Effective filtration is rarely a single-step process. Before product moves to the next point in your process, pre-filtration removes particles, suspended solids, and contaminants that would otherwise damage downstream equipment, compromise product quality, or reduce plant efficiency. Specifying the right pre-filtration solution from the outset has a material impact on operating costs, maintenance requirements, and the longevity of the wider system. 

At Smart Membrane Solutions, we understand that no two processing operations are the same. Filtration systems must be engineered around real product behaviour, real environmental conditions, and real operating demands, whether that is across dairy, beverage, industrial processing, or hydro-power generation. 

Our partnership with Eaton 

SMS are the exclusive, authorised distributor for Eaton filtration Industrial range in NZ. Smart Membrane Solutions supply a range of Eaton filtration bags, cartridges, housings, and strainers suitable for a variety of industries. This ensures we can offer the correct level of front-end protection for each application, backed by Eaton's global manufacturing capability and SMS's specialist engineering support. 

Every pre-filtration solution we provide is engineered to suit specific product characteristics, processing objectives, and performance environments. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, the right strainer for a dairy CIP line is a different specification from the right solution for a high-viscosity industrial process. 

Key design considerations 

A thorough pre-filtration specification requires an understanding of the process from multiple angles. When looking for the right strainer, factors to consider include: 

  • Product flow rate and viscosity - higher viscosity products place different demands on strainer design and basket configuration. 
  • Retention rating, total suspended solids, and particle distribution - understanding what needs to be captured, in what concentration, and at what particle size is fundamental to correct mesh or element selection. 
  • Product chemical and heat sensitivity - material selection for the strainer body and seals must be compatible with both the process fluid and the cleaning regime. 
  • Operator efficiency expectations - the choice between manual and self-cleaning strainers has direct implications for labour, downtime, and operational continuity. 
  • Regulatory and compliance requirements - food-grade, hygienic, and pressure vessel standards must be met and documented where required by the application. 

Engineered for your application 

Getting pre-filtration right at the design stage protects downstream equipment, supports consistent product quality, and reduces the total cost of ownership across the plant. Retrofitting or correcting an undersized or incorrectly specified strainer after installation is invariably more disruptive and costly than specifying correctly from the outset. 

The Smart Membrane Solutions approach is straightforward - design for the plant, manufacture for the application, and support for the long term. If you are planning a new installation, remediation, or upgrade to your pre-filtration system, our team can help you identify the right solution for your process. 

Get in touch with the SMS team to discuss your pre-filtration requirements.  

© Smart Membrane Solutions 2025
Web Design by Effigy Creative