How To Choose Filters For Your Liquid Filtration Process
Dec 12, 2022
Liquid filtration is an essential step in many industrial and manufacturing processes. Organizations can successfully remove unwanted particles and microorganisms from liquids and fluids using consumable cartridges or bags inside the filter housings. Many filters are available, so finding the ideal model for your application is important.
What Are Industrial Liquid Filters?
A filter cartridge is a type of filter that can be made from many different materials and come in various sizes. You can use them to filter out nearly every type of solid contaminant from almost any type of liquid. All industrial liquid filters will have a micron rating. This is to determine the size of particles that will be retained. Depending on the design, the particles will be captured on the inside or outside of the filter element.
As more and more particles are trapped by the filter, the pressure difference across the filter increases. When this pressure difference reaches a certain point, the filter must be replaced or regenerated to prevent breakthrough or flow restrictions. Therefore, most filters are consumable items, even though they are housed in the permanent filter housing.
What to Consider When Choosing Filters
- Particle size
The smaller the micron rating, the smaller the solid particles that will be prevented from passing through liquid filters.
- Quality requirements
Absolute filters are designed to remove 99.99 percent of particles that are a certain size or larger. These filters are often used in applications where a high level of filtration is required, such as in polishing stages, or when absolute filters are more expensive than nominal filters, they are often used as the final step in a multi-filtration process.
- Flow rate
The size of the filtering area will determine how quickly the liquid can flow through it. This is also affected by the filter material's thickness and the liquid's viscosity. If the filter is too small or the material is too thick, it will slow down the flow rate. It's essential to choose a filter slightly larger than needed to handle any surges and not become a bottleneck for the rest of the system.
- Pressure
The pressure of the pump determines the flow rate. However, the pump must not exceed the filter's maximum operating pressure. If it does, the filter will be damaged. The pressure should be one-third higher than the maximum operating pressure to prevent this. Over time, the filter will become clogged and need to be replaced or regenerated. The replacement and regeneration periods can be extended if the filter is sized correctly.
- Dirt load
Some liquids will contain a large number of solids, which will need to be considered when selecting filters. In cases of high solid loads, multiple filters with progressively smaller micron ratings may be necessary, as well as an absolute filter for the final stage.
- Temperature
The temperature of the liquid being filtered can impact the viscosity and flow rate of the liquid. The choice of the filter can be affected by the location of the solid/liquid separation technology. The filter should operate in humid, heated, or outdoor environments and at five °C above and below the average filtering temperature.
- Viscosity
The more viscous a liquid is, the more slowly it flows and the greater the filtered demand. When viscosity increases, filters should be more significant to ensure that the flow rate is not adversely affected.
- Chemical compatibility
The material of the filter must be able to work with the liquid it is filtering. If the filter breaks down, it can cause contamination instead of preventing it. All parts of the filter, like the adhesives, seals, and filter media, should be checked to ensure they work well together. Even filters that look the same, like polypropylene and polyester cartridge filters, can have different parameters regarding temperature and chemical compatibility
Conclusion
There are many different types of filters available on the market. The best filter for your liquid filtration process will depend on several factors. If you are unsure of which type of filter to choose, it is always best to consult with a filtration expert who can help you select the best option for your needs.
Sparkling Clear Industries offers commercial air and liquid filtration solutions to increase performance and maximize savings for your team. Based on the Texas Gulf Coast, we offer an extensive collection of industrial-grade filter media tailored to your specific project requirements. If you need industrial filtration systems, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help!
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On February 8, 2024, the EPA proposed adding a group of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “Forever Chemicals,” to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Section 3001 hazardous waste list. This proposal carries significant implications for businesses and industrial processes. Let's delve into the details of this proposal and how its acceptance will affect businesses moving forward. What is in the EPA's Feb 2024 Proposal? The EPA's proposal aims to list nine PFAS compounds as hazardous waste under the RCRA. Here is the exact list: Perfluorooctanoic acid Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid Hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid Perfluorononanoic acid Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid Perfluorodecanoic acid Perfluorohexanoic acid Perfluorobutanoic acid PFAS are widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water and grease-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health have raised concerns. Adding these nine Forever Chemicals to the list is the first step to stricter regulations regarding their use, storage, and disposal. Implications for Businesses And Industrial Processes Many states already strictly regulate or ban various forever chemicals in various industries. In Texas , we mainly see their use in oil and gas extraction, particularly in fracking. It is also still used in a wide range of consumer products, including waterproof gear and fast food products. This bill could create a massive impact across the board. Here are just a few of the major factors businesses and industries may face. Compliance Costs. This includes implementing new measures to prevent environmental contamination and how you treat PFAS-contaminated waste. It could also eventually lead to a strict ban on the chemicals, forcing industries to utilize alternatives. Cost of Rapid and Frequent Changes. As studies continue and our knowledge of forever chemicals evolve, the hazardous waste listing will enable the EPA and other regulatory agencies to enforce changes accordingly. Those who continue to use PFAS substances could face the extra expenses of staying up to date with rapidly evolving safety measures. Legal Obligations. Failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. This could include legal consequences for any health and environmental damages from lingering waste products linked to the company. Waste Management Practices. Industries generating PFAS-containing waste will need to reassess their waste management practices to ensure compliance with stricter hazardous waste regulations. This may involve investing in specialized treatment technologies or outsourcing waste disposal to authorized facilities. Supply Chain Impacts. Manufacturers may need to seek alternative substances or processes to replace PFAS, leading to potential product development and sourcing challenges. Companies that have not prepared for this ahead of time will be hit hardest as they contend with a spike in demand and a low supply of alternative solutions in the early days of implementation. Get Ahead of the Game With Sparkling Clear We’re tracking how the regulation of PFAS substances affects Texas industries. Keep ahead of the curve by talking to one of our experts on how we can help reduce and eliminate forever chemicals in your water supplies and waste materials. Reference: Proposal to List Nine Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Compounds as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Hazardous Constituents | US EPA Study says companies using “forever chemicals” in Texas oil and gas wells | The Texas Tribune
