Wedge Wire Support Grid

A wedge wire support grid is a structural component manufactured from V-shaped stainless steel profile wires resistance-welded to a grid of support beams. The grid is installed at the bottom of filter vessels, ion exchange columns, and reactors. It supports filter media, resin beds, or catalyst particles while allowing fluid to pass through uniformly. The V-shaped slots retain the media while permitting flow. The all-welded construction provides high mechanical strength and dimensional stability. For large vessels, the grid is manufactured in multiple segments that are assembled on site.

The V-shaped slot geometry ensures effective media retention. The slots are narrow at the top surface and wider below, preventing media particles from becoming wedged. Slot openings range from 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, with common applications using 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. Slot tolerance is held to ±0.03 mm to ±0.05 mm. The open area typically ranges from 15% to 40%. The high open area minimizes pressure drop across the grid, reducing pumping energy requirements.

The support grid is constructed with V-shaped profile wires on the top surface and a grid of support beams underneath. For heavy-duty applications, support beams are spaced more closely and larger profile wires are used. Profile wire sizes commonly used include 1.5×3 mm, 2×4 mm, and 3×5 mm. The grid can be manufactured as a single piece or in multiple segments. Materials include stainless steel 304 and 316L, with 2205 duplex steel available for corrosive applications.