Ecodesign in Filtration: Supply Chain Impacts and New Business Opportunities By Philippe Wijns, Principal, CleverSustainability Water Works Ongoing Crisis of PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water Supplies
S. Cartwright,
Chaloupka
Clarity from Complexity:
Proper Filtration
Citrus Oil Processing By Karol Hinz and Christian Kern
Consulting Engineer’s Ultimate Guide to Advanced Scraper Strainer Technology By Jeff Elliot Surgical Smoke By Stefan Kämper and Timur Zeytin
Silent Assault of Air Pollution on Human Fertility Plus: Excerpts from the Experts By Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, Global Correspondent, Technology and Innovation, IFN
www.filtnews.com/buyers-guide
Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media csmith@inda.org
Stefan Kämper Senior Product Manager Talamon Filtration Technologies
Dr. Iyad Al-Attar Global Correspondent, Technology & Innovation, Visiting Academic Fellow Cranfield University i@driyadalattar.com
Timur Zeytin Product Manager Talamon Filtration Technologies
Philippe Wijns Principal, CleverSustainability, Filtration Expert and Sustainable Business Development Advisor philippe.wijns@ cleversustainability.com
Peter S. Cartwright, P.E. Cartwright Consulting Co. LLC peterscartwright@ gmail.com
Christian Kern Application Engineer Eaton Filtration Division
Karol Hinz Global Product Manager Life Sciences Eaton Filtration Division
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VIEWPOINT
PFAS Filtration Solutions Call to Action
“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” — Mark Twain
It is clear that PFAS (p er- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals) are used in so many applications it would be hard to list them all. Categories that get media attention include cookware, fabrics and carpets, fire fighting foam, and food packaging. In the 1950s, DuPont began commercial production of Teflon, using PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) as a processing aid, and 3M began manufacturing PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) for use in Scotchgard, firefighting foams (AFFF), and industrial repellents. Useful applications grew from there. In the 1990s, research began to emerge on the lasting harmful effects PFAS has on living beings, yet today they are still in use.
Are PFAS chemicals really forever? The answer, for now, appears to be yes. PFAS flew under the radar of the average consumer for many years, but not anymore. Lawsuits are popping up across the world. In the United States alone, there are:
• 9,000 ongoing lawsuits consolidated in the federal AFFF MDL alone (claims mostly tied to firefighting foams).
• 8,430 active cases against PFAS manufacturers and AFFF makers as of early 2025.
• Over 6,400 PFAS-related suits in U.S. federal courts dating back to 2005.
• Nearly 10,000 cases grouped in AFFF MDL by late 2024/2025.
In Sweden, Australia, Canada, Japan across the European Union, PFAS lawsuits and federal class actions are on the rise.
In June, The Guardian shared a horrific case in Sweden. In the article by Marta Zaraska, “Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination,” the author shares the story of the town of Ronneby, as well as a number of other cases. For a number of years in Ronneby, firefighting foam chemicals contaminated the municipal water system. Upon this discovery, the article states, “Children from affected areas had more than 37 times the amount of PFAS in their blood than children from outside the contaminated zone.” It is a candid read on the topic. Check it out: http://bit.ly/3HM2XD5.
The issue is rising in urgency, and not going away anytime soon, or ever. As companies continue to face payouts in class action settlements, they are going to look to the filtration and separation industry to provide them with better solutions to mitigate the issue. It is time for the filtration industry to rise to the occasion, show us your progress!
When compiling this issue, we wanted to start the conversation on PFAS filtration. I am not sure our efforts really scratch the surface. So, we invite your contributions on the topic. Share your company solutions with IFN ! Email csmith@inda.org, to tell your research and development story!
Caryn Smith Chief Content Officer & Publisher, INDA Media, IFN
International Filtration News Editorial Advisory Board
R. Vijayakumar, Ph.D., Chair AERFIL
Tel: +1 315-506-6883
Email: vijay@aerfil.com
Tom Justice, CAFS, NCT ZENE, LLC Filtration
Tel: +1 757-378-3857
Email: justfilter@yahoo.com
James J. Joseph
Joseph Marketing
Tel/Fax: +1 757-565-1549
Email: josephmarketing120@gmail.com
Wenping Li, Ph.D.
Agriltech Research Company
Tel: +1 337-421-6345
Email: wenpingl@agrilectric.com
Rishit R. Merchant
Parker Hannifin
Tel: +1 805-604-3519
Email:rishit.merchant@parker.com
Thad Ptak, Ph.D. TJ Ptak & Associates
Tel: +1 414-514-8937
Email: thadptak@hotmail.com
If you would like to utilize your expertise to help shape the content in the IFN, consider applying for the IFN Editorial Advisory Board. We welcome participation through input on trends and innovations, new story ideas and overall thought leadership. This is a collaborative board that provides input into the state of the industry. Send an email to Caryn Smith at csmith@inda.org for consideration.
Sabine
SPOTLIGHT TECH
Getek Launches CHEMSORB-R Chemical Filter for Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC) Removal
Advanced
Modular MAU Filtration Solution Aimed at Enhancing ESG Compliance in High-Tech and Cleanroom Environments
GE TECHNOLOGY INC. (Getek), an ODM supplier to top semiconductor and cleanroom facilities, has introduced the CHEMSORB-R Series, an innovative chemical filter designed to effectively eliminate Airborne Molecular Contaminants (AMC) and control Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) contamination, significantly advancing ESG compliance.
