Disc filter vs screen filter — which one to choose
Short answer: A screen filter uses a mesh that retains particles on its surface — inexpensive and easy to clean. A disc filter uses stacked grooved discs that filter in depth, so it holds more dirt, at slightly higher cost.
Both are washed and reused, so fitting one ahead of your cartridges substantially reduces cartridge cost.
The difference
| Feature | Screen filter | Disc filter |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Mesh — surface filtration | Stacked discs — depth filtration |
| Price | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Dirt capacity | Lower | Higher |
| With organic matter | Chokes quickly | Better |
| Cleaning | Very easy | A little more work |
| Best suited to | Sand, coarse particles | Organics, algae, mixed loading |
Size chart and prices
| Size | Type | Disc | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¾ inch | Y type | ₹457 | ₹388 |
| 1 inch | Y type | ₹494 | ₹457 |
| 1.5 inch | Y type | ₹1,680 | ₹1,549 |
| 1.5 inch | T type | ₹1,890 | ₹1,759 |
| 2 inch | Y type | ₹2,268 | ₹2,079 |
| 2 inch | T type | ₹4,725 | ₹8,610 |
| 2.5 inch | T type | ₹9,450 | ₹8,925 |
| 3 inch | T type | ₹14,175 | ₹13,125 |
The full list is in Disc & Screen Filters.
Y type or T type
- Y type: the filter element sits at an angle, forming a Y shape. Common and economical in smaller sizes
- T type: the element sits vertically below. Better in larger sizes, easier to clean and with more capacity
Y type is fine up to 1.5 inch; from 2 inch upward T type is preferable.
The real benefit of fitting one
These filters go ahead of the cartridges. The benefits:
- Coarse particles are stopped here
- The load on cartridges falls sharply — they last two to three times longer
- They are washed and reused, so there is no recurring cost
- A one-off purchase that serves for years
Which to choose
| Water | Choose |
|---|---|
| Sand and coarse particles (borewell) | Screen filter — cheaper and simpler |
| Silt and clay | Either works, disc slightly better |
| Algae, leaves, organics | Disc filter — a screen would choke quickly |
| River or pond water | Disc filter |
| Irrigation or garden | Disc filter (originally designed for this) |
| Cooling tower side stream | Disc filter |
Choosing the size
The filter size should match the line size. Undersizing increases pressure drop.
| Flow | Filter size |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 LPH | ¾ inch |
| 1,000 – 2,500 LPH | 1 inch |
| 2,500 – 6,000 LPH | 1.5 inch |
| 6,000 – 12,000 LPH | 2 inch |
| 12,000 – 20,000 LPH | 2.5 inch |
| Above 20,000 LPH | 3 inch |
How often to clean
- Clean water: once a month
- Moderate: once a week
- Very dirty: every two to three days
The reliable method: watch the pressure difference across the filter. When it exceeds 0.5 kg/cm², clean it.
Cleaning method
Screen filter
- Isolate the line and open the drain plug
- Remove the mesh element
- Flush with water from the reverse side (backwash)
- Brush gently
- Refit, checking the O-ring
Disc filter
- Isolate the line and open the housing
- Remove the disc stack — note the order
- Separate the discs and rinse them (rubbing gently)
- Reassemble in the same order, compressed firmly
Automatic self-cleaning versions
For very dirty water or large flows there are automatic filters that backwash themselves. They cost more, but where cleaning would otherwise be a daily task they are worth considering — please contact us separately about these.
The full pre-treatment sequence
- Screen or disc filter — coarse particles, washed and reused
- Sand or multigrade filter — turbidity, if it is high
- Bag filter — medium particles, if required
- Cartridge 5 micron — final protection
- RO membrane
Not every plant needs all these stages — select according to your water. The details are in our micron guide.
Fit a pre-filter and cut cartridge costs
Send your flow, line size and water type, and we will recommend the right disc or screen filter.
💬 WhatsApp par poochhein 📞 9910646957Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a disc filter and a screen filter?
A screen filter uses a mesh that retains particles on its surface, while a disc filter uses stacked grooved discs that filter in depth. The disc type therefore holds more dirt but costs a little more.
Why should these filters go ahead of the cartridges?
Because they stop the coarse particles, which reduces the load on the cartridges so they last two to three times longer. And since they are washed and reused there is no recurring cost.
What is the difference between Y type and T type?
In a Y type the element sits at an angle, which is common and economical in smaller sizes. In a T type it sits vertically below, which is better in larger sizes because cleaning is easier and capacity is greater.
How often should these filters be cleaned?
Once a month on clean water, weekly on moderately dirty water, and every two to three days on very dirty water. The reliable method is to watch the pressure difference and clean when it exceeds half a kg per cm2.
What should I watch when cleaning a disc filter?
Reassemble the discs in the same order and compress them firmly. Loose discs allow water to pass between them unfiltered, and there is no outward sign that this is happening, so the fault goes unnoticed.