LEFILTER CA56-5SB Natural Gas Coalescer Filter Element – Direct Replacement for Facet

Product Overview

The CA56-5SB belongs to LEFILTER’s premium CA Series coalescer line, manufactured to exacting standards for interchangeability with Facet original equipment. The model code breaks down as follows: “CA” denotes the coalescer cartridge series, “56” indicates the nominal length of 56¼ inches, “5” represents the 5-micron absolute filtration rating, and “SB” signifies the screw-base mounting configuration with injection-molded glass-filled nylon end caps.

This element is specifically engineered for natural gas applications where high flow rates and extended run times are required. Its 5-micron rating ensures efficient removal of fine aerosols and particulates, while the extended 56-inch length provides substantial media surface area, resulting in lower pressure drop and longer operational intervals between replacements.

Key Features and Benefits

• Direct Facet Replacement: Manufactured to identical dimensional specifications—6 inches outside diameter, 3½ inches inside diameter, and 56¼ inches nominal length—ensuring seamless installation without housing modifications.

• Screw-Base Mounting: The “SB” design features injection-molded, glass-filled nylon end caps with permanently locked Buna-N gaskets. This design eliminates galling, prevents gasket loss during maintenance, and ensures positive sealing under all operating conditions.

• 5-Micron Absolute Filtration: Removes 99.98% of liquid aerosols and solid particulates down to 0.3 micron, meeting stringent requirements for natural gas and aviation fuel applications.

• Hydrophilic Media Construction: Multi-layer borosilicate glass fiber media with special resin coating efficiently coalesces emulsified water into larger droplets that gravity-separate and drain from the system.

• High Contaminant Capacity: The 56-inch length provides maximum media volume, delivering superior solids holding capacity and extended service life compared to shorter configurations.

Applications

The CA56-5SB is ideally suited for:

• Natural gas processing plants requiring high-efficiency liquid aerosol removal

• Gas transmission pipeline stations where extended filter life is critical

• Aviation fuel handling systems (EI 1581 compliant)

• Oil refineries for hydrocarbon condensate separation

• Power generation facilities protecting gas turbine fuel systems

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

The screw-base design simplifies installation—simply thread the element into the mounting base until the gasket seats firmly against the mating surface. No special tools are required. Regular monitoring of differential pressure is recommended; replacement is typically indicated when the pressure drop increases by 15-25 PSID above the initial clean reading. The CA56-5SB is a single-use consumable and should not be cleaned or reused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the LEFILTER CA56-5SB fully interchangeable with the original Facet CA56-5SB?

Yes. The LEFILTER CA56-5SB is manufactured to the exact same dimensional, mounting, and performance specifications as the original Facet element. The 6″ OD, 3½″ ID, 56¼″ nominal length, screw-base thread configuration, and Buna-N gasket are all identical, ensuring direct drop-in replacement with zero housing modifications.

Q2: What does the “5SB” suffix indicate, and why does it matter?

“5” designates the 5-micron absolute filtration rating, which is the standard grade for most natural gas and aviation fuel coalescer applications. “SB” indicates screw-base mounting, featuring glass-filled nylon end caps with permanently locked gaskets. This design prevents gasket loss, eliminates threading issues, and simplifies maintenance compared to traditional rod-mount versions.

Q3: How often should I replace the CA56-5SB filter element?

Replacement frequency depends on operating conditions and contaminant loading. Under typical natural gas service, change intervals range from 12 to 24 months. The most reliable indicator is differential pressure—replace the element when the pressure drop rises 15-25 PSID above the clean baseline. Regular monitoring of downstream gas quality also helps determine optimal change schedules.

Q4: Can this element be used for both natural gas and aviation fuel applications?

Yes. The CA56-5SB is compatible with natural gas, aviation fuel, kerosene, and various hydrocarbon fluids. The resin-coated glass fiber media resists swelling and degradation when exposed to hydrocarbons, maintaining stable performance across both gas and liquid fuel applications. The element also complies with international standards including EI 1581 for aviation fuel filtration.

Technical Specifications