R+F FilterElements GmbH — Pile Cloth Filtration Technology

Pile cloth filter media

Compare R+F filter cloths for disc and drum filters: media selection, replacement cloth and application-specific technical advice.

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R+F pile cloth filter medium
R+F pile cloth filter medium

Overview – How to Choose the Right Filter Cloth

Not every filter cloth works the same way. Conventional woven or non-woven filter cloth separates particles mainly at its surface – it blinds sooner and needs more frequent or pressure-based cleaning. Pile cloth filters instead carry a dense three-dimensional pile and act as a depth filter: solids are held throughout the pile, not just on top. This gives a higher solids loading capacity, gentle cleaning with water only, and a long service life.

R+F Bioactive combines polyester microfiber pile cloth with integrated silver particles (patent pending). The aim is to limit biofilm formation on the medium and assess the potential to reduce cleaning effort. Suitability and operating results must be evaluated for the specific installation; water composition, solids loading and backwashing remain relevant.

ProductGradeMain applicationSpecial feature
Standard 10 µm≥10 µmConventional tertiary treatment, high solids loadRobust standard fibre (polyamide), long service life
Bioactive 5 µm5–10 µmDemanding phosphorus removal, advanced tertiary stageMicrofibre with silver particles (patent pending)
SuperMicroFiber 2.5 µm<5 µmWater reuse, membrane pre-treatmentFinest pile grade, close to membrane filtration
R+F Standard 10µm Pile Filter Cloth — pile cloth filter media by R+F FilterElements
≥10 µm
Standard Fiber
Polyamide (PA)

R+F Standard 10µm Pile Filter Cloth

Reliable standard pile filter cloth for conventional tertiary treatment with proven ≥10µm particle retention and high solids loading capacity.

High solids loading capacity
Excellent backwash capability through 3D pile structure
Minimal energy demand
Low backwash water consumption
R+F Bioactive 5 Micron Microfiber Pile Filter Cloth — pile cloth filter media by R+F FilterElements
5-10 µm
Microfiber
Polyester (PES) with Silver Particles

R+F Bioactive 5 Micron Microfiber Pile Filter Cloth

Biofouling and maintenance: assess the potential for your installation

Polyester microfiber pile cloth with integrated silver particles for application-specific assessment of biofouling and cleaning requirements.

Polyester (PES) with integrated silver particles
Developed to address biofilm formation on the filter medium
Assessment based on water composition and cleaning practice
Mechanical fit and process suitability checked before replacement
R+F Supermicrofiber 2.5 Micron Pile Filter Cloth — pile cloth filter media by R+F FilterElements
<5 µm (2.5 µm)
Supermicrofiber
Polyester (PES)

R+F Supermicrofiber 2.5 Micron Pile Filter Cloth

Ultra-fine pile filter cloth at <5µm for the most demanding treatment requirements, membrane pre-treatment, and water reuse applications.

Finest filtration grade available in pile cloth technology
Transition between filtration and membrane filtration
High solids loading capacity
Excellent backwash capability through 3D pile structure

Product Comparison

FeatureR+F Standard 10µm Pile Filter ClothR+F Bioactive 5 Micron Microfiber Pile Filter ClothR+F Supermicrofiber 2.5 Micron Pile Filter Cloth
Filtration Grade≥10 µm5-10 µm<5 µm (2.5 µm)
Fiber TypeStandard FiberMicrofiberSupermicrofiber
MaterialPolyamide (PA)Polyester (PES) with Silver ParticlesPolyester (PES)
Chemical CleaningNot requiredDetermine for the operating conditionsNot required
Service Life≥ 4 yearsInstallation-specific; no fixed guarantee≥ 4 years
Patent Pending———

Not Sure Which Grade Fits Your System?

Two routes help you narrow it down: the Cross-Reference tool identifies the matching R+F grade for your current disc or drum filter, and the Media Selection Guide explains how target effluent quality, solids load and downstream process drive the choice. We confirm the final fit in an individual consultation.

R+F FilterElements GmbH is an independent manufacturer of pile cloth filter media and replacement filter elements. We are not affiliated with, authorized by, or licensed by the original equipment manufacturers (OEM). We supply compatible aftermarket replacement filter elements only — not original OEM parts. All brand and product names mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for compatibility and reference purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Filter Cloths

A flat woven or non-woven filter cloth separates particles mainly at its surface, so it blinds comparatively quickly and needs frequent or pressure-based cleaning. A pile filter cloth carries a dense three-dimensional pile on a carrier fabric, so it works as a depth filter: solids are held throughout the pile, not just on top. This gives a much higher solids loading capacity and lets the cloth be cleaned by gentle suction backwash with water only — no chemicals and low rinse-water demand. All three R+F grades use this pile construction.

Questions about our products?

Our team is here to help.