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination has become a topic of increasing concern. It’s not just an environmental issue, it can have severe legal and financial consequences for businesses. Today, we'll touch on the legal and financial implications for businesses. Legal Liability Lawsuits related to PFAS contamination are on the rise, with communities and individuals seeking accountability for damages to their health, home values, and other damages. In extreme cases, companies have faced bankruptcy or financial instability due to PFAS-related liabilities. For example, the former household staple brand 3M faces lawsuits worth billions of dollars and could face over $30 billion in litigations in a worst-case scenario. Regulatory Compliance Federal and state-level regulations have been established to address PFAS discharge into water sources, and these PFAS regulations are frequently evolving, including ones regarding: Reporting to EPA Safe Levels Disposal Methods Non-compliance can result in significant fines and penalties. Businesses must stay informed about these regulations and take steps to ensure compliance to avoid legal consequences. Cleanup Costs Businesses have been faced with the daunting task of dealing with the financial implications of PFAS cleanup, which can impact their bottom line significantly. The financial burden of clean-up and remediation efforts can be substantial. Loss of Reputation Trust is a precious commodity, and when a company's brand image is tarnished by contamination incidents, it can take years to rebuild customer confidence. This leads to significant financial losses due to factors like: Active boycotts Loss of clients and consumer bases Loss of critical word-of-mouth recommendations Cost of PR and reputation repairs Insurance Issues Insurers have taken a huge hit in recent years due to PFAS litigations. As a result, obtaining insurance coverage for PFAS-related claims is becoming increasingly challenging for businesses. Many businesses face a sizable overhead from the insurance costs or risk substantial financial losses with Inadequate insurance coverage. Sparkling Clear Experts Can Help Your Business Reduce PFAS-Related Costs These are just a few of the legal and financial consequences of PFAS contamination. Businesses must take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, like implementing effective filtration systems and complying with regulations. Contact us today for a consultation on the most effective PFAS-busting water filters for your site. References: Companies Face Billions in Damages as PFAS Lawsuits Flood Courts (bloomberglaw.com) Key EPA Actions to Address PFAS | US EPA Insurers Face Large PFAS-Related Losses: A Primer on Forever Chemical Regulation, Liabilities, and Insurance Coverage Issues (hinshawlaw.com)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs or “forever chemicals”) that have been widely studied and are known for their persistence in the environment. Here is a breakdown of what they are and why it is important to keep them out of your water. PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) PFOS was historically used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams, textile surfaces, paper products, and as a component in some industrial processes. Studies have suggested potential health risks associated with PFOS exposure, including: Development of cancer in employees or consumers[1]. Child development issues that could lead to legal complications for your business [2]. Risk of cardiovascular disease for employees and consumers [3]. Due to concerns about its environmental and health effects, PFOS has been largely phased out of production and use in the United States, though imported goods may still contain them in certain products. PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) PFOA was used in various applications, including the production of non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon), waterproof and stain-resistant coatings for fabrics, and in manufacturing various consumer products. PFOA exposure has been associated with similar risks to PFOS, including cancer, heart disease, and child development issues [1][2][3]. It is also no longer used in the United States, but people can still be exposed through sources like: Imported goods from unregulated countries Fish and meats that were exposed prior to processing Contaminated soil and water supplies How Do I Keep These “Forever Chemicals” Out of My Business’s Water? The EPA updated its regulations and advisories in June 2022 to include factors like lifetime exposure and ongoing research into their environmental and health effects [4]. They are currently advising areas and industries to start taking measures to bring PFOA and PFOS chemicals, among many other chemicals, to lower levels for health and safety. Their 2023 proposal to regulate forever chemicals in drinking water will ask for more rigid restrictions on chemical levels than the current Washington state action levels (SALs) [5]. Protecting your drinking and consumer product water supplies is increasingly essential for health and regulatory standards. One of your first lines of defense is your water filters and systems. A few options include reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and anion exchange. You will need to have your water tested to find the most effective measures for your site. Sparkling Clear is Dedicated to Doing Right by You As the science behind forever chemicals continue to evolve, we’ll keep on top of it to ensure you have the most accurate and effective solutions available to your industry. Contact us today to learn more. References: [1] Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), and Related Chemicals | American Cancer Society [2] Stübner, C., Nielsen, C., Jakobsson, K., Gillberg, C., & Miniscalco, C. (2023). Early-life exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and child language and communication development: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7170. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20247170 [3] Ding, N., Karvonen-Gutierrez, C. A., Mukherjee, B., Calafat, A. M., Harlow, S. D., & Park, S. K. (2022). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and incident hypertension in multi-racial/ethnic women: The study of women’s Health Across the Nation. Hypertension, 79(8), 1876–1886. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18809 [4] https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos [5] https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/331-718.pdf