Knitted Wire Mesh is selected when an assembly or process calls for gas-liquid separation (demisting), EMI shielding, cushioning and exhaust packing. This application guide to the Industry convention type covers concrete end-uses, the specification checklist, correct installation, and where an alternative mesh or filter medium performs better.
Typical Applications for Knitted Wire Mesh
The most common settings where this is specified:
- Automotive: exhaust and airbag filtration, NVH cushioning.
- Process vessels: entrainment separators.
- Industrial filtration & separation: removing particulates from liquids, gases and slurries in process plant.
- OEM & fabrication: cut, formed and welded into filter assemblies, screens, guards and enclosures.
- Maintenance & replacement (MRO): matching an existing mesh, screen or element spec when servicing installed equipment.
How to Specify Knitted Wire Mesh for Your Application
- Mesh count / micron rating: Match the aperture or micron rating to the smallest particle you must retain or pass. The table below lists mesh count, aperture and micron for each option — for woven cloth, specify the aperture or micron, not just the mesh count.
- Density & wire: Choose the pad density and wire diameter for the separation efficiency and the allowable pressure drop.
- Material / alloy: Select the alloy for the environment — 304 for general use, 316L for chlorides, food and chemicals, brass or copper for shielding, and Monel, Inconel or Hastelloy for marine, acid and high-temperature service.
- Environment: For damp, coastal, chemical or high-temperature service move up to 316L or a nickel alloy; for dry indoor duty 304 or a coated steel is usually enough.
- Standard: This product is supplied to Industry convention. Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions and filtration data between suppliers.
Handling & Installation Practice
- Install a demister pad with retaining grids top and bottom and the pad at its design density — over-compression raises pressure drop.
- For EMI shielding or exhaust packing, pack to the specified density: too loose leaks, too tight cracks.
Common Selection Mistakes with Knitted Wire Mesh
- Under-sizing the demister pad area, so gas velocity exceeds the design limit and the pad re-entrains liquid.
- Choosing the wrong density: too low lets mist through, too high floods and raises pressure drop.
Where Knitted Wire Mesh Is Not the Right Choice
Not for solid-particle filtration — knitted mesh is for mist and vapour separation, shielding and cushioning, not for sieving.