Description
Product Overview
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 is a 20.5x23x1 washable stainless steel mist eliminator filter engineered for permanent installation in HVAC systems, outside air ducts, side-access housings, and built-up filter banks where airborne water droplets, oil mist, or coolant mist must be separated from the airstream before reaching downstream equipment. As an impingement-type panel filter, the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 serves two essential functions: its primary role is to collect large water droplets and oil mist and divert the captured liquid to an appropriate drain; its secondary function is as a heavy-duty washable particulate air filter rated for continuous operation at temperatures up to 900°F. Independently tested and verified, this stainless steel mist eliminator filter achieves 99%+ efficiency on water droplets measuring 3 microns and larger, providing reliable moisture protection for chilled water coils, mist-type humidifiers, outdoor air intake systems, and demanding industrial applications requiring elevated temperature ratings beyond the 275°F capability of aluminum-frame alternatives.
Constructed with a 24 gauge stainless steel frame, 30 gauge stainless steel face grids on both the air entry and exit sides, and a 9-ply stainless steel screen wire media pack—multiple layers of corrugated and flat screen wire positioned for efficient drainage, placed between two layers of expanded metal—the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 delivers consistent moisture separation and particulate filtration performance with the structural durability and elevated temperature resistance required for demanding commercial and industrial HVAC applications. With actual dimensions of 20.5” H x 23.0” W x 7/8″ D (±1/8”), this filter installs precisely in standard 20.5x23x1 nominal filter housings in outside air ducts, side-access filter housings, and built-up filter banks throughout commercial and industrial HVAC systems.
Unlike electrostatic or pleated media filters designed primarily for fine particulate capture, the HM Series mist eliminator operates on the impingement principle: water droplets and oil mist in the airstream cannot follow the tortuous path through the corrugated stainless steel screen wire layers at rated velocity, causing them to collide with the screen wire surfaces where surface tension holds the collected liquid. The captured liquid accumulates and drains by gravity through the 3/8” diameter drain holes along the bottom of the filter frame when installed in the correct upright orientation with the TOP label facing upward. This passive drainage mechanism requires no power, pumps, or active components—gravity moves collected moisture to the drain while the HVAC system operates normally. The 9-ply stainless steel screen wire media pack provides the optimal combination of tortuous path length, surface area, and drainage channel geometry for efficient liquid separation at rated 500 fpm airflow.
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 is manufactured by American Metal Filter Company (AMFCO) with precision construction ensuring reliable long-term performance and dimensional accuracy for proper housing fitment. The stainless steel frame and face grids combined with stainless steel screen wire media provide the elevated temperature resistance and rigorous washability required in industrial HVAC environments, process exhaust systems, and applications with wash cycles that demand more robust frame construction than the aluminum HMA model can withstand. The frame’s pop-rivet corner construction and mitered joints maintain the critical 20.5” x 23.0” face dimensions within ±1/8” tolerance throughout the filter’s operational lifetime. For HVAC engineers, building operators, and facilities managers who need reliable moisture separation at elevated temperatures or in applications requiring frequent rigorous washing, the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 delivers the performance, durability, and 900°F temperature rating of the HM Series stainless steel model in a standard 20.5x23x1 nominal size.
