Last Chance Filters provide point-of-use component protection and help to prevent sudden, catastrophic failure in fluid systems

They are installed immediately upstream of sensitive or critical components (e.g. nozzles, valves) and are designed to supplement the main system filters.

• Features
• Benefits

How Does it Work Typical Locations LCF Cleaning System Applications (link to applications tab) Typical Part Numbers (link to ordering tab) Features Laser drilled Sinterered, woven mesh (Rigimesh®) Composite mesh available Standard ranges (sizes, ratings) High collapse and burst ratings Absolute filtration ratings from 15 to 450 micron. Benefits Suitable for high pressure applications Suitable for bi-directional flow applications High strength Puncture resistance Fatigue resistance

How Does it Work?

Even though the main system filter may be very effective, there can still be large particulate contamination generated within the fluid system, downstream of the main filter, e.g. built-in contaminants, break-in wear debris, servicing and maintenance contamination.

The secondary, Last Chance Filters, trap particles such as machining chips, burrs, seal material, wear particles and fluid breakdown products.

In general, there are four conditions when a Last Chance Filter should be considered by the system designer:

• Components related to flight safety
• Components downstream from known sources of large particles
• Dead-end components or those not flushed during actuation
• Components with orifice diameters of ¹⁄₁₂ in. (2mm) or less

Typical Locations

A Last Chance Filter can be installed in one or more of these places in a system:

• Immediately upstream of the component to be protected.
• Inside the component, as an integral part of the assembly.
• At the normal outlet of a contamination-vulnerable component that experiences reverse flow.

Example Installations

Swaged In	Connecting Bobbin	Tri-Dot Union mounted
Disc Manifold	Port Boss	Screensert
In-Pipe

Last Chance Filter Cleaning System Pall Last Chance Filters are manufactured in strictly controlled conditions. The filtration meshes are already chemically clean due to the sintering process which vaporises surface contaminants. In addition, particularly for space applications, Pall has built a special flushing rig which achieves cleanliness levels of NAS class 00 or better. Once the desired cleanliness level has been achieved, the LCF is removed and vacuum-packed for transportation.

Note: special handling precautions must be taken on opening the package to ensure that the minimum of contamination is introduced.