Why Extractors Are Switching to AFS Empty Filter Cartridges

Master Your CRC Recipes 

In botanical extraction, no two input materials are identical. Different biomass grades, terpene profiles, and cannabinoid targets require tailored filtration recipes. While pre-packed cartridges offer convenience, many extraction technicians rely on proprietary media ratios—blending specific clays, silica gels, activated carbons, and filter aids.

Traditionally, custom blending meant packing loose media directly into stainless steel columns—a process notorious for channeling, clogged sintered disks, hazardous dust, and lengthy turnaround times.

AFS Empty CRC Filter Cups combine the recipe freedom of loose media with the efficiency of a drop-in disposable cartridge.

Key Advantages of Packing Your Own AFS Filter Cups

Complete Formulation Freedom: Pack your exact target blend—whether that involves bentonite clay (T-5), activated alumina, magnesium silicate, carbon chemistry, or Celite 545. Tailor depth and media layering specifically for fresh-frozen, cured trim, or crude remediation.

Built-in 2.5 Micron Filtration: Every AFS empty cup features a molded 2.5 micron filter membrane embedded directly into the base. This eliminates media migration and dust blow-through into collection vessels without requiring multiple loose paper stacks.

Pre-Pack in Advance: Lab techs can weigh, pack, and stage dozens of cartridges before a run begins. When a run finishes, swapping the spent cartridge takes seconds rather than an hour of column teardown.

Eliminate Column Cleaning & Sintered Disk Clogs: Sintered disks frequently blind and foul over time, degrading flow rates. With disposable AFS cups, spent media stays enclosed inside the cartridge—simply remove and dispose of the cup without scraping stainless steel walls.

Reduced Channeling Risk: The uniform cylindrical walls of AFS cups ensure an even media bed, preventing solvent bypass along column seams.

Available Sizes & Specifications

AFS empty cartridges are compatible with standard sanitary AFS housing spools:

Step-by-Step: Packing Your AFS Filter Cartridge

Calculate & Weigh: Measure your chosen media ratios (e.g., layered silica over clay and filter aid) based on column volume and feed material quality.

Pack Evenly: Pour the blend into the AFS empty cup. Tamp gently and evenly to ensure a flat bed density without over-compacting.

Drop & Seal: Insert the packed cup directly into your AFS stainless steel housing, clamp your sanitary tri-clamp fittings, and begin your run.

Dispose Cleanly: Once solvent recovery is complete, unclamp the spool, pull the entire spent cup, and discard it without scrubbing loose cake out of your hardware.

Ready to customize your filtration workflow? Explore the complete line of Empty CRC Extraction Filter Cups at afsfilter.com.