Frames and Latches - Their Importance to the System’s Integrity and Filter Performance

Expert panelists Brandon Deilgat (CAFS, American Metal Filter Company), David McKinney (SoCal Filters and Service Inc.), and Norman Rodriques (Springfield Spring Corporation) explore the pivotal role frames and latches play in upholding system integrity and optimizing filter performance. They cover practical, actionable strategies for leveraging frames and latches to fortify your systems and unlock their full potential. Whether you're an engineer or a professional in the field, this session offers essential insights for elevating your system's reliability and performance.

View the panelists’ slides here:⁠ https://amped.egnyte.com/dl/lyk3jpY6Cn

For detailed show notes, read below and use the timestamps to navigate the episode:

[0:48] Brandon Deilgat and Norman Rodriques introduce themselves. Norman explains his work at Springfield Spring Corporation and how he began his career at Flanders.

[3:10] Mr. Rodriques partnered with the American Metal Filter Company and SoCal Filters and Service Inc. because filters, frames, and clips need to function together to eliminate bypass. During the COVID-19 pandemic, filtration in general and bypass elimination specifically gained attention because COVID-19 is an airborne illness, but some filters let it through.

[7:30] David McKinney introduces himself. He is a new member of NAFA, and his company SoCal is a filter distributor and offers filter services. He says that a filter is only as good as its security to a frame, so clips, latches, and inspection are crucial to performance.

[8:46] Brandon introduces the universal holding frame. It is a 3-inch depth, 16-gage, with galvanized steel or stainless steel all-welded construction meant to last for the lifespan of the unit it is installed into. It is used for built-up filter banks and allows for multiple filter options

[9:38] There are two types of clip attachments. The Flage-fit clip or knock-on attaches directly to the flange of the frame.

[11:13] The second is a lance-installed or wire-type clip. This uses the lance-informed grooves on the universal holding fame. 

[11:37] David notes that people sometimes try to climb on the lances and bend them. Once the lance is bent, the clip will no longer fit in the frame.

[12:14] Brandon discusses centering dimples, which are made to exact size. This allows for the best chance of installing the filter directly in the center of the frame and eliminating air bypass. 

[12:44] Norman talks about examples of standard clips like P-clips, and extension spring clips. He also introduces non-standard clips like the versa-m. 

[14:45] Most V-bank filters have pockets in the header, so Norman’s company developed a P-clip that fits into those pockets. David speaks to the usefulness of these clips. 

[16:53] David talks about his preference for P-clips over corner-clips. Corner clips take more time to install.

[18:01] Brandon and David discuss standard sizing for the universal holding frame. Moving outside of the standard 24x24, 20x24, and 12x24, sizes eliminates the available compatible parts.

[19:30] Brandon and David talk about applications since the COVID-19 pandemic. David discusses inspecting systems and making sure filters are sealed properly. Great filters perform poorly if they are not sealed correctly.

[22:05] Brandon talks about filter combinations. David says it is important to learn about the different kinds of clips used for different kinds of filters. P-clips are available for everything while corner clips are used for 1-inch filters, headers, or 2-inch deep filters. Spring clips are used for reverse mounts or box filters. 

[23:15] David advises the attendees that when installing a 4V in a reverse mount application, it is important that they apply spring clips on the top and the bottom, not horizontally. 

[26:10] Norman explains how he manufactures all stainless clips. 

[27:44] To install filters that eliminate bypass more effectively, everything should be gasketed and clipped properly.