How to Create a Lean Manufacturing Process with an Environmentally Friendly Self Cleaning Industrial Filter

[Ask Filter Man]

I am sure you have heard it before, 'Self-cleaning filters not only
reduce waste, but also turn it into PROFIT!"

It is a well-known fact that by disposing the contaminants--and not the
filter--would create a leaner manufacturing process.

However, many facilities are apprehensive to take the next step, which
is to switch from disposable bags and cartridges to a self-cleaning
filtration process.

Running the Numbers:

So, how do the numbers wash out?

Here is a way to conduct a preliminary feasibility study to begin your
return on investment justification. This five-minute analysis could
save you millions in cost savings.

Conducting an instant preliminary feasibility study:

Undoubtedly, you have some questions. You are wondering whether
self-cleaning filters can help with your waste minimization problems.
Or just how much they can reduce your disposal costs. Or improve your
return on investment.

Grab a calculator and a pencil. By completing the following
self-survey, you can quickly calculate what disposable media filters
are costing you in terms of disposal costs alone.

When you finish, you will have taken a major step toward determining
whether self-cleaning filters are a viable alternative to the filters
you are currently using or considering.

Determining Your Disposal Costs for Disposable Media Filters:

1. For one filter, multiply the number of cartridges or bags it
contains by the number of change outs per year. This will give you the
total number of spent media per year. Write your answer below.

Example: A cartridge filter with 36 - 10-inch cartridges is changed
every week: 36 cartridges x 52 weeks - 1,872 cartridges per year.

CARTRIDGES PER YEAR: __________

Spent Media per Year

2. If you are using 10-inch cartridges or bags, divide the total number
of spent media per year by 180 (this is how many of these cartridges or
bags fit into one 55-gallon drum). If you are using 30-inch cartridges,
divide the total number of spent cartridges per year by 60. In each
case, the result is the total number of 55-gallon drums that you will
fill each year.

Example: 1,872 total spent cartridges divided by 180 = 10.4 barrels per
year.

BARRELS PER YEAR: __________

10-inch cartridges or bags:

30-inch cartridges:

3. Multiply the number of barrels per year by the cost per barrel for
disposal.

Example: Assuming you pay $500 per barrel for non-hazardous waste (or
$1,000 per barrel for hazardous waste), the calculation is 10.4 x $500
= $5,200 (or 10.4 x $1,000 = $10,400).

DISPOSAL COSTS PER FILTER PER YEAR: $__________

Remember - these calculations are based on a single filter, and they
account for disposal costs only. Additional costs include the purchase
price for disposable cartridges or bags (typically at least $3 apiece)
as well as associated costs such as the labor required for media
replacement, the increased emissions, and the increased safety risk.

--by Ask Filter Man