DUCTNEWS High performance ceramic membranes for demanding applications Ceramic filtration membranes have been added to the range of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes from PC1 Membrane Systems (MS). Supplied by US manufacturer CeraMem Separations, the membranes allow economical processing of pharmaceutical, fine chemical and certain wastewater applications. With a high membrane surface area and the highest packing density of a ceramic membrane, these membranes are said to offer a more compact and lower cost system than conventional polymeric or other ceramic membrane systems. A new pilot plant fitted with
the CeraMem membranes will soon be available for conducting customer development trials and feasibility studies. In certain applications, a single-step microfiltration process can replace several unit operations in conventional processing. Using its tubular sys terns, PC1 MS has installed many systems for the concentration, purification and desalting of a wide range of chemical and pharmaceutical process liquors and wastewaters. PCI Membrane Systems Ltd, Laverstoke Mill, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG.28 7NR, UK. Tel: + 44 256 896966, fm: + 44 256 893835.
Range of HEPA cleanroom filters launched A new range of HEPA filters for cleanroom applications has been launched by Farr Filtration. Heading the range is the Farr CPX RG, designed for areas demanding total efi’ciency and featuring a knifeedge seal with a dialetic gel which helps to form a completely airtight seal. The CPX RG provides guaranteed efficiencies from 99.99% on 0.3 micron particles (HEPA) or 99.9995% on 0.12 micron particles (ULPA) , while allowing cleanroom designers maximum flexibility to include lighting fixtures, sprinkler modules and filter replacement from inside the room. The flat plate, perforated diffuser/damper allows airflow adjustment easily from inside
the room to 90 + /- 20 fpm over the full range of duct static pressures. Also in the range is the Farr BASICAM PX filter module designed for Class 5000 to Class 100 000 cleanrooms where laminar airflow and roomside flow adjustment are not required. This filter provides guaranteed efficiencies from 95% on 0.3 micron particles to 99.9995% on 0.12. Completing the range is the Farr LPFU self-powered HEPA fan unit for applications which require localised laminar flow such as individual work stations, sterile processing lines or any other area where clean air is critical. Farr Filtration Ltd, 272 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham Bll 2AB, UK. Tel: +44 121 707 8211, fa: + 44 121 706 9986.
An emulsion seoaration system with automatic cleaning ultrafilter’s emulsion separation system, ultraaqua is now available with ‘autoclean,’ an integrated automatic cleaning system. The system suitable for use on compressed air systems when the resultant condensate contains stable emulsions of oil and water which will not readily separate. Use of ‘autoclean’ allows the unit to easily meet seasonal variations in the amount of condensate treated. Depending on the load, cleaning intervals are automatically increased or decreased to cater for seasonal demand variations. In operation, the unit’s cross-flow membrane filter ensures reliable and effective oil 764
and water separation even when the condensate contains a very high proportion of oil. Ultraaqua first floats and extracts the oil then the crossflow membrane filter provides reliable, effective separation of oil and water. Any remaining oil residues are extracted continuously and ducted into a separate canister.Modular in design, ultraaqua is available in three operational sizes of 6, 12 and 24 l/h drain-water output and can be supplied to suit any output capacity. ultrafilter Ltd, Pebble Close, Tamworth Business Park, Am&g&m, Tamworth, S&J&SB77 4RP, UK Tel: +44 827 58234, fax: i44 827310166.
Portable particle counter The digital Co&am-Alert is an electronic fluid contaminant monitor for use in particle counting. The battery-operated portable device measures particle concentration levels in industrial fluids in the plant or laboratory. ‘Apical applications for the digital system include hydraulic fluids, lube oils, transmission fluids, gear oils, and coolants. The contaminant monitor consists of a hand held computer and a sensor which can be
momentarily attached to fluid lines via a permanently installed diagnostic sampling valve. Fluid, under pressure, passes into the sensor where particle concentrations are quickly analyzed. The particle counts at different sizes are displayed on the computer screen. Diagnetics Inc, 5410 S 94th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74145, USA. Tel: + 1 918 664 7722, fax: f 1 918 664 7724.
Centrifuge for pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries The Western States Machine Company has introduced the EZ 120 centrifuge in corrosionresistant Hastelloy C-276. This top-access machine features a specially designed cover for loading, unloading, product sampling and inspection. The EZ 120 centrifuge’s perforated basket with fabric liner is ideal for applications involving very fine particle size materials. Western States’ Clean-In-Place (CIP) nozzles
can be provided for FDA validated operation. Polish is RMS 32, with all welds meeting or exceeding industry standards. Pressure rated up to 5 psi with 275 inches vacuum capability. Explosion-proof controls, Class I, Division I, Group C & D, with controls and wiring NEMA 7/9 design. Intrinsically safe controls can be provided. The Western States Machine Cornpany, P.O. Box 327, Hamilton, OH 45012, USA. Tel: + 1 513 863 4758, fax: + 1513 863 3846.
Horizontal vacuum filter for process filtration Delkor has developed its latest generation of Bond horizontal vacuum filters. The Bond filter offers a number of benefits, typically high throughput, low malntenance, and electronic interface facilities for overall system integration, be it for a mainstream process filtration or industrial effluent control. The Bond filter has been developed from the range of horizontal vacuum belt filters, which are supplied to the international mineral extraction, chemical processing and water treatment industries. The high-efficiency filtration performance of the Bond filter, is achieved by utilising a conveyor-style filter cloth passing over and supported by a fixed vacuum tray which effectively separates fluids from solids to produce a cake ready for disposal or for recycling. Compression modules can be added to produce an extra dry cake. The wetted parts of the filter are available in maintenancefree high density polyethylene or other engineering quality plastics - with the main subframe being offered in coated mild steel, stainless steel or December
plastics to suit, specific operational environments. A pneumatic tracking system is incorporated to maintain and accurately align the filter cloth under varying loads and to ensure optimum life of the cloth. Filter cloth widths from 0.5 metres to 3 metres can be supplied. Fume hoods can be supplied where contentious materials are being filtered. On-line sequencing is controlled by an electronic control panel containing a microprocessor and programmable key pad which is compatible for interfacing with production system computers and equipment. Delkor offers a pilot plant facility for on-site trials. Delkor says “The Delkor Bond Horizontal Vacuum Filter is now a proven solution to resolving solids/liquid separrtion problems, and allows the client to meet the stringent international environmental obligations expected by the process industry.” Delkor Ltd, Wintqfield Road, Paulton Bristol BSl8 5RF, UK. Tel: +44 761 417079, fm: i44 373 451176. 1994
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