In today’s Kenya, clean water and efficient filtration are more important than ever — whether it’s for a borehole, a food processing plant, or a bottled water factory. One of the most practical and affordable solutions? Bag filters.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about bag filters in Kenya — what they are, how they work, where to get them, and how they can make a big difference in your operations.
What is a Bag Filter?
A bag filter is a water or liquid filtration device that uses a fabric bag to trap particles, sediments, and contaminants. It’s a simple yet effective method for removing unwanted solids from liquids.
Imagine it like pouring juice through a cloth — the pulp stays behind, and you’re left with clear liquid.
How Bag Filters Work
Water or liquid flows into the bag filter housing, where it is forced through a filter bag. This bag is made of micron-rated fabric that captures particles as small as 1 micron. Clean water exits from the other side, leaving contaminants inside the bag.
Micron ratings can range from 1 to 200 microns, depending on how fine you need the filtration to be.
Types of Bag Filters Available in Kenya
Single Bag Filters – Great for homes and small businesses.
Multi-Bag Filters – Ideal for large-scale water bottling or industrial use.
High-Flow Systems – Designed for faster flow rates.
Stainless Steel Housings – Durable and suitable for chemicals or food-grade use.
Common Applications in Kenya
Water bottling plants (pre-filtration before RO)
Borehole and well water treatment
Dairy and beverage production
Paints, oils, and chemical filtration
Car washes to prevent clogging in nozzles
Benefits of Using Bag Filters
Low cost of setup and replacement
Easy to use and maintain
High dirt holding capacity
Suitable for multiple liquids, not just water
Bag Filter Sizes and Micron Ratings
Most common sizes in Kenya:
5”, 10”, 20”, 30”, and 40” length bags
Micron ratings include:
1 micron (very fine particles)
5-10 microns (standard water filtration)
25-50 microns (pre-filtration)
100-200 microns (coarse filtration)
Choose based on your water source and quality needs.
Bag Filter Housing Materials
Polypropylene (PP): Budget-friendly, good for basic water filtering.
PVC: More durable, used in higher flow applications.
Stainless Steel (304/316): Ideal for food and chemical use, long-lasting and heat-resistant.
Installation of Bag Filters
Installation is simple:
Choose vertical or horizontal housing depending on space
Connect using threaded or flanged joints
Ensure proper pressure (typically under 100 PSI)
Install a pressure gauge to monitor clogging
Bag Filters vs. Cartridge Filters
| Feature | Bag Filter | Cartridge Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Flow rate | Higher | Moderate |
| Replacement | Cheaper | Expensive |
| Ideal for | High solids | Fine polishing |
Bag filters are the go-to for bulk sediment removal at a lower cost.
Where to Buy Bag Filters in Kenya
Protech Water and Solar Company
Located in Nairobi Industrial Area, this company specializes in water treatment systems including bag filter units. They offer both supply and installation.
Davis & Shirtliff
Nationwide availability and good after-sales support.
Other Local Dealers
Available in most major towns including Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and Mombasa.
Bag Filter Prices in Kenya
Domestic Use Units: From KES 5,000
Stainless Steel Housings: KES 25,000–150,000
Replacement Bags: KES 300–2,500 (depending on size and micron rating)
Installation: KES 2,000–10,000
Maintenance Tips
Replace bags every 2–4 weeks, or when flow rate drops
Do not reuse disposable bags
Clean the housing with mild soap and rinse with clean water
Store extra filter bags in a dry, dust-free place
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
Always ensure bags used for drinking water are food-grade certified
KEBS standards recommend regular water quality testing, especially in commercial setups
Protech Water and Solar – Trusted Supplier
Protech Water and Solar Company stands out for:
Full turnkey filtration solutions
Customized systems for boreholes, bottling plants, and manufacturing
Affordable prices and prompt service
Located in Nairobi Industrial Area
Conclusion
Bag filters are a smart, budget-friendly solution for water and liquid filtration in Kenya. Whether you’re setting up a water bottling plant, treating borehole water for a school, or just want better water for your home, bag filters offer a simple and powerful solution.
And if you’re looking for the best place to start, check out Protech Water and Solar Company — they’ve got you covered from supply to support.
FAQs
1. How long does a bag filter last?
Typically 2–4 weeks depending on usage and water quality.
2. Can I use a bag filter for drinking water?
Yes, if paired with UV or RO systems and using food-grade filter bags.
3. What micron size should I choose?
For general water, 5–10 micron is ideal. For sediment-heavy sources, start with 25–50 micron.
4. Are bag filters reusable?
Most are single-use, but some industrial-grade ones can be cleaned and reused a few times.
5. Where can I get a bag filter system installed in Kenya?
Contact Protech Water and Solar Company in Nairobi or other local water treatment experts.