Customized Refillable Chemisorptive Media Mix
With full in-house production, Getek customizes chemisorptive media using the TAFS Engineered Approach to match each site’s needs, ensuring precise alignment with each client’s specific contaminant-removal needs. The CHEMSORB-R filter efficiently targets ACIDs, BASEs, Molecular Gases, IPA, Acetone, O3, RC, Boron, and phosphorus gases. Its precise media design ensures peak filtration performance and low pressure drop, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing maintenance frequency.
Customizable, Modular Tray and Frame Design for MAU Systems
The CHEMSORB-R Series features a modular tray system designed for MAUs. Its tool-free maintenance capability allows teams to easily replace media trays independently, reducing downtime and waste. The standard frame dimensions (24” W x 24” H x 18” D) accommodate multiple trays for improved airflow. Tray dimensions and frame materials (SUS, Galvanized Iron, ABS Plastic) can be customized to specific site requirements, providing robust anti-corrosion properties and optimized specifically for critical HVAC systems in semiconductor and cleanroom applications. The tray
design eliminates the need for filter cotton linings, preventing media leakage through its precisely engineered structure. It also allows for easy on-site replacement and refilling of the media mix, further simplifying maintenance and extending product life.
ESG and Sustainability Benefits
Getek’s CHEMSORB-R Series supports sustainability on several fronts. The low pressure drop of the filters significantly reduces energy consumption without compromising airflow performance. The customized media mix extends filter life, reducing maintenance. Additionally, the modular tray and frame designs support individual replacement and refilling, allowing reactivation and reuse multiple times. Robust, anti-corrosion frames enhance reusability, significantly reducing waste and further aligning with green procurement practices and sustainability standards.
The TAFS Advantage
The TAFS Engineered Approach combines on-site analysis, diagnostics, and custom manufacturing to match each facility’s contamination profile, beginning with comprehensive on-site analysis and
molecular-level diagnostics, followed by custom design and performance optimization. Unlike conventional filtration systems, TAFS solutions are engineered and manufactured entirely in-house to precisely match each facility’s contamination profile, ensuring enhanced energy efficiency, prolonged filter life, and alignment with ESG objectives.
Industry-Leading Certifications and Compliance
The CHEMSORB-R Series complies with key international standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 14064-1, ISO 14067, RoHS, REACH, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 145.1. This ensures reliability, safety, and regulatory alignment for cleanroom and high-tech manufacturing environments. This compliance guarantees reliability, safety, and robust regulatory alignment for critical manufacturing and cleanroom environments.
Air Filtration for AMC
Getek focuses on engineering air filtration solutions designed to address (AMC). With comprehensive in-house control – from raw materials to finished products – Getek develops filtration systems aligned with ESG standards, optimizing energy efficiency and sustainability. The TAFS Engineered Approach ensures low pressure drop, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact while improving filter reusability. Getek’s filtration solutions serve diverse sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicle battery production, electronics assembly, and commercial HVAC, meeting regulatory compliance tailored to customer requirements.
To learn more, please contact the Getek sales team at sales@getek. com or visit the product page at www. ge-tek.com/amc-solutions. www.ge-tek.com
p Getek
CHEMSORB-R Series. Getek
p Getek MAU Filtration Solution. Getek
NOTES TECH
PURE Bioscience Unveils Membrane Treatment Solution for Dairy, Beverage Industry
PURE Bioscience, Inc., creator of the patented non-toxic silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) antimicrobial, announced an innovative application method for membrane treatment in the dairy and beverage industry using their flagship product, PURE ® Hard Surface. This groundbreaking solution addresses common membrane fouling and sanitization challenges, delivering outstanding results that enable operators to restore throughput and sanitize the membrane without damage or oxidation.
Tom Myers, EVP of Technology & Development at PURE Bioscience, stated, “The introduction of PURE Hard Surface to the Dairy and Beverage industry represents a significant advancement in membrane treatment technology. This product delivers unmatched efficiency and enhances filtration operation and longevity.”
Molecular Nanocages Remove 80-90% of PFAS From Water
Researchers funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation have created a molecular nanocage that captures the bulk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, found in water – and it works better than traditional filtering techniques that use activated carbon. Made of organic nanoporous material designed to capture only PFAS, this tiny chemical-based filtration system removed 80 to 90% of PFAS from sewage and groundwater during the study, respectively, while showing very low adverse environmental effects.
The study was led by scientists at the University at Buffalo and published in American Chemical Society ES&T Engineering.
Molecular nanocages have been previously suggested as candidates for pollutant removal, including for PFAS. Their sturdy structures provide capabilities to capture, remove and chemically deactivate hazardous substances like PFAS and many others. They could also potentially filter out noxious gases from the air, the study authors say.
The researchers synthesized the nanocages from a group of organic chemicals called porphyrins. Previous studies have shown success with porphyrin nanocages in removing dyes, antibiotics, insecticides and chemicals that disrupt human hormone production from water.
