Mermade 36" x 60" Edge Outlet (BIF Replacement), Cover Only

The Mer-Made 36" × 60" Edge Outlet (BIF Replacement) — Cover Only (cataloged under Part # 775-COVER / VFC-3660-EO) is the replacement fabric filter envelope designed specifically to re-cover bare frames in legacy BIF (Builders Iron Foundry / B-I-F Industries) commercial vacuum DE filter vaults.

Unlike standard bottom-outlet jackets, this model is custom-tailored with a reinforced cutout on the vertical edge to accommodate the side-discharge hub configuration found on wall-mounted and perimeter BIF vacuum headers. It includes the synthetic filtration jacket, side-spud collar cutout, top closure system, and replacement compression sealing gaskets. It is specified when internal drainage cores and rigid PVC/CPVC border frames remain intact but the fabric has blinded from mineral scaling, suffered tears, or stretched from repeated backwash cycles.

Technical Specifications & Scope of Delivery

Material Properties & Chemical Compatibility

• Chemical & Electrolyte Resistance: Formulated from virgin woven polypropylene fibers that do not hydrolyze, rot, or degrade in heavily chlorinated water, sodium hypochlorite shock dosing, or saline pool water (2,500 to 5,000+ ppm NaCl).

• Acid Wash Tolerances: Withstands periodic chemical descaling using dilute muriatic (hydrochloric) or citric acid washes to dissolve embedded calcium carbonate, iron scale, and body grease without breaking down seam threading.

• Pre-Coat Retention & Release: The balanced monofilament weave structure retains standard DE powder and perlite grades without bleed-through during initial pre-coating while providing clean, low-friction cake release during manual hose-down or backwash cycles.

Physical Dimensions & Weight Estimates

• Individual Cover Net Weight: Approximately 1.5 to 2.1 lbs (0.68 to 0.95 kg).

• Single Boxed Cover Shipping Weight: Approximately 3.0 to 4.5 lbs (1.4 to 2.0 kg) in a compact corrugated box.

• Master Carton / Multi-Pack (6 to 12 Covers): Approximately 14 to 26 lbs (6.4 to 11.8 kg).

• Full Vault Overhaul Pack (20 to 30 Covers): Approximately 35 to 58 lbs (15.9 to 26.3 kg).

Field Re-Covering & Tensioning Procedure

1. Orientation Check: Before slipping the cover over the core, confirm the side-outlet cutout corresponds to the left- or right-hand edge required by the specific BIF header port elevation.

2. Core Cleaning & Inspection: Remove the spent cover from the frame. Pressure-wash the bare polypropylene drainage grid to remove hardened DE cakes. Check the perimeter frame channels for sharp edges or weld burrs that could cut the new fabric.

3. Sleeving the Frame: Slide the replacement cover down over the 60" span of the bare frame, aligning the edge opening with the side-discharge spud.

4. Seating the Edge Cutout: Stretch the reinforced collar cutout snugly around the base of the edge outlet hub, ensuring it sits flat against the stop shoulder without binding or bunching.

5. Tensioning & Sealing: Pull the fabric taut across both faces of the frame. Any loose bagging will cause DE to accumulate unevenly and crack under vacuum. Press the top Velcro flap closed across the upper frame rail to lock in tension.

6. Gasket Replacement: Fit the replacement compression gasket/collar over the edge spud before inserting the frame horizontally back into the BIF side collection manifold socket.