stainless steel mist eliminator

Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator

This page lists all 26 Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator replacement filters available from Metal Air Filters — precision-manufactured washable aluminum mesh filters engineered as direct OEM replacements for Carrier commercial HVAC equipment. All filters on this page are HI Series products manufactured by American Metal Filter Company (AMFCO) with .030" extruded aluminum alloy frames, corrugated aluminum mesh media, UL 900 Class 1 certification, and a 275°F maximum operating temperature rating.

Each filter is a permanent washable replacement — clean and reuse for 5–10 years rather than replacing disposable filters every 30–90 days. AMFCO’s aluminum mesh construction provides 43% average dust arrestance per ASHRAE 52.1, making these filters ideal pre-filters in multi-stage Carrier commercial HVAC systems protecting downstream MERV 8 through HEPA filtration stages in rooftop units, air handlers, and split systems.

Commercial & Industrial Applications

Carrier commercial HVAC equipment is deployed across a wide range of commercial, institutional, and industrial building types. The following applications represent the primary use cases for Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator permanent washable aluminum mesh filters.

The HMS102025 20x25x1 stainless steel mist eliminator filter delivers reliable performance across commercial, institutional, and industrial environments where airborne moisture, water droplets, oil mist, or coolant mist must be separated from the airstream to protect downstream HVAC equipment, prevent corrosion and biological growth, and maintain system performance. The 900°F temperature rating and stainless steel frame construction make this filter the correct specification for applications that exceed the 275°F aluminum HMA model rating, or where industrial wash cycles demand the structural durability of stainless steel construction over aluminum-frame alternatives.

High-Temperature Process and Exhaust Applications

Industrial process ventilation, drying oven exhaust, and heated make-up air systems frequently operate at temperatures above the 275°F limit of aluminum-frame mist eliminators. The HMS102025’s 900°F continuous operating rating and stainless steel frame construction provide the thermal stability required for these elevated-temperature applications, where aluminum-frame alternatives would experience frame softening, fastener loosening, and progressive dimensional inaccuracy. Food processing facilities, industrial drying operations, high-temperature exhaust systems, and commercial kitchen ventilation applications that require moisture separation at elevated air temperatures rely on the HMS102025’s stainless steel construction for reliable long-term performance at service temperatures that would degrade lighter-duty aluminum alternatives.

Outside Air Intakes and Ventilation Systems

Commercial and institutional buildings’ outside air intake systems subject HVAC equipment to rain entrainment, wind-driven water, morning dew, and seasonal precipitation that introduce liquid water into ductwork and air handling equipment. The HMS102025 installed at outside air intake locations captures water droplets before they reach fan sections, coils, controls, and downstream filter banks, preventing moisture accumulation that causes rust, corrosion, biological growth, and equipment failure. Commercial office buildings, hospitals, schools, and institutional facilities with outside air systems in coastal, humid, or precipitation-prone climates benefit from the HMS102025’s 99%+ capture efficiency on 3-micron and larger water droplets, combined with the passive gravity drainage system that continuously removes captured moisture during normal HVAC operation without operator intervention.

Chilled Water Coil Protection

Chilled water coil sections in commercial air handling units generate condensate during normal cooling operation, and coil surfaces can become sites for airborne moisture accumulation that migrates downstream when airflow velocity exceeds the coil’s carry-over limit. Installing the HMS102025 downstream of chilled water coil sections captures carried-over moisture droplets before they reach supply ductwork, fan sections, and terminal equipment, protecting investments in downstream components and preventing moisture-related indoor air quality problems. Data centers, server rooms, precision manufacturing facilities, healthcare environments, and other applications benefit from the HMS102025’s combination of high-efficiency moisture capture and heavy-duty washable particulate filtration in a single permanent panel filter unit that installs in standard 20x25x1 nominal side-access or built-up filter bank positions.

Industrial and Coolant Mist Applications

Light and medium industrial manufacturing operations using coolant mist delivery systems, metalworking equipment, or process cooling generate oil mist and coolant aerosols that must be captured before entering building HVAC systems or exhausting to outside air. The HMS102025’s impingement-type stainless steel screen wire construction captures oil mist and coolant aerosol droplets through the same mechanism it uses for water droplets, with the stainless steel frame and face grids withstanding the frequent rigorous washing that industrial coolant mist applications demand. Industrial ventilation engineers specifying mist control for machining centers, stamping operations, process cooling, and cooling tower exhaust applications select the HMS stainless steel model for its 900°F temperature rating, rigorous washability, and heavy-duty frame construction compatible with the demanding cleaning cycles required in industrial operating environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the HMS102025 stainless steel mist eliminator filter work?

The HMS102025 operates on the impingement principle: water droplets and oil mist cannot follow the tortuous path through the 9-ply aluminum screen wire media layers at 500 fpm and collide with wire surfaces where surface tension holds captured liquid until it drains through the 3/8″ bottom drain holes in the stainless steel frame. Achieves 99%+ efficiency on 3-micron+ water droplets.

How do I clean the HMS102025?

Rinse with a moderate-to-heavy stream of warm water from the clean side through to the dirty side until water runs clear. The HMS stainless steel model is rated for frequent and rigorous washing — higher pressure is acceptable compared to aluminum-frame alternatives. Air dry or shake off excess water before reinstalling. Mild detergent may be used for industrial oil/coolant residue, followed by a thorough fresh-water rinse.

Why must the HMS102025 be installed with the TOP label facing upward?

The 3/8″ drain holes are along the bottom of the stainless steel frame and only function when the filter is upright with TOP facing up. Installing sideways or inverted prevents captured moisture from draining, reducing separation efficiency and potentially causing liquid re-entrainment into the airstream.

What is the maximum operating temperature of the HMS102025?

The HMS102025 HMS stainless steel model is rated for 900°F continuous operation — 50°F higher than the HMA aluminum model (275°F). For extreme temperatures above 900°F, AMFCO offers the HMS stainless steel model rated to 900°F in the same HM Series configurations.

What are the actual dimensions of the HMS102025?

Actual dimensions: 19.375″ H x 24.375″ W x 7/8″ D (±1/8″ H&W, ±1/16″ depth). Nominal size: 20x25x1. HM Series uses 5/8″ undercut on height and width—not 1/2″ as used by some other filter series.

What is the difference between the HMG galvanized and HMA aluminum models?

Both use identical stainless steel screen wire media and the same HM Series design. HMS has 24 gauge stainless steel frame and 30 gauge stainless steel face grids — giving it a 900°F max temp (vs HMA’s 275°F) and “frequent and rigorous” washability (vs HMA’s “frequent and moderate”). Choose HMG for elevated temperatures or aggressive industrial wash cycles.

Can I use Filter Coat adhesive on this mist eliminator filter?

Yes—the HM Series stainless steel mist eliminator may optionally be sprayed with Filter Coat, a water-soluble adhesive and detergent, before installation to enhance particulate capture. Filter Coat washes off during routine cleaning and must be reapplied after each wash cycle if desired.

Are polyurethane gaskets available for this filter?

Yes—the HM Series may be supplied with polyurethane gaskets on the vertical sides of the frame for side-access housing applications requiring a moisture-tight seal. Specify ‘with gaskets’ and indicate which dimensions (short or long side) require gaskets when ordering.

How often should I wash this mist eliminator filter?

Wash frequency depends on application: outside air intakes in dusty environments typically every 1–3 months; commercial moisture separation applications every 3–6 months; industrial coolant mist applications may need monthly washing. Inspect visually and monitor drain hole flow as indicators for washing timing.

How does the HMS stainless steel model compare to HMG and HMA models?

HMA (.030″ aluminum frame, 24 ga aluminum face grids): 275°F max, frequent and moderate washability. HMG (24 ga galvanized steel frame, 30 ga galvanized face grids): 325°F max, frequent and rigorous washability. HMS (24 ga stainless steel frame, 30 ga stainless steel face grids): 900°F max, frequent and rigorous washability. All use stainless steel screen wire media. Choose HMS for applications exceeding 325°F or requiring stainless steel corrosion resistance.

Is the HMS102025 compatible with my HVAC system?

The HMS102025 is designed for commercial and industrial HVAC systems operating at 500 fpm (450–550 fpm recommended range)—higher than standard residential airflow. It fits 20x25x1 nominal filter positions in outside air ducts, side-access housings, and built-up filter banks. Verify your system airflow is within range for optimal moisture separation performance.