The researchers then tested their nanocages’ ability to absorb 38 different types of PFAS, including GenX, a type of PFAS commonly used in nonstick cookware and other materials. The results showed the nanocages removed 90% of PFAS from groundwater and 80% from unprocessed or “influent” sewage.
The organic molecular nanocages also outperformed the PFAS-filtering abilities of activated carbon, particularly in unprocessed sewage.
p Pure hard surface disinfectant.
Key Attributes of PURE Hard Surface for Membrane Treatment:
• One Treatment
• Complete Penetration in Minutes
• Environmentally Safe
• Cost-Effective Solution
“Our SDC technology is redefining what’s possible in the food industry – and PURE Hard Surface is at the forefront,” said Tim Steffensmeier, Vice President of Sales. “This modern membrane application brings a smarter, more efficient approach to streamlining operation, delivering a measurable cost savings, and empowers manufacturers to uphold the highest quality standards in the industry, without the negative tradeoffs of traditional chemistry.” www.purebio.com
p An illustration of porphyrin-based molecular nanocages that are engineered for selectivity, water stability and fast sorption. These nanocages achieve on average 90% removal of 38 PFAS compounds from mixed water solutions. The material shows promise for more efficient, safer and sustainable water remediation.
Karla Sanchez Lievanos/Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water Institute (RENEW), University at Buffalo
Activated carbon and other purification or filtration methods, such as ion exchange resins and reverse osmosis, tend to interact weakly with PFAS, the researchers note. They are also costly, high-maintenance and energy-intensive in comparison to nanocages.
“Porphyrin-based nanocages offer a potentially practical solution to the challenges of PFAS removal,” said Samy El-Shall, a program director in the NSF Division of Chemistry. “The material can also be mass-produced at scale, and the cages are modifiable to remove PFAS only while leaving other water contents alone.” www.nsf.gov
Membrane Technology Makes Fuel Cells Cheaper, Environmentally Friendly
A new membrane technology – so light and thin that it makes an A4 sheet of paper feel like thick cardboard – has been created in the hydrogen laboratory at Norwegian research institute SINTEF.
Fuel cells that run on hydrogen are efficient and emit water vapor instead of exhaust. But so far, the technology is still expensive and therefore not competitive with the electric motor alternative. Researchers have now figured out how they can accelerate competitiveness by reducing two critical components, potentially making fuel cells both cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Fuel cells consist of a membrane and a catalyst. Both are crucial for the process of converting hydrogen gas into electrical energy and for the overall performance of fuel cells. The membranes are made of fluorinecontaining materials that are harmful to the environment, while the catalyst consists of platinum, which is a rare and expensive mineral. Membrane and catalysts account for over 40 percent of the total cost of fuel cells.
“It was thus important to find the optimal balance between the amount of materials used and the amount of electricity produced. In the research project, we found a way to arrange the reactors so that they provided enough power to run the fuel cell, while at the same time drastically reducing the amount of materials required,” said Patrick Fortin, a researcher at SINTEF.
Silje Grytli Tveten
He explains that the research has led to a 62.5 percent reduction in platinum content, compared to state-of-the-art fuel cells.
“By reducing the amount of platinum in the fuel cell, we’re not only helping to reduce costs, we’re also taking into account the global challenges regarding the supply of important raw materials and sustainability,” said Fortin.
Platinum is one of the most expensive and rarest minerals on earth, and it is only extracted in parts of the world outside Europe. The EU has therefore categorized platinum as a critical raw material. By slimming down the already razor-thin membrane by 33 percent, the researchers have now come up with a far more environmentally friendly membrane that is also less expensive, and cost can be reduced by up to 20 percent and PFAS can be reduced by a third. www.sintef.no
Levidian and Zentek Aim to Establish Graphene-Integrated Filter Manufacturing Facility
British climate tech company Levidian and Canadian graphene technology company Zentek have entered an agreement to explore the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in the Middle East.
The companies have agreed to combine their expertise in carbon capture, graphene production and materials development to accelerate the roll out of Zentek’s ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters and other graphene-enhanced products within the region, while also supporting the production of graphene for other industries.
Levidian’s patented LOOP system produces clean hydrogen and high-quality graphene by capturing carbon from methane before it’s burned, giving businesses the opportunity to both drive down emissions and boost the performance of their products. The graphene produced can be deployed in a wide range of products, from batteries and solar panels to tires and plastics. www.levidian.com
Freudenberg Performance Materials Unveils Fine Denier Spunbond Nonwovens for Filtration
Freudenberg Performance Materials has introduced a unique fine filament nonwoven technology made from a wide variety of polymers and blends using mono or bico fibers. The high flexibility and broad customization options provide benefits in a wide range of markets and applications – from roofing membranes to liquid filtration, as well as specific applications such as dehumidification products and artificial turf.
p Samples of PET fine denier spunbond nonwovens from Freudenberg Performance Materials. Freudenberg Performance Materials
Freudenberg’s innovative fine denier spunbond materials rely on flexible manufacturing capabilities, which enable a high level of customization. They can be made of PET, PE or PP, not only as 100% composition but also in many different combinations, e.g. PET/PE, PET/coPET or PET/mPP, using mono or bico fibers with titer ranging from 2.5 to 3 dtex. The material weight spans 17 to 140gsm. The nonwovens are strongly bonded thanks to thermal bonding provided either by flat calendering or point sealing. The technology enables lightweight solutions with high tensile and tear strength, as well as a smooth and uniform surface.
