DE Parts, Outlets - 30" x 36", 38" x 48", 30" x 60"

In Mer-Made Filter commercial vacuum Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filtration systems, the outlets (also referred to as outlet hubs, drop stems, or filter leaf discharge fittings) serve as the structural conduit and hydraulic discharge connection at the base or edge of the filter septa. They channel clean, filtered effluent from the internal grid structure out through the felt collar and directly into the vacuum collection manifold.

The leaf sizes 30" × 36", 38" × 48", and 30" × 60" correspond to Mer-Made’s modular vacuum leaf series.

Technical Specifications by Leaf Dimension

Critical Mechanical & Sealing Functions

• Hydraulic Discharge & Flow Balance: The internal chamber of the leaf relies on low-velocity, uniform draw. The outlet is designed with smooth internal radii to minimize frictional head loss across the septum at standard commercial flux rates (typically 1.0 to 1.5 GPM per sq. ft.).

• Felt Collar Locating Shoulder: Mer-Made outlets feature an integrated stop collar / shoulder that dictates the compression depth of the felt sealing sleeve. This prevents over-insertion into the manifold socket and stops the sleeve from sliding up onto the leaf frame.

• Torsion and Cantilever Reinforcement: Because rectangular leaves in vacuum pits experience hydrodynamic turbulence, wave action, and backwash agitation, the outlet fitting incorporates gusseted mold reinforcement to prevent shear failure where the stem enters the rigid frame perimeter.

Physical Dimensions & Weight Estimates

• Individual Outlet Stem Weight: Approximately 0.75 to 1.5 lbs (0.34 to 0.68 kg) depending on stem diameter and flange gusset thickness.

• Packaged Replacement Outlets (Shop/Maintenance Packs of 6 to 12): Approximately 6 to 15 lbs (2.7 to 6.8 kg) packaged in heavy-duty cartons.

• Full Leaf Assemblies (Frame + Grid + Internal Screen + Factory-Welded Outlet):

  • 30" × 36": ~15 to 18 lbs (6.8 to 8.2 kg) shipping weight

  • 38" × 48": ~24 to 28 lbs (10.9 to 12.7 kg) shipping weight

  • 30" × 60": ~26 to 30 lbs (11.8 to 13.6 kg) shipping weight

Inspection, Seating & Replacement Guidelines

1. Stem Integrity Check: During routine grid teardowns or cloth bag replacements, inspect the outer diameter of the outlet stem for hairline cracks, ovaling, or gouging. Scratches on the sealing surface allow air or DE slurry to bypass the felt collar.

2. Collar Positioning: When mounting the felt compression collar, slide it fully up to the molded locating shoulder. It should sit square without stretching or twisting.

3. Manifold Socket Alignment: Lower the leaf vertically into the collection header manifold. Ensure the outlet stem is fully centered in the manifold bushing before tightening the top hold-down rail. Uneven diagonal torquing can crack the stem base or cock the felt seal.

4. Leak Detection: If diatomaceous earth bypasses into the pump strainer basket during pre-coating, a cracked outlet hub or an unseated stem in the manifold header is the most common cause after cloth tears.