Industrial Processing Waste -- a Growing Problem
Ask Filter Man
Cost is a significant issue when it comes to the selection of an
industrial filtration system.
Historically, the choice has been between higher operating costs vs a
higher capital equipment investment.
Or otherwise stated, it is between a short-term investment and a
long-term investment.
In engineering design terms, the choice is between bag or cartridge
filters vs self-cleaning filters.
However, due to the new environmental regulations--and the costs
associated with waste disposal--this will change significantly over the
next five years. Most importantly, this is in all industries, so be
prepared...
For many applications, the use of disposable bags or cartridges is the
filtration method of choice. Why? Because the elements are relatively
inexpensive to buy, and thought of as convenient to use.
The biggest problem with short-term investment--otherwise known as bags
or cartridge filters--is that they have to be disposed of. Depending on
the laws and nature of the waste, the cost of the disposal can be
exorbitant.
Bags and cartridges hidden costs:
* Amount of product lost with the with the waste stream
* Down-time for bag change out
* Hazardous waste disposal charges
* Additional safety equipment for employees
One of the advantages of a capital equipment investment (self-cleaning
filters) is that the automation that can be set to clean on a
pre-determined schedule, or clean on demand when necessary.
How they work:
Self-cleaning filters are controlled by the pressure differential
between inlet and outlet headers as contaminants collects on the filter
screens. The screens automatically clean themselves when the pressure
reaches a predetermined level.
In addition, this can assist when the waste is isolated and then
recycled for several more uses; or when the waste is sold to another
company for their use.
Due to the nature of disposable bags and cartridges, recycle-ability is
not an option.
The new self-cleaning filters on the market today can now filter from
1/4" down to 15 microns, and the costs have come down significantly.
While the move over to the other side can be intimidating, it is worth
investigating. You might be pleasantly surprised...
by Ask Filter Man