The fine denier technology is also marketed under the Filtura ® brand, specifically suited for liquid filtration, e.g., coolants and lubricants. The technology provides high efficiency and a regular surface, as well as new capabilities with PET-PA and PET-PE nonwovens. Support media applications for glass fiber, nano and activated carbon also benefit from the lightweight fine denier nonwovens as protective layers. www.freudenberg.com
p No, this isn’t a trash bag, but a new technology that is absolutely crucial in hydrogen fuel cells. Researcher Patrick Fortin shows off the new catalyst that is coated directly onto the new ultra-thin membrane.
NOTES TECH
Cyclopure Announces Purefast® HomeXtreme PoE filter for PFAS-filtration
Cyclopure, Inc. has expanded its line of residential filter products for PFAS removal from home water with the launch of Purefast® HomeXtreme. The high-capacity, 160,000-gallon, DEXSORB®-loaded filter is priced at $1,200 and designed to run for two years before replacement. Like all DEXSORB filter products, performance of non-detect removal for regulated EPA 6 has been validated.
“They grow up so fast,” said CEO Frank Cassou. “We started with a 65-gallon filter in 2022. Our family of four filter sizes – PFHX, PFH80, PFH20, and Purefast Countertop – provide PFAS drinking solutions for families of all sizes and budgets.”
p Frank Cassou, Cyclopure’s CEO, with PFHX.
With 20 PFHX filters already installed and removing PFAS in a pre-launch, Purefast® HomeXtreme vessels are now available for purchase on Cyclopure’s website. The company’s filter products are made and fulfilled at Cyclopure’s Evanston Labs facility in Evanston, Illinois. Cyclopure’s treatment of PFAS does not stop with removal from your home water. They fully destroy all captured PFAS as part of their filter exchange program, eliminating PFAS from the water system forever. www.cyclopure.com
New Filtrete Refillable Air Filter Delivers Cleaner Air and Less Waste
Filtrete™ Brand, the number one trusted brand in residential HVAC air filters, announced the new Filtrete Refillable Air Filter Kit. This innovative kit addresses common consumer pain points by offering a reusable frame that lasts up to 20 years and a collapsible filter that lasts up to 12 months. The refills are more affordable than traditional filters, reduce storage space by 75 percent, and cut disposable waste by 20 percent – helping consumers achieve cleaner air with a reusable and budget conscious choice.
Filtrete Technology captures more small particles than standard MERV minimum requirements. The Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) developed by 3M sets a higher standard for air quality. All Filtrete Air Filters are designed to maintain reliable airflow,
5 Micron Compressed Air Filter
Walmec North America’s 5 Micron Compressed Air Filter is a twostage filter designed to operate most effectively when placed near the point of use. It has a 5 micron rating and is available in sizes with flow ranges of 15 SCFM to 250 SCFM, and pressure ratings of up to 250 PSI. The 5 Micron Compressed Air Filter is ideal for a large variety of applications including surface preparation, paint spraying, powder coating, air powered tools, and pneumatically operated equipment.
The first stage filter knocks out all liq uids, and particles of dirt, dust, rust, and scale. The second stage filter removes remaining mois ture, contaminants, and particles down to 5 microns. An automatic float drain under the second stage filter opens and expels all collected liquids when an ounce or more is present. It is fully automatic with no continuous air loss.
The 5 Micron Compressed Air Filter has a permanently mounted differential pressure gauge and comes with mounting brackets. The differential pressure gauge provides a visual indication of required maintenance which is easily done by installing the appropriate service kit. No need to remove the unit from the compressed air system. An optional pressure regulator with gauge is available. www.walmecna.com
helping HVAC systems run efficiently and reduce energy consumption, when changed regularly.
“Filtrete Brand has been dedicated to providing cleaner air for over 30 years,” said Cindy Timmerman, vice president of Consumer Safety and Wellbeing at 3M. “Our new refillable air filters offer a solution that saves costs, space and reduces waste, while ensuring reliable airflow and cleaner air. A small change with a big impact.”
The kit includes Filtrete™ MPR 1550 (MERV 12) Refillable Air Filters, which capture 42 percent more microparticles (0.3-1 microns) than the industry standard, effectively removing more allergens, bacteria and viruses for cleaner indoor air. These filters are also certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly ® by the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For added convenience, the new refillable air filters are compatible with the Filtrete Smart App, allowing consumers to store filter details, receive change reminders and find replacements easily.
Filtrete Refillable Air Filters are available in MPR 1550 (MERV 12) and MPR 1000 (MERV 11) at Amazon, Walmart and Lowes. www.filtrete.com
p Filtrete™ MPR 1550 refillable air filters.
EMERGENCE
Compiled by Caryn Smith, IFN Chief Content Officer
I
International Filtration News Explores Trending Innovation
FN highlights significant research from universities and institutions around the world. If you are a part of a project you would like to highlight, email csmith@inda.org. Please write “IFN Emerging Research Submission” in your subject line in order to apply. Please send a completed press release and/or summary of the research as you would want it to be printed, a link to the university online story (if applicable), and all high resolution photographs/charts/graphs, short researcher bio(s). All selections could be edited for length.
