Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 Review

Let’s Dive into Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 might not be the sexiest piece of gear, but in the world of water purification, it’s a silent guardian against the unseen. This unassuming cylinder stands between your water source and the purity you need for critical applications. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve learned the hard way that water quality is paramount, especially in environments where every drop counts.

What drew me to the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 was the need for reliable pre-filtration. My team and I often work in remote locations where water sources are suspect at best, and ensuring our equipment isn’t damaged by particulate matter is essential. I vividly remember a research expedition in the Atacama Desert. We had a high-end UV water purification unit get clogged and fail due to excessive sediment in the water. It was a logistical nightmare.

Upon unboxing, the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 appears deceptively simple. It’s a 10-inch long, double open end filter cartridge that feels solid enough. There’s a reassuring density to it that suggests a quality build. Comparing it to generic spun polypropylene filters, the Barnstead model had a visibly tighter weave. It hints at better performance, but the proof, as always, is in the pudding.

I considered a few alternatives before settling on the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017. I looked at a similarly rated GE filter and a Pentek option. I ultimately chose the Barnstead because of the Thermo Scientific (the original manufacturer) name and its compatibility with specific Thermo Scientific filter housings we already use. Brand familiarity and seamless integration won out.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t doing cartwheels, but I felt confident that this filter could provide the pre-filtration protection our sensitive equipment needed. The true test would come in the field, under real-world conditions, and with consistently questionable water sources.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 to the Test

First Use Experience

I first deployed the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 as a pre-filter in a mobile water purification setup during a training exercise in the Ozark Mountains. The water source was a murky creek notorious for its high sediment content after rainfall. The filter was paired with a portable UV purifier unit and a hand pump.

The performance was immediately noticeable. Before installing the Barnstead filter, the UV unit’s pre-filter clogged within minutes. With the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 in place, the UV pre-filter lasted several hours before requiring a change. The water coming out of the system was visibly clearer, even after filtering a significant volume.

Using the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 was straightforward. It slipped easily into the filter housing, and the double open end design ensured proper sealing. There was no noticeable flow restriction, which is always a concern with finer micron filters. There were no surprises, just consistent and reliable pre-filtration.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use across various field operations, the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 has proven its worth. We’ve used it in environments ranging from muddy riverbeds to dusty arid regions. The filter has consistently provided excellent pre-filtration, extending the life of downstream filters and protecting sensitive purification equipment.

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use and handling. The housing remains intact, and the filter material doesn’t appear to degrade quickly. Backflushing the filter helps to extend its lifespan, but eventually, it needs replacement.

Maintaining the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is simple: periodically backflush with clean water to remove accumulated sediment. Replacement is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes. Compared to our previous experiences with less robust filters, the Barnstead significantly outperforms them in terms of lifespan and filtration efficiency.

Breaking Down the Features of Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017

Specifications

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is a deceptively simple product, but its specifications tell a story of targeted performance.

• Pore Size: 5 Micron. This is the critical specification. It means the filter is designed to remove particles larger than 5 micrometers, including silt, rust, sand, and other suspended solids.
• Unit: Each. This simply clarifies that the product is sold as a single filter cartridge.
• Length: 10 inches. This is a standard length for many filter housings, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.
• Double Open End (DOE). This design allows water to flow through the entire filter surface, maximizing filtration efficiency and minimizing pressure drop.
• Material: (Presumed) Spun Polypropylene. The material isn’t explicitly stated, but spun polypropylene is the industry standard for this type of filter, known for its chemical resistance and cost-effectiveness.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the filter’s ability to protect downstream equipment. The 5-micron pore size is a sweet spot for pre-filtration. It removes enough particulate matter to significantly extend the life of finer filters and UV purification systems without causing excessive flow restriction. The 10-inch length and DOE design contribute to its efficiency and compatibility.

Performance & Functionality

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 excels at its primary job: removing particulate matter from water. It significantly reduces sediment load, protecting downstream filters and equipment.

The strength of this filter lies in its consistent and reliable performance. It does what it’s supposed to do, without fuss or drama. A potential weakness is that it is not a chemical filter. So, it won’t remove dissolved contaminants or improve taste and odor. It’s purely for particulate removal.

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 meets and even slightly exceeds expectations, given its price point. It delivers the pre-filtration performance we need without any significant drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 boasts a simple and functional design. It’s a standard cylinder made from robust materials.

The filter is lightweight and easy to handle. Its user-friendliness stems from its compatibility with standard filter housings. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is designed to last for a reasonable period, depending on the sediment load of the water being filtered.

Maintaining the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is relatively simple. Regular backflushing can extend its lifespan. Replacement is straightforward and requires no specialized tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 doesn’t come with accessories per se. Its customization options are limited to choosing the appropriate filter housing.

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is designed to fit standard 10-inch DOE filter housings, making it compatible with a wide range of systems from different manufacturers. You can often find compatible housings from Thermo Scientific and other brands.

Pros and Cons of Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017?

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is perfect for anyone who needs reliable pre-filtration for water purification systems. This includes researchers, field scientists, and anyone using sensitive water purification equipment in environments with questionable water sources. It is especially useful for individuals relying on UV water purification units. It significantly extends the life of UV lamps and prevents clogging.

Individuals looking for a comprehensive water purification solution that removes both particulate and dissolved contaminants should skip this product. It is designed only for particulate removal. They should consider a multi-stage filtration system with activated carbon filters.

A must-have accessory is a compatible 10-inch DOE filter housing. A backflushing adapter can also be beneficial for extending the filter’s lifespan.

Conclusion on Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017

The Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 is a reliable and cost-effective solution for pre-filtration. It protects sensitive water purification equipment.

The price of $119.99 is justified, given the filter’s performance, durability, and the protection it provides to more expensive equipment. It’s an investment in the longevity and efficiency of your water purification system.

I would personally recommend the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 to anyone needing reliable pre-filtration. It’s a workhorse filter that delivers consistent performance. Don’t let sediment ruin your water purification system! Invest in the Barnstead 5 Micron Filter 18017 and ensure clean, reliable water for your critical applications.