In science, human beings have to speak the same language. As such, doctors, biologists, pharmacists, medical doctors, engineers and any scientists need a consistent way of communicating power, mass, time, temperature, mass, shape and speed, just to mention a few. This not only helps in communication but also ensures there is no mix-up in the units of measure hence preventing accidents. In irrigation, however, there are no standard irrigation filters. While some manufacturers use a micron size number or a mesh number, selecting the best filter for your irrigation project can be tasking. In this article, we will look at the difference between micron and mesh.

What is Micron?

Short of micrometer or micrometre, this is a term of measurement that describes tiny particles. It refers to the maximum size of a particle that can pass through the filter screen. People looking for finer filtration should use smaller microns. 

A micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre and one-millionth of a meter. Particle size that goes beyond 400 mesh is defined in microns. 

What is Mesh?

This refers to the number of openings in the filter screens. To determine mesh, count the number of openings in one inch of screen. For instance, a linear inch of screen with 70 openings means that it’s a 70-mesh screen. The size of openings decreases with the increase in the number of mesh. As such, a larger mesh results in finer filtration.  

Since screens can be made with materials of different thickness of wire or strands, a mesh is not a precise measurement. Also, thicker strands cause smaller openings while thinner strands cause bigger openings. 

Similarities between Micron and Mesh

• Both are used in filters

Differences between Micron and Mesh

Definition

Micron refers to the maximum size of a particle that can pass through the filter screen. On the other hand, mesh refers to the number of openings in the filter screens.

Filtration size

While smaller microns result in finer filtration, larger mesh results in finer filtration. 

Micron vs. Mesh: Comparison Table

Summary between Micron vs. Mesh

Micron refers to the maximum size of a particle that can pass through the filter screen. Smaller microns result in finer filtration. On the other hand, mesh refers to the number of openings in the filter screens whereby larger mesh results in finer filtration. 

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