Eaton DCF Disc Filter: Automatic Self-Cleaning for Viscous Liquids

Advanced Filtration for Viscous and Abrasive Liquids

In the world of industrial filtration, handling highly viscous, abrasive, or sticky liquids presents a unique set of challenges. Traditional bag and cartridge filters often clog rapidly, leading to frequent downtime, high maintenance costs, and significant product loss. The Eaton DCF Disc Filter represents a superior solution, utilizing a mechanically cleaned design to ensure continuous flow and optimal performance under difficult conditions.

What is the Eaton DCF Series?

The Eaton DCF series (including models like the DCF-400, DCF-800, DCF-1600, and DCF-3000) is a family of automatic, self-cleaning filters designed specifically for process industries. Unlike backwashing filters that reverse flow to clean the media, the DCF uses a spring-loaded cleaning disc that travels up and down the screen. This mechanical action physically removes collected contaminants, allowing for continuous operation without interrupting the process flow.

This “cleaning disc” technology makes the DCF ideal for fluids that are too thick for standard backwashing or where minimizing product loss is critical. The concentrated waste is purged from the bottom of the housing, resulting in a highly concentrated waste stream and minimal liquid loss.

Key Features and Benefits

Implementing an Eaton DCF filter into your process line offers several operational advantages:

• Continuous Operation: The filtration process is not interrupted during the cleaning cycle, ensuring steady throughput.
• Elimination of Disposable Media: Reduces the cost of purchasing filter bags or cartridges and eliminates the labor associated with changing them.
• Low Differential Pressure: The unit operates at a consistently low differential pressure, which is crucial for maintaining flow rates in viscous applications.
• Minimal Product Loss: The purge volume is very low, ensuring valuable product is kept in the process stream rather than flushed away with waste.
• Safety: Provides a closed system, reducing operator exposure to hazardous or hot fluids.
• Versatile Media Options: Stainless steel screens are available in a wide range of retentions, from 15 micron slots to 1/4″ perforations.

Technical Specifications: DCF 3000

The DCF 3000 is a flagship model in this series, featuring a dual cleaning disc and twin actuator design capable of high flow rates and high temperatures.

Specification	Data
Flow Rates (Water-like)	Up to 1,500 GPM (340 m³/hr)
Flow Rates (Viscous Fluids)	Up to 500 GPM
Operating Pressure	30 – 150 psi (2 – 10.5 bar)
Max. Operating Temperature	400°F (220°C)
Standard Retention	15 – 1,100 microns
Vessel Material	316 Stainless Steel
Cleaning Discs	Delrin® or PEEK
Elastomers	EPT/EPDM (Nordel™), Viton®, White Nitrile
Process Connections	4″ – 8″ ANSI Flanged

Model Comparison: DCF 400, 800, & 1600

For applications requiring lower flow rates or different footprints, the DCF series offers scalable options.

Feature	DCF-400	DCF-800	DCF-1600
Filtration Surface Area	112 in²	264 in²	610 in²
Typ. Flow Rate (at 100μ)	2 – 20 gpm	20 – 60 gpm	60 – 200 gpm
Total Volume Capacity	0.94 gal	3.9 gal	11 gal
Purge Chamber Capacity	4 fl. oz	25 fl. oz	1.5 gal

Common Applications

The DCF filter excels in industries where product quality is paramount and fluids are difficult to manage. Common applications include:

• Paper coatings (PCC/GCC slurries)
• Adhesives and resins
• Paint, ink, and solvents
• Chocolate and edible oils
• Detergents
• Hot fry oils
• Ethanol processing
• Lime slurries
• Machining coolants
• Nutraceuticals

Integration with Purecowater

Whether you need to replace an existing filtration unit or design a new process line for viscous liquids, Purecowater provides expert guidance on selecting the correct DCF configuration. We support OEM integration and can help verify material compatibility and sizing requirements.