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Key Benefits of the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator Filter
- 900°F Maximum Operating Temperature: Rated for continuous operation at 900°F—50 degrees higher than the aluminum HMA model—making the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 the correct specification for demanding commercial and industrial applications with elevated air temperatures, process exhaust systems, and environments where the lower 275°F aluminum-frame rating is insufficient
- Frequent and Rigorous Washability: Stainless steel frame and face grid construction enables rigorous washing that would damage lighter aluminum-frame alternatives. The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 withstands high-pressure hose washing and aggressive cleaning cycles required in industrial applications with heavy particulate or coolant mist loading, without the frame deformation or fastener failure risk associated with aluminum models under rigorous washing conditions
- 99%+ Efficient on 3-Micron Water Droplets: Independently tested and verified to capture over 99% of water droplets measuring 3 microns and larger, providing reliable moisture protection for chilled water coils, downstream HVAC components, fan motors, and ductwork systems where uncaptured moisture causes corrosion, biological growth, and equipment damage
- Dual Function — Moisture Separation and Particulate Filtration: Primary function as an impingement-type mist eliminator is complemented by secondary heavy-duty washable particulate filtration capability, making the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 a versatile single-filter solution for applications requiring both moisture control and airborne particle capture in one permanent filter unit
- Permanent Washable Design: Rinse with warm water to restore full mist elimination and filtration performance—no replacement media required. Eliminates the recurring cost and logistics of disposable filter programs while maintaining consistent moisture separation performance throughout decades of industrial HVAC service
- Heavy-Duty 9-ply Stainless Steel Screen Wire Construction: Multiple layers of corrugated and flat stainless steel screen wire provide the tortuous path geometry required for efficient impingement-type moisture separation. The stainless steel frame and face grids enclose and protect the stainless steel screen wire media pack, combining the corrosion-resistant moisture capture performance of stainless steel screen wire with the structural durability of stainless steel construction
- Gravity Drainage System: 3/8” diameter drain holes along the bottom of the stainless steel frame collect and divert captured moisture to a drain when the filter is installed upright with the TOP label facing upward. This passive drainage system requires no power, pumps, or active components—gravity handles captured liquid disposal during normal HVAC operation
- Made in USA by AMFCO — UL Classified 900: Manufactured by American Metal Filter Company with precision quality control ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy, proper fitment in standard HVAC housings, and reliable moisture separation performance throughout years of demanding commercial and industrial service. Optional polyurethane gaskets available for side-access housing applications
Technical Specifications
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 stainless steel mist eliminator filter delivers verified performance specifications for moisture separation and particulate filtration in commercial and industrial HVAC applications. All specifications conform to the authoritative AMFCO HM Series Tech Sheet and independent test report. The comprehensive data below covers every dimension, material, and performance parameter required for HVAC system design, procurement specifications, facility maintenance documentation, and regulatory compliance records.
| Specifications: | Details: |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 (HM Series — Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator Filter) |
| Nominal Size | 20.5” x 23” x 1” |
| Actual Dimensions | 20.5” H x 23.0” W x 7/8″ D (±1/8” H&W, ±1/16” depth) |
| Frame Material | 24 gauge stainless steel |
| Frame Construction | Precision-mitered corners secured with pop rivets; 3/8” diameter drain holes along bottom of frame |
| Face Grid Material | 30 gauge stainless steel (both air entry and exit sides) |
| Media | Stainless steel screen wire — 9-ply: multiple layers of corrugated and flat screen wire positioned for efficient drainage |
| Media Pack Placement | Pack placed between two layers of expanded metal |
| Filter Type | Impingement type washable panel filter |
| Primary Function | Moisture/mist separation — collects water droplets and oil mist; diverts liquid to drain |
| Secondary Function | Heavy-duty washable particulate filtration |
| Water Droplet Efficiency | 99%+ efficient on water droplet size of 3 microns and larger (independently tested) |
| Water Droplet Efficiency Detail | 2.5–3 micron: 94.9% • 3–4 micron: 99.1% • 4–5 micron: 99.9% |
| Dust Arrestance / Capacity | Not officially rated for this depth — primary function is moisture/mist separation at 500 fpm |
| Rated Airflow | 500 fpm face velocity |
| Recommended Airflow Range | 450–550 fpm |
| Maximum Operating Temperature | 900°F continuous |
| Recommended Final Resistance | 0.50 inches W.G. before cleaning |
| Cleaning Method | Rinse with moderate-to-heavy stream of warm water; air dry before reinstalling |
| Washability Rating | Frequent and rigorous |
| Adhesive Coating Option | Not supplied from factory; may optionally be sprayed with Filter Coat (water-soluble adhesive and detergent) before installation |
| Gasket Option | Available with polyurethane gaskets on vertical sides for side-access housing applications (specify at order) |
| Installation Orientation | TOP label must face upward for moisture separation drainage |
| Drain Hole Placement | 3/8” diameter drain holes along bottom of frame |
| Filter Weight | 4.15 lbs |
| Compliance & Certifications | UL Classified 900 |
| UPC Code | 840373525317 |
| GTIN Code | 00840373525317 |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA |
Commercial & Industrial Applications
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1’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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1’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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1’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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1’s combination of high-efficiency moisture capture and heavy-duty washable particulate filtration in a single permanent panel filter unit that installs in standard 20.5x23x1 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 HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1’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.