HANYANG UNIVERSITY
Researchers Discovered New Breakthrough Catalyst for Cheaper Green Hydrogen Production
More than $9 Million awarded to high school scientists and engineers at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2024.
By Jin-Mo An, Hanyang University
Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, its large-scale production is currently impeded by the need for expensive and rare catalysts required for electrochemical water-splitting. In a new study, researchers have developed novel tunable boron-doped cobalt phosphide nanosheet-based electrocatalysts using metal-organic frameworks. These electrocatalysts offer high efficiency, low cost, and long-term stability, with the potential to enable large-scale hydrogen production.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, the world urgently needs clean and renewable energy sources. Hydrogen is one such clean energy source that has zero carbon content and stores much more energy by weight than gasoline. One promising method for producing hydrogen is electrochemical water-splitting, a process that utilizes electricity to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Unfortunately, the large-scale production of hydrogen using this method is currently unfeasible due to the need for catalysts made from expensive, rare-earth metals. Among these, transition metal
phosphides (TMPs) have attracted considerable attention as catalysts for the hydrogen-generating side of the process, known as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), due to their favorable properties. However, they perform poorly in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which reduces overall efficiency.
In a recent breakthrough, a research team led by Professor Seunghyun Lee, including Mr. Dun Chan Cha, from the Hanyang University ERICA campus in South Korea, has developed a new type of tunable electrocatalyst using B-doped cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanosheets. Prof. Lee explains, “We have successfully developed cobalt phosphides-based nanomaterials by adjusting boron doping and phosphorus content using metal-organic frameworks. These materials have better performance and lower cost than
conventional electrocatalysts, making them suitable for large-scale hydrogen production.”
The researchers used an innovative strategy to create these materials, using cobalt (Co) based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). “MOFs are excellent precursors for designing and synthesizing nanomaterials with the required composition and structures,” notes Mr. Cha. First, they grew Co-MOFs on nickel foam (NF). They then subjected this material to a post-synthesis modification (PSM) reaction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4), resulting in the integration of B. It was followed up by a phosphorization process using different amounts of sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2), resulting in the formation of three different samples of B-doped cobalt phosphide nanosheets (B-CoP@NC/NF).
p The novel electrocatalysts, developed using metal-organic frameworks, exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance and high efficiency, while also being cost-effective. These electrocatalysts have the potential to enable large-scale hydrogen production, which can help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hanyang University
Experiments revealed that all three samples had a large surface area and a mesoporous structure, key features that improve electrocatalytic activity. As a result, all three samples exhibited excellent OER and HER performance. An alkaline electrolyzer developed using the B-CoP0.5@NC/NF electrodes showed a cell potential of just 1.59 V at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, lower than many recent electrolyzers. Additionally, at high current densities above 50 mA cm-2, it even outperformed the state-of-the-art RuO₂/NF(+) and 20% Pt-C/NF(−) electrolyzer while also demonstrating long-term stability, maintaining its performance for over 100 hours. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported these findings and clarified the role of B-doping and adjusting P content.
“Our findings offer a blueprint for designing and synthesizing next-generation high-efficiency catalysts that can drastically reduce hydrogen production costs,” says Prof. Lee. “This is an important step towards making large-scale green hydrogen production a reality, which will ultimately help in reducing global carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.”
Federal Ministry Supports Start-Up Project on Pioneering Filter Technology
Novel spectral filters will enable future sensors to work more accurately and reliably. EXIST-FT funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action promotes outstanding, research-based start-up projects.
Aresearch team from the University of Cologne has secured 1.1 million euros for the PoLightFilters start-up project from the EXIST-FT funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With the development of a fundamentally novel technology for light filtering that significantly reduces optical noise, the project is setting new standards in thin-
film optics. The development of thin-film polariton opens up new avenues for use in photonics, sensors, optical imaging, and display technology. The team at the Humboldt Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics comprises Dr. Florian Le Roux, Dr. Andreas Mischok, BSc Elena von der Heyden, and Humboldt Professor Malte Gather. “I extend my congratulations to the researchers on their success. The funding underlines the fact that cutting-edge research on future-focused topics and innovative technologies is being undertaken at our university,” says Professor Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, Rector of the University of Cologne.
Optical filters are essential in many applications. However, until now, conventional filters show a strong decrease in performance when light hits them at different angles because the color of the light passing through the filter changes depending on the viewing angle. This leads, for example, to a change in the perceived color of computer and smartphone displays and restricts the field of view over which sensors provide accurate data. The innovative filter technology overcomes this fundamental problem by utilizing the quantum mechanical interaction of light with electronically excited states in thin organic layers. As part of the PoLightFilters project, polariton filters will be brought to market readiness.
Thanks to the new filters, optical systems can be used in more versatile and reliable ways. The use of organic materials also enables flexible tuning of spectral properties, i.e. the color of transmitted
or reflected light. It offers lower costs as well as reduced energy consumption during the production of large-area filters that can be adapted to different component shapes.
