HYDAC part numbers like 0240 R 010 BN4HC look random until you know they are four independent codes joined together. This guide decodes each segment of the Betamicron 4 designation so you can identify what an element does, find its family and spot dangerous substitution mistakes — even when the box label is missing.
The structure
0240 R 010 BN4HC
│ │ │ └─ media + collapse + seal generation
│ │ └──────── filtration grade code
│ └───────────── line / housing type
└─────────────────── element size codeSegment 1: the size code — which housing it fits
The leading number identifies the physical envelope and the housing family. The number broadly tracks the housing’s nominal flow rating but it is primarily a geometry key:
- Return-line sizes in the Red1000 interchange set run 0060, 0110, 0160, 0240, 0330, 0500, 0660, 0850, 0950, 1300, 1700, 2600.
- Pressure/DN sizes run on a parallel scale (0250 DN, 0330 D, 0990 D, 1320 D, 1500 D…).
Within one line type, the size code fixes the element OD, ID and length for every grade and media variant. Measured on the popular 0240 return size, the published envelope is approximately 74 mm OD × 204 mm length with a 34 mm ID — see 0240 R 010 BN4HC for sourced dimensions and interchange caveats. For a pressure example, 0250 DN 006 BH4HC is 80 × 250 mm with a 40.1 mm ID.
Segment 2: line type — R, D or DN
- R — return-line element for RF/RFM tank-top return filters.
- D — pressure-line element for DF/DFF pressure filter housings.
- DN — pressure element conforming to the DIN 24550 standard envelope.
- S / RK / RN — suction and other specialty elements (different construction again).
This is the most safety-critical segment: return elements are low-collapse and pressure elements are high-collapse. A BN4HC return element tolerates roughly 20 bar differential; the BH4HC pressure execution is rated to 210 bar. Same-looking cartridges, tenfold difference in crush strength.
Segment 3: grade code — how fine
The three-digit grade code identifies the filtration grade:
| Code | Printed micron class | Equivalent β1000 point |
|---|---|---|
| 003 | 3 µm | β5(c) ≥ 1000 |
| 005 | 5 µm | β7(c) ≥ 1000 |
| 010 | 10 µm (β ≥ 200) | β12(c) ≥ 1000 |
| 020 | 20 µm | β22(c) ≥ 1000 |
HYDAC prints the coarser (β200-style) number; cross-reference documents such as Pall’s Red1000 list print the β1000 number — Micron rating vs Beta ratio explains why both describe the same media grade. The series hub lists every grade with both statements.
Segment 4: media, collapse and seals — BN4HC vs BH4HC
- BN4HC — Betamicron 4 microglass, low-collapse execution (~20 bar / 290 psi collapse), nitrile seals as standard, zinc-free construction.
- BH4HC — Betamicron 4 microglass, high-collapse execution (210 bar / 3045 psi), for pressure-line and severe cold-start duty.
- ON — Optimicron economy/low-pressure media.
- W/HC — stainless wire-mesh elements in coarse ratings (25–200 µm).
- V — metal-fiber media.
Additional suffixes identify seal compound and special executions: for example -KB packages or stat-free/conductive versions appear as suffixes on electronic-catalog items. When replacing, match the complete suffix — NBR vs fluorocarbon seal elements are not interchangeable in all fluids.
Worked example: 0240 R 010 BN4HC
- 0240 — 0240-size return housing, ≈74 × 204 mm envelope.
- R — return line.
- 010 — 10 µm class, i.e. β12(c) ≥ 1000 under the ISO 16889 convention.
- BN4HC — Betamicron 4 low-collapse microglass with nitrile seals.
Catalog-declared equivalents include Pall’s HC2218FCS6H for reusable-valve housings and the integral-bypass HC2226FCS6H50; aftermarket tables additionally quote Donaldson, Parker, WIX and Fleetguard numbers, all of which this site keeps at verify level until a manufacturer catalog confirms them.
Generation suffixes you will see in cross-ref tables
Older Betamicron generations — BNHC, BN2HC, BN3HC — are routinely quoted as interchangeable with the current BN4HC element (they are stored as aliases of the current record on this site, for example against 0240 R 010 BN4HC). Media performance improved across generations, so fit is identical but dirt-holding and Δp characteristics are not; for critical drives prefer the current generation and check its actual Beta statement.
FAQ
Can I replace BN4HC with BH4HC of the same size? The high-collapse element fits the same envelope and is safe in the conservative direction (stronger), but verify the bypass strategy and check the part number: BH4HC is intended for pressure housings, and its β characteristics should still meet the cleanliness target.
Does the same number mean the same seals? Not always — seal-compound suffixes must be matched, especially for phosphate-ester, bio-oil or high-temperature service. Check the full catalog designation, not just the base code.
Why do sellers quote both 0240R010BN4HC and 0240 R 010 ON? ON denotes Optimicron media — same envelope, different media family and different β/dirt-holding performance. It is an engineering alternative, not an identical element.