKM elastic sealing rings. Standard mainstream specifications adopt 6-inch outer 

diameter with optional lengths of 11/14/22/28/33/44/56 inches.

2.2 Hydrophobic Separation Cartridge (Second Stage)

After preliminary coalescence, fuel mixed with incompletely settled small water droplets flows outward and inward through the

 separation cartridge. Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements feature single-layer full PTFE coated hydrophobic structure:

· Support Skeleton: Lightweight aluminum perforated tube – low flow resistance, corrosion resistant

· Core Separation Media: Polyester base cloth compounded with expanded PTFE microporous film – water contact angle >110°,

 super hydrophobic and oleophilic

· Functional Principle: Clean fuel freely penetrates the film layer; coalesced water droplets are blocked on the outer surface, 

slide down under gravity to the bottom settling tank – eliminating secondary emulsification risk

3. Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification

Applicable Media Aviation jet fuel, gasoline, diesel, light hydrocarbon solvents

Coalescing Media Multi-layer gradient borosilicate glass fiber (hydrophilic)

Separation Media PTFE-coated hydrophobic membrane

Water Removal Efficiency Aviation: ≤5 ppm; Petrochemical: ≤15 ppm

Filtration Accuracy 0.1–10μm water droplet removal

Operating Temperature -10°C ~ +100°C

Compliance Standards EI 1581, GJB610, GB/T 39208

Cartridge Diameter 4-inch / 6-inch (selectable)

Cartridge Length Options 11, 14, 22, 28, 33, 44, 56 inches

Sealing Material NBR / FKM (optional)

4. Application Scenarios

Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are suitable for a wide range of oil-water separation applications:

Industry Typical Applications

Petrochemical Refining Deep dehydration of refined products at terminal stations

Oil Depots Fuel water removal during storage and distribution

Airport Hydrant Systems Aviation fuel purification at airport refueling points

Mobile Refuelers On-site fuel dehydration for aircraft and vehicles

Pipeline Transmission Water removal at pipeline receiving stations

5. Operation & Maintenance Guidelines

To maximize the performance and service life of Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements, follow these guidelines:

· Monitor Differential Pressure: Replace coalescing cartridge when ΔP reaches 0.15 MPa

· Drain Settled Water: Drain water from settling tank daily or per shift

· Inspect Seals: Check sealing rings during each replacement to prevent bypass leakage

· Replace in Sets: Always replace coalescing and separation cartridges together for optimal performance

· Proper Storage: Store in clean, dry environment – protect from sunlight and extreme temperatures

· Never Clean Reusable Elements: Do not wash with solvents or water – this destroys the coalescing and hydrophobic properties

 permanently

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the coalescing cartridge and the separation cartridge in the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter 

Elements?

A: Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements include two cartridges – the coalescing cartridge uses hydrophilic media to capture 

and merge fine water droplets into large beads, while the separation cartridge uses hydrophobic PTFE media to repel remaining

 water and allow only clean fuel to pass.

Q2: What water content can the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements achieve?

A: Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements achieve outlet residual free water below 5 ppm for aviation fuel and below 15 ppm 

for petrochemical fuel – fully compliant with EI 1581, GJB610, and GB/T 39208 standards.

Q3: Are the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements fully interchangeable with imported elements?

A: Yes. Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are precision-engineered to match original dimensions, sealing interfaces, 

and performance standards – enabling direct drop-in replacement without housing modifications.

Q4: What standards do the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements comply with?

A: Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements comply with EI 1581 (aviation fuel), GJB610 (Chinese military aviation), and GB/T

 39208 (general oil-water separation) – meeting strict international and domestic requirements.

Q5: What industries use the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements?

A: Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are widely used in petrochemical refining, oil depots, airport hydrant refueling systems, 

mobile refuelers, and pipeline transmission stations – wherever strict fuel dehydration is required.

Q6: When should the coalescing cartridge in the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements be replaced?

A: Replace the coalescing cartridge when differential pressure reaches 0.15 MPa – indicating the element is saturated with 

contaminants. Regular monitoring prevents performance degradation and bypass leakage.

Q7: Can the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements be cleaned and reused?

A: No. Do not wash Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements with solvents, water, or compressed air – this permanently damages

 the hydrophilic coalescing properties and hydrophobic separation membrane.

Q8: What sealing materials are available for the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements?

A: Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements are available with NBR seals for standard applications and FKM (Viton) seals for 

high-temperature or aggressive chemical environments.

Q9: What documentation is provided with the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements?

A: Each shipment includes material certificates, filtration performance test reports, dimensional inspection records, and compliance

 declarations for EI 1581 and GJB610 standards.

Q10: Can the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements be customized?

A: Yes. Custom options for Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements include special cartridge lengths, sealing materials,

 and end cap configurations – based on specific site requirements.

Q11: Should coalescing and separation cartridges be replaced together?

A: Yes. We recommend replacing both coalescing and separation cartridges in Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements together 

to ensure optimal water removal performance and system cleanliness.

Q12: Can I order samples of the Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements for testing?

A: Yes. We support sample orders with production lead time of approximately 7–10 days. Sample costs are fully deductible from

 your first bulk order upon approval.

Aite Coalescing Separation Filter Elements – 1:1 interchangeable, EI 1581-compliant, aviation-grade water removal, 

dual-cartridge technology. Contact us today for a free compatibility check and competitive factory-direct quotation within 24 hours.