The outstanding angular stability of the newly developed filter technology offers considerable added value, particularly for fluorescence microscopy or sensor applications such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems. Specifically, this enables increased accuracy, range, and readout speed, setting new standards in automation and process optimization. For example, with the PoLightFilters technology, the number of sensors required for industrial monitoring can be considerably reduced, resulting in significant cost savings. Further areas of application include microscopy and biomedical research.
In addition to the ongoing development of the patent-pending thin-film filter technology, a particular focus of the funded project is on optimizing and scaling the production. In parallel to the hardware development, the existing software package is being further improved to enable a partially automated filter design.
“With funding from the EXIST transfer of research programme, the PoLightFilters project is taking a decisive step towards market innovation. In addition to the direct application in LiDAR technology, the filter innovation is intended to serve as a model case for further applications. Through the successful combination of scientific research, technical development and entrepreneurial implementation, which is supported by the University of Cologne’s Transfer Department and the Transfer Scouts of the Gateway Excellence Start-up Center, we will be making a long-lasting contribution to the optimization of modern optical systems,” says Dr. Andreas Mischok.
p The PoLight Team. Dr. Andreas Mischok/University of Cologne.
p MIT engineers developed a membrane, pictured, that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation. : Courtesy of the Researchers
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
A New Approach Could Fractionate Crude Oil Using Much Less Energy
MIT researchers’ new membrane separates different types of fuel based on their molecular size, eliminating the need for energy-intensive crude oil distillation.
Anne Trafton, MIT News
Separating crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, and heating oil is an energy-intensive process that accounts for about 6 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions. Most of that energy goes into the heat needed to separate the components by their boiling point.
In an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation, MIT engineers have developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size.
“This is a whole new way of envisioning a separation process. Instead of boiling mixtures to purify them, why not separate components based on shape and size? The key innovation is that the filters we developed can separate very small molecules at an atomistic length scale,” says Zachary P. Smith, an associate professor of chemical engineering at MIT and the senior author of the new study.
The new filtration membrane can efficiently separate heavy and light components from oil, and it is resistant to the swelling that tends to occur with other types of oil separation membranes. The membrane is a thin film that can be manufactured using a technique that is already widely used in industrial processes, potentially allowing it to be scaled up for widespread use.
Taehoon Lee, a former MIT postdoc who is now an assistant professor at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, is the lead author of the paper, which appears today in Science.
Oil Fractionation
Conventional heat-driven processes for fractionating crude oil make up about 1 percent of global energy use, and it has been estimated that using membranes for crude oil separation could reduce the amount of energy needed by about 90 percent. For this to succeed, a separation membrane needs to allow hydrocarbons to pass through quickly, and to selectively filter compounds of different sizes.
Until now, most efforts to develop a filtration membrane for hydrocarbons have focused on polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), including one known as PIM-1. Although this porous material allows the fast transport of hydrocarbons, it tends to excessively absorb some of the organic compounds as they pass through the membrane, leading the film to swell, which impairs its size-sieving ability.
To come up with a better alternative, the MIT team decided to try modifying polymers that are used for reverse osmosis water desalination. Since their adoption in the 1970s, reverse osmosis membranes have reduced the energy consumption of desalination by about 90 percent – a remarkable industrial success story.
The most commonly used membrane for water desalination is a polyamide that is manufactured using a method known as interfacial polymerization. During this process, a thin polymer film forms at the interface between water and an organic solvent such as hexane. Water and hexane do not normally mix, but at the interface between them, a small amount of the compounds dissolved in them can react with each other.
In this case, a hydrophilic monomer called MPD, which is dissolved in water, reacts with a hydrophobic monomer called TMC, which is dissolved in hexane. The two monomers are joined together by a connection known as an amide bond, forming a polyamide thin film (named MPD-TMC) at the waterhexane interface.
While highly effective for water desalination, MPD-TMC doesn’t have the right pore sizes and swelling resistance that would allow it to separate hydrocarbons.
To adapt the material to separate the hydrocarbons found in crude oil, the researchers first modified the film by changing the bond that connects the monomers from an amide bond to an imine bond.
To adapt the material to separate the hydrocarbons found in crude oil, the researchers first modified the film by changing the bond that connects the monomers from an amide bond to an imine bond. This bond is more rigid and hydrophobic, which allows hydrocarbons to quickly move through the membrane without causing noticeable swelling of the film compared to the polyamide counterpart.
“The polyimine material has porosity that forms at the interface, and because of the cross-linking chemistry that we have added in, you now have something that doesn’t swell,” Smith says. “You make it in the oil phase, react it at the water interface, and with the crosslinks, it’s now immobilized. And so those pores, even when they’re exposed to hydrocarbons, no longer swell like other materials.”
The researchers also introduced a monomer called triptycene. This shapepersistent, molecularly selective molecule further helps the resultant polyimines to form pores that are the right size for hydrocarbons to fit through.
This approach represents “an important step toward reducing industrial energy consumption,” says Andrew Livingston, a professor of chemical engineering at Queen Mary University of London, who was not involved in the study.
“This work takes the workhorse technology of the membrane desalination industry, interfacial polymerization, and creates a new way to apply it to organic systems such as hydrocarbon feedstocks, which currently consume large chunks of global energy,” Livingston says. “The imaginative approach using an interfacial catalyst coupled to hydrophobic monomers leads to membranes with high permeance and excellent selectivity, and the work shows how these can be used in relevant separations.”
