WATTS® Pleated filter cartridges outperform wound, spun, melt blown, resin bonded, and other depth type filter elements because of our high surface area. Lower pressure drop is another significant advantage. Using pleated cartridges allows for increased flow rates and the use of smaller filter housings to reduce capital equipment costs. Further savings are provided because our 100% synthetic filter media is cleanable, 5 micron and up, to lower cartridge replacement costs. Pleated filter cartridges outperform other pleated elements because our high-performance filter media is systematically produced using 100% synthetic fibers, with no binders or additives to leave a residue, foam or contaminate. Our filter media is dramatically thicker than other products. For this reason, Pleated cartridges provide depth filtration for greater sediment removal, along with more surface area.