Water is indispensable for every industry and manufacturing process. Achieving the desired water quality at the point of use involves utilizing a combination of technologies such as filtration, ion exchange, separation (RO/UF), and polishing (EDI). Water treatment companies employ these technologies to meet the final desired specifications. A major challenge lies in the geographical variation in water quality, including dissolved gases, ions, inorganic and organic molecules, turbidity, color, microorganisms, and particulates. These variations can pose problems for industrial processes and impact the efficiency and operation of water purification technologies.
Filtration Products to Address Industrial Process Water Challenges:
Microorganism Control & Removal:
PES membranes ensure bacterial quality in process water.
PES Membrane
Hygienic Filter Housings
Particulate Removal:
Polypropylene (PP) or glass fiber (GF) pleated depth filters ensure effective particulate removal and long service life.
GF Pleated Depth Filters
PP Pleated Depth Filters
Bag Filters
Housings for Flow Rates from 1 to 500m³/hr:
A comprehensive range of liquid industrial or hygienic housings to meet various application needs.
Multi Cartridge Industrial Housings
Hygienic Filter Housing
Industrial Bag Filter Housing
Bag and Cartridge Filter Solutions:
Bag, carbon, and cartridge microfiltration products address challenges by protecting water treatment technologies (preventing fouling/shadowing), preventing these technologies from contaminating the water (resin or carbon fines), or serving as the final assurance of quality (Point of Use (POU), Final, or Sterilizing Filtration).
Filter Applications
Raw Water: Raw water typically contains a variety of organic and inorganic materials. Removing particulate contaminants is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of resin beds used in water softening. Bags or depth filters rated between 10-100 microns are generally selected for raw water filtration, depending on the site’s water quality. Industrial housings are ideal for these applications.
RO/UF Membrane Protection: Pleated depth filters are used to prevent fouling of RO and UF membrane systems by fine particulates and organic material. Manufacturers of membrane products specify feed water quality requirements, and pleated depth filters with a 5 or 10-micron rating help meet these specifications. For higher flow systems exceeding 150 m³/hr, high-flow cartridge formats are used. Depending on the water’s specification or use, a full range of housings (industrial, hygienic, sanitary, or high flow) may be employed.
Chlorine Removal from Mains Water: Typical town mains water often contains elevated levels of chlorine and other organic contaminants, which must be removed to protect downstream systems such as RO/UF membranes. Cartridge carbon filters provide an efficient and cost-effective method for removing chlorine from water. Industrial housings are also used for these applications.
Wastewater: To meet disposal or recycling requirements, wastewater often needs filtration before disposal. The required filtration level is determined by local authorities, and either bag or depth filters can be used, typically installed in industrial housings.
POU Filtration: Filters are installed at the point of use (POU) to ensure the absence of microorganisms or particulates. The distribution system is typically a ring with recirculating water. Filters are attached to take-off points on the ring or located at the inlet to the equipment fed by the purified water system. PES membranes are used for this application, either in cartridge format (if centrally filtered) or in cartridge or capsule format (if filtered at the point of use), depending on the required flow rate. Housings can be plastic or more commonly hygienic or sanitary stainless steel.
Pre and Post Ultraviolet Treatment: UV units rely on filtration of feed water to remove particulates that create ‘shadowing’ and areas where full UV penetration is not achieved, reducing UV treatment efficiency. Typically, pleated depth filters are used for this application, often in high-flow formats for larger flow rates. These are fitted into hygienic or sanitary housings due to potential CIP requirements.
Ion Exchange Trap Filters: Water softening, deionizing, polishing mixed bed, and EDI systems all use resin-based technology and rely on effective filtration upstream and downstream. Prefiltration (bag or depth filters) is required to protect resin beds from particulates that could reduce efficiency and lifespan. Pleated depth filters are used as ‘traps’ to capture any shed resin in the effluent, preventing contamination of downstream plants. Upstream filtration uses 5-10 micron-rated bag or depth filters to handle high particulate loads, while downstream filtration uses 1-5 micron pleated depth filters due to lower particulate loads. Industrial housings are typically chosen for these applications, as they are at an early stage of the water treatment process.
Vent Filters for Storage Tanks: To maintain the quality of stored water during filling, emptying, and storage in tanks, vent filters are recommended. This prevents air from being drawn into the tanks, which could cause recontamination from airborne bacteria. PTFE membrane filters are used in either capsule or cartridge format, depending on the required size. Capsule filters are fitted directly to the tank, while cartridges require a stainless steel vent housing. In hot water systems or WFI storage, cartridge filters and housings are used to prevent condensation-induced filter wetting, ensuring uninterrupted operation.