Efficient Separation
When the researchers used the new membrane to filter a mixture of toluene and triisopropylbenzene (TIPB) as a benchmark for evaluating separation performance, it was able to achieve a concentration of toluene 20 times greater than its concentration in the original mixture. They also tested the membrane with an industrially relevant mixture consisting of naphtha, kerosene, and diesel, and found that it could efficiently separate the heavier and lighter compounds by their molecular size.
If adapted for industrial use, a series of these filters could be used to generate a higher concentration of the desired products at each step, the researchers say.
“You can imagine that with a membrane like this, you could have an initial stage that replaces a crude oil fractionation column. You could partition heavy and light molecules and then you could use different membranes in a cascade to purify complex mixtures to isolate the chemicals that you need,” Smith says.
Interfacial polymerization is already widely used to create membranes for water desalination, and the researchers believe it should be possible to adapt those processes to mass produce the films they designed in this study.
“The main advantage of interfacial polymerization is it’s already a well-established method to prepare membranes for water purification, so you can imagine just adopting these chemistries into existing scale of manufacturing lines,” Lee says.
The research was funded, in part, by ExxonMobil through the MIT Energy Initiative.
Do you have research to share? Email csmith@inda.org with details!
Improving Efficiency, Product Life and Production without Compromising Performance
In high-performance filtration systems, choosing the right adhesive plays a crucial role in the integrity, durability and efficiency of the final product. As engineers and manufacturers face increasing demands for heat resistance, chemical resistance and production efficiency, selecting the right adhesive is more important than ever. Epic Resins, a global leader in epoxy and polyurethane technology, develops solutions tailored to meet these evolving challenges.
Epic Resins has formulated, manufactured and supplied high-quality epoxy resins and polyurethanes to a wide range of industries for over 65 years. Specializing in adhesives, potting and encapsulation compounds, Epic Resins delivers products to enhance customer profitability and performance.
Because Your Design Can NOT Be Compromised
The launch of Epic S7465 highlights Epic Resins’ commitment to helping customers:
• Improve manufacturing efficiency
• Extend product life in demanding environments
• Streamline production without compromising performance
Whether you’re a spa equipment supplier wanting a filter end cap material, an OEM supplier seeking an air filter potting compound or an automotive manufacturer looking for a chemical resistant filter adhesive, Epic Resins can formulate it.
S7465: A 3-in-1 Epoxy System
Epic’s S7465 is a two-component epoxy adhesive specifically designed for high-temperature applications that require good chemical resistance. With its unique rheological design, S7465 stands out in the marketplace as a truly multi-functional material.
Key Benefits:
• 3-in-1 functionality: Can be used for seam sealing, moldable end-caps and end-cap adhesive
• Reduced work-in-process (WIP): Pot both end caps and apply the seam seal in a single step
• Streamlined operations: Short setup time
High-Temperature & Harsh Environment Performance
S7465 delivers reliable performance in extreme conditions:
• Temperature resistance: Up to 177°C
• Chemical resistance:
Excellent when immersed in harsh fluids, including:
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Synthetic hydraulic oil
- Synthetic water-free fluids (HFD-U)
- Water glycol fluids (WGF)
Above: S7465 is a multi-functional adhesive, it can be used in seam sealing, moldable end-caps and as an end-cap adhesive. Left: The chemists at Epic Resins work directly with your engineering and manufacturing departments, enabling us to provide you with effective solutions to fit your demanding needs.
Exceptional Bonding & Versatility
S7465 provides strong adhesion across a wide range of substrates:
• Excellent adhesion to end cap substrates
• Customizable viscosity: Available in multiple flowability options to suit various applications and dispensing methods
Production-Friendly Formulation
Designed with manufacturing efficiency in mind:
• Simple 4:1 volumetric mix ratio
• Short setup time: Speeds up filter production
• Reduced material changeovers: Supports lean manuacturing goals
Epic Resins: A Partner in Filtration Innovation
Epic Resins has a long-standing reputation for:
• Customized formulation support: Work directly with application chemists
• Responsive technical service: On-site troubleshooting and process guidance
• Consistent quality: Trusted materials that meet exact specifications
To learn more about Epic S7465 or to request a sample, visit www.epicresins.com.
Sigma Design Company –Engineering Smart Industrial Water Solu tions
For more than 25 years, Sigma Design Company has earned the trust of clients including hundreds of global manufacturing firms and leading global brands spanning a wide array of industries. We have transformed more than 1,000 design and design/build projects into successful products and specialty equipment in use across the world, establishing a strong reputation as a leader in pioneering patented and innovative water conditioning components, filters, and systems. Our experienced filtration engineers have expertise in filtration separation solutions and understand process limitations. With decades of experience in engineering and analysis, we have the proven ability to develop water technologies, products, and systems that fit your exact needs.