Construction Features
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 stainless steel mist eliminator filter represents precision construction engineered for decades of reliable moisture separation and particulate filtration performance across thousands of rigorous wash cycles and years of demanding commercial and industrial HVAC service. Every component is specified to deliver consistent impingement-type mist capture, structural durability, elevated temperature resistance, and rigorous washability—from the precision-mitered stainless steel frame with drain holes to the 9-ply stainless steel screen wire media pack and dual 30 gauge stainless steel face grids.
Stainless Steel Frame with Gravity Drainage
The 24 gauge stainless steel perimeter frame provides exceptional structural rigidity and thermal stability for a 20.5x23x1 panel filter while maintaining dimensional accuracy through repeated rigorous washing cycles and continuous operation at temperatures up to 900°F. Unlike aluminum-frame alternatives rated to only 275°F, the stainless steel frame maintains its dimensional stability and fastener integrity at the elevated temperatures encountered in industrial process ventilation, heated make-up air systems, and high-temperature exhaust applications. Precision-mitered corner joints secured with pop rivets create true 90-degree angles that maintain the critical 20.5” x 23.0” face dimensions within ±1/8” tolerance across years of rigorous service, ensuring proper housing fitment that prevents bypass around the filter perimeter in side-access housings and built-up filter banks. The 3/8” diameter drain holes positioned along the bottom of the frame provide the exit path for captured moisture: when installed with the TOP label facing upward, captured water droplets and oil mist flow downward through the stainless steel screen wire media, collect at the stainless steel frame bottom, and exit through the drain holes to an appropriate drain location, maintaining continuous moisture removal during normal HVAC operation without operator intervention.
9-Ply Stainless Steel Screen Wire Media Pack
The 9-ply stainless steel screen wire media pack is the performance core of the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1, providing the tortuous impingement path geometry required for efficient water droplet and oil mist capture at rated 500 fpm airflow. Multiple layers of corrugated and flat stainless steel screen wire alternated in a precise pattern create an extended series of direction changes that airborne water droplets cannot navigate at rated velocity—they collide with wire surfaces where surface tension holds the captured liquid until it accumulates enough to drain by gravity to the frame bottom and out through the drain holes. The corrugated wire layers create the direction-change geometry while the flat layers provide drainage channels that guide captured liquid efficiently to the frame drain holes without re-entrainment into the airstream. This construction achieves the verified 94.9% efficiency at 2.5–3 microns and 99.1% efficiency at 3–4 microns documented in the independent test report, with 99.9% capture at 4–5 microns and above. The stainless steel screen wire media resists corrosion from water, common coolants, and moderate concentrations of cleaning agents, maintaining drainage channel geometry through frequent rigorous washing operations over decades of service. The entire media pack is placed between two layers of expanded metal that protect it from physical damage during installation, removal, and washing while maintaining uniform face velocity distribution across the entire filter area.
30 Gauge Stainless Steel Face Grids
30 gauge stainless steel face grids on both the air entry and exit sides of the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 provide uniform airflow distribution across the entire filter face area while protecting the stainless steel screen wire media pack from physical damage during installation, removal, and the rigorous washing operations for which the HMS stainless steel model is rated. The stainless steel grid construction withstands the high-pressure washing, aggressive cleaning, and physical handling demands of industrial maintenance programs that would deform or damage lighter aluminum face grid alternatives. The entry-side grid prevents contact damage to the screen wire layers during installation in tight side-access housing configurations, while the exit-side grid supports the media pack against airflow pressure at the elevated 500 fpm rated velocity. Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in moisture-laden operating environments, chemical cleaning agents, and oxidizing atmospheres without surface coatings—corrosion resistance is inherent to the alloy composition throughout decades of continuous moisture exposure.
Maintenance & Cleaning
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 stainless steel mist eliminator filter requires periodic washing to maintain optimal moisture separation performance and restore the 9-ply stainless steel screen wire media pack’s capture efficiency. The AMFCO tech sheet specifies “frequent and rigorous” washability for the HMS stainless steel model—a significant advantage over the “frequent and moderate” rating of the aluminum HMA model, and the key reason industrial facilities and applications with heavy particulate loading specify the HMS for environments requiring aggressive cleaning. Regular rigorous washing removes accumulated particulate from the screen wire layers, restores the tortuous path geometry for efficient impingement capture, and clears any drainage channels that may have become partially obstructed by industrial debris or coolant residue.
Washing Procedure
Remove the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 filter from your HVAC system by sliding it out of the filter housing or releasing any side-access housing retention hardware. Note the TOP label orientation so the filter can be reinstalled correctly for moisture drainage. Take the filter to a utility sink, hose bib, or outdoor washing area with access to warm running water. Hold the filter with the dirty face down and rinse from the clean side through to the dirty side, allowing water to carry accumulated dust and debris out through the loaded face. Continue rinsing until water runs completely clear. For filters used in oil mist or coolant mist applications, a mild detergent solution can be used followed by a thorough fresh-water rinse. The HMS’s stainless steel frame and face grids allow for higher-pressure washing compared to aluminum-frame alternatives—the rigorous wash rating means the filter can withstand the aggressive cleaning required to clear industrial-grade particulate and coolant residue buildup without risk of frame damage or media displacement. Allow the washed filter to air dry or shake off excess water before reinstalling. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is used, apply it after washing and drying before reinstallation per Filter Coat product instructions.
Washing Frequency Guidelines
The HMS is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing, making it ideal for maintenance programs requiring regular aggressive cleaning without concern for frame or grid damage. Washing frequency depends on your specific application, particulate loading, and moisture exposure rates. Outside air intake applications in dusty or high-particulate environments may require washing every 1–3 months. Chilled water coil protection and humidifier applications in commercial buildings typically require washing every 3–6 months under normal conditions. Industrial and coolant mist applications with heavy loading rates may require monthly or more frequent washing depending on observed accumulation patterns and system differential pressure trends. Visual inspection is the most reliable washing indicator—when the screen wire layers appear visibly loaded with dust or the drain holes show signs of partial blockage, washing is warranted regardless of elapsed time. Systems with building automation differential pressure monitoring can use filter pressure drop rise above initial clean-filter readings as an objective washing trigger.
Optional Filter Coat Treatment
The HMS stainless steel mist eliminator filter may optionally be treated with Filter Coat, a water-soluble adhesive and detergent, before installation. Filter Coat can improve particulate capture in the secondary filtration function by making screen wire surfaces tacky for fine dust adhesion. To apply, spray the filter face lightly with Filter Coat before installation per product instructions. Filter Coat is water-soluble and washes off during routine filter cleaning, so reapplication after each wash cycle is required if adhesive-enhanced particulate capture is desired for your application. Contact Metal Air Filters to inquire about Filter Coat availability for use with your HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 installation.
Installation
Installing the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 stainless steel mist eliminator filter follows procedures compatible with standard HVAC filter housings accepting 20.5x23x1 nominal size filters, but requires one critical orientation step not required with standard particulate filters: the filter must be installed with the TOP label facing upward in all moisture separation applications to ensure captured liquid drains correctly through the bottom frame drain holes.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1, verify that your filter housing accepts 20.5x23x1 nominal size filters with actual interior dimensions accommodating the 20.5” H x 23.0” W x 7/8″ D filter, with ±1/8” tolerance on height and width. Confirm your HVAC system operating temperature does not exceed 900°F at the filter location. Identify the TOP label on the filter frame and confirm the housing orientation allows the TOP label to face upward during installation—this is mandatory for correct moisture drainage. Locate the drain holes along the bottom of the filter frame and confirm they align with or can drain to an appropriate liquid collection point. If your application uses side-access filter housings and you ordered the gasket option, verify the polyurethane gaskets are properly positioned on the vertical frame sides before installation. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is desired, have it available to apply to the filter face before installation. Clean the filter housing interior of accumulated dust and debris from previous filter service.
Installation Steps
Shut down your HVAC system completely before accessing the filter compartment. Remove any existing filter from the housing, noting the position of any drain connections or collection points at the housing bottom. Clean the filter housing interior using a vacuum or damp cloth. Orient the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 with the TOP label facing upward—this is critical for moisture drainage. Insert the filter into the housing maintaining the upright TOP-label-up orientation throughout the installation process. Press the filter firmly into place ensuring all four edges of the stainless steel frame seat properly against the housing walls. In side-access housings, ensure the polyurethane gaskets (if ordered) compress properly against the housing interior walls to create a moisture-tight seal that prevents liquid bypass around the filter frame. Secure the filter using the housing’s retention mechanism per your specific system design. Verify that the drain holes at the bottom of the installed filter are unobstructed and positioned to drain captured moisture to an appropriate collection point—a housing drain pan, floor drain, or connected drain line. Close and secure the filter access door or panel. Restore power and restart the HVAC system. Record the installation date and orientation in your maintenance log. During the first operating period after installation, check the drain area for moisture drainage to confirm the filter is correctly positioned and draining as expected.
Complementary Products
Metal Air Filters offers the complete HM Series line in three frame materials to match every temperature, washability, and application requirement. The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 stainless steel model is the step-up from the aluminum HMA model—providing a higher 900°F temperature rating and rigorous washability for demanding industrial applications—while the HMS stainless steel model covers extreme-temperature industrial environments up to 900°F.
HMA Aluminum Mist Eliminators — 275°F / Moderate Washability
For standard commercial HVAC applications operating below 275°F where moderate washability is sufficient, the aluminum HMA model offers the same HM Series impingement moisture separation performance in a lighter-weight aluminum-frame construction:
• 12x24x1 Aluminum Mist Eliminator (HMA101224) — HMA aluminum model, 275°F max, frequent and moderate washability
• 20x20x1 Aluminum Mist Eliminator (HMA102020) — Popular commercial aluminum mist eliminator for standard commercial HVAC applications not requiring the 900°F stainless steel rating
HMS Stainless Steel Mist Eliminators — 900°F / Rigorous Washability
For extreme-temperature industrial applications exceeding the HMS’s 900°F rating, the HMS stainless steel model handles continuous operation up to 900°F. Contact Metal Air Filters for HMS availability in standard and custom sizes.
Washable Electrostatic Air Filters — EC Series
For applications requiring fine particulate filtration with passive electrostatic technology and MERV 6 performance rated up to 150°F:
• 12x24x1 Washable Electrostatic Air Filter (ECA101224) — MERV 6 passive electrostatic filter for standard residential and commercial HVAC particulate control applications
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 mist eliminator filter work?
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 operates on the impingement principle: water droplets and oil mist cannot follow the tortuous path through the 9-ply corrugated stainless steel screen wire layers at rated 500 fpm velocity and collide with wire surfaces. Surface tension holds the captured liquid on the wire until it accumulates and drains by gravity through the 3/8” drain holes along the bottom of the stainless steel frame to an appropriate drain point. This passive impingement mechanism achieves 99%+ efficiency on 3-micron and larger water droplets without electricity, moving parts, or active components.
How do I clean and wash the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1?
Remove the filter and rinse with a moderate-to-heavy stream of warm water from the clean side through to the dirty side until water runs completely clear. The HMS is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing—higher-pressure washing is acceptable on the stainless steel frame and face grids compared to aluminum-frame alternatives. Shake off excess water and air dry or reinstall. If Filter Coat adhesive treatment is used, reapply after each wash cycle. For industrial applications with heavy oil or coolant residue, mild detergent followed by a thorough rinse is recommended.
Why must the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 be installed with the TOP label facing upward?
The 3/8” drain holes are positioned along the bottom of the filter frame specifically to allow captured moisture to drain by gravity when the filter is installed upright with the TOP label facing up. If installed sideways or upside down, captured liquid cannot reach the drain holes and will accumulate in the filter, reducing moisture separation efficiency, potentially causing liquid re-entrainment into the airstream, and creating conditions for biological growth in the housing. Always install with the TOP label facing upward in all moisture separation applications.
What is the maximum operating temperature of the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1?
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 HMS stainless steel model is rated for continuous operation at 900°F—significantly higher than the aluminum HMA model (275°F) and the galvanized HMG model (325°F). This covers demanding commercial and industrial HVAC applications including process ventilation, heated make-up air, and industrial exhaust systems operating at elevated temperatures.
What are the actual dimensions of the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1?
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 has actual dimensions of 20.5” H x 23.0” W x 7/8″ D (±1/8” on H and W, ±1/16” on depth). The nominal size is 20.5x23x1. HM Series filters use a 5/8” undercut on height and width—not the 1/2” undercut used by some other filter series. This means actual height = nominal H minus 5/8” and actual width = nominal W minus 5/8”.
What is the difference between the HMS stainless steel and HMA aluminum models?
Both models use identical stainless steel screen wire media and the same HM Series impingement design. The key differences are frame and face grid material: HMS uses 24 gauge stainless steel frame and 30 gauge stainless steel face grids, while HMA uses a .030” thick aluminum frame and 24 gauge aluminum face grids. The stainless steel construction gives the HMS a 900°F max temperature (vs HMA’s 275°F) and “frequent and rigorous” washability (vs HMA’s “frequent and moderate”). The HMS weighs slightly more than the equivalent HMA due to the denser steel construction. Choose HMS for elevated temperatures or applications requiring aggressive wash cycles; choose HMA for standard commercial applications within its 275°F rating.
Can I use Filter Coat adhesive on this mist eliminator filter?
Yes—unlike EC Series electrostatic filters (where adhesive coatings are not recommended), the HM Series stainless steel mist eliminator may optionally be sprayed with Filter Coat, a water-soluble adhesive and detergent, before installation. Filter Coat can improve fine particulate capture in the secondary filtration function. It washes off during routine cleaning, so reapplication after each wash is required if adhesive treatment is desired.
Are gaskets available for this filter for side-access housing applications?
Yes—the HM Series may be supplied with polyurethane gaskets on the vertical sides of the frame for use inside side-access housings where a moisture-tight seal between the filter frame and housing walls is required. Specify “with gaskets” and indicate which dimensions (short or long side) require gaskets when placing your order. Contact Metal Air Filters to add the gasket option to your HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 order.
How often should I wash the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1?
The HMS is rated for “frequent and rigorous” washing. Frequency depends on your application: outside air intakes in dusty environments typically require washing every 1–3 months; commercial building moisture separation applications typically every 3–6 months; industrial coolant mist applications may require monthly washing. Visual inspection of the screen wire face and monitoring for reduced drainage through the drain holes are the most reliable indicators for washing timing.
Does this filter work with all commercial HVAC systems?
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 fits standard 20.5x23x1 nominal filter positions in outside air ducts, side-access housings, and built-up filter banks. It is designed for rated 500 fpm face velocity (recommended range 450–550 fpm), which is higher than standard residential HVAC airflow—this filter is designed for commercial and industrial applications with higher air velocities where impingement-type moisture separation is effective. Verify your system operates within the 450–550 fpm range at the filter face for optimal moisture separation performance.
Why Choose the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 20.5x23x1 Stainless Steel Mist Eliminator?
The HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 HMS Series stainless steel mist eliminator filter solves the critical problem of moisture entrainment in commercial and industrial HVAC systems—particularly those operating at temperatures or washability demands that exceed the aluminum HMA model’s capabilities. With independently verified 99%+ water droplet capture efficiency on 3-micron and larger droplets, the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 provides reliable permanent protection for chilled water coils, fan sections, ductwork, and building equipment against moisture damage at operating temperatures up to 900°F—50 degrees higher than the HMA aluminum model. The passive gravity drainage system through the 3/8” bottom drain holes removes captured moisture continuously during normal HVAC operation, requiring only periodic rigorous washing to maintain peak performance.
Built with 24 gauge stainless steel framing, 9-ply corrugated and flat stainless steel screen wire media, and 30 gauge stainless steel face grids on both sides, the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 combines structural durability with the elevated temperature resistance and rigorous washability essential for long-term service in industrial HVAC environments. The 20.5x23x1 dimensions install in standard outside air duct, side-access housing, and built-up filter bank positions throughout commercial and industrial HVAC infrastructure. The straightforward warm-water washing procedure—including rigorous washing that would damage lighter aluminum-frame alternatives—restores full moisture separation and particulate filtration performance without specialized tools. Optional polyurethane gaskets for side-access housings and optional Filter Coat adhesive treatment provide installation flexibility for demanding applications. Made in USA by American Metal Filter Company to exacting dimensional and construction standards.
Choosing the HMSS100500-1-20.5x23x1 permanent washable stainless steel mist eliminator eliminates recurring disposable filter replacement costs while providing higher temperature capability and greater wash durability than the aluminum HMA model. The combination of 99%+ water droplet efficiency, heavy-duty secondary particulate filtration, 900°F temperature capability, and “frequent and rigorous” washability makes this filter the engineering-sound choice for any commercial or industrial HVAC application where moisture entrainment must be controlled at elevated temperatures or where industrial maintenance demands require a more durable frame construction than aluminum can provide in a standard 20.5x23x1 nominal panel filter footprint.