Fully Customizable, Engineered Solutions
A leader in pioneering patented and innovative water conditioning components, filters, and systems, Sigma Design Industrial Water Systems Group can provide clients with fully customizable, engineered solutions for industrial water systems and to address their non-hazardous wastewater challenges. This enables clients to select from and integrate a range of Sigma’s existing advanced technology components into your project. Clients can mix and match technology components used in an array of applications including:
• Automated Pump and Treat Solutions for Water Reuse Systems looking toward zero liquid discharge (ZLD)
• Automatic Prefilters & UV Disinfection Systems for effective water disinfection
• Automated Self-Cleaning Low Micron Filter Systems for precision filtration
• High Solids Water Processing Solutions including conditioning, dewatering, and filtration
• Smart Automated Filter Process Controls Systems to optimize performance and efficiency
Turning Smart Ideas into Solutions
• Automated Self-Cleaning Pre-Filter Systems for handling variable TSS non-traditional water sources
Interested in building a new filtration system or product? For more than a quarter century, Sigma has helped clients turn their smart ideas into solutions. Providing a consultative approach, we have worked with clients in every phase from design to 3D modeling, testing, prototyping, and manufacturing. In addition to bespoke industrial filtration and water treatment systems, this includes development, design, and manufacturing of filtration devices and media selection for solid/liquid separation, flow analysis and modeling, filter component design and commercialization, filter housings (ASME VIII), and more. Our highly experienced team uses the most advanced design and engineering services, manufacturing
technology, and a best practices approach plus simulation and rapid prototyping technology that speeds time to market while helping clients reduce risks and costs associated with product development.
A One-Stop Shop for All Your Industrial Water Filtration Needs
A vertically integrated, single-source supplier, Sigma offers ASME-certified welding, UL 508A-certified industrial controls, an in-house laboratory, and internal flow testing up to 200 GPM – all done in-house at our Technology Commercialization and New Product Manufacturing Center in Middlesex, New Jersey. Using decades of experience, advanced engineering analysis, and comprehensive suite of product development services, Sigma provides solutions for a wide range of water filtration requirements including automatic self-cleaning filters to microfiltration. As experts in advanced water treatment technologies, we specialize in industrial water reuse and recovery, filtration and separation, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, desalination pretreatment, and wastewater TSS discharge reduction.
Sigma Design Company invites you to provide custom-tailored solutions for diverse markets and emerging applications. We have experience in a variety of industries, and can tackle non-traditional water sources and clients’ filtration needs in biogas, food processing, pharmaceuticals, desalination, and more. Whether you are looking for a full, customized water filtration system or require development of a new water product or technology to integrate into your current filtration system, we have you covered from beginning to end. Contact us to learn more and discuss how we can help move your project from concept to finished product. info@sigmadesign.net
Model 4613 Automatic Tubular Backwash Filter System. Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water’s Filtration Products and Systems: Game-Changers in High Solids Separation and Concentration
Spiral Water Technologies’ advanced automatic, self-cleaning filtration products and systems are game changers when it comes to high solids separation and concentration. Our products offer a global solution for multiple markets and applications – from industrial wastewater treatment to biogas production, food processing and beverage production, biopharma, farm waste conversion, and more.
Our self-cleaning automatic filters are capable of processing considerable amounts of variable TSS and high solids loading. Compared to conventional selfcleaning filters that can only manage TSS up to 300 ppm, our products can manage TSS above 5,000 ppm and automatically manage upset conditions without operator intervention. This is because of our patented internal mechanical cleaning mechanism that keeps filters online and functioning, whereas other filters would overload and fail. In multifiltration processes, our advanced filter technology and control systems provide a top-of-the-line defense to give our customers peace of mind.
Not only are our filters setting new standards of performance – they are also significantly reducing Total Lifecycle Cost. They can filter water and other process fluids with up to 50 times higher solids than can be handled using traditional backwash filtration and separation technologies, while requiring just one pass and delivering 99% water recovery. In addition, their smaller footprint and lower weight contribute to reducing costs.
At Spiral Water, we don’t just sell our patented systems – we’ll work with you to tailor our products to fit your particular needs or facility. In doing so, we can create unique system solutions that align with your specific filtration requirements, whether you need a standalone product or require a complete custom integrated system.
Our filters are specially designed for seamless incorporation into customers’ existing filtration systems, allowing for enhanced efficiency without extensive modifications. Alternatively, we can design and engineer new water filtration systems that incorporate our filters. For example, our High Solids Water Recovery (HSWR) System – equipped with our Series 1000 self-cleaning filters–can manage high solids loaded process water with TSS greater than 15,000 ppm. And our Pre R/O System uses our automatic self-cleaning filters capable of handling upset conditions up to 2,000 ppm without operator assistance. We can also customize control systems to meet customers’ specific needs based on an existing control matrix.
Filtration Solutions in Action:
Biogas Production
Biogas/RNG production is increasingly important, and the biogas/RNG production process involves turning off-gassing products and decomposing material into a useful energy product. Enter Spiral Water. We design and develop water filtration systems that provide powerful solutions that help harness the full power of renewable natural gas.
Successful uses of Spiral Water technology include:
Digestate Processing: After the gas cycle is complete, sludge and digestate
are removed. Our automatic self-cleaning filters remove inorganic non-digestible solids from the digestate stream while also increasing the efficiency of downstream water recovery and protecting process equipment.
Gas Scrubbing: Highly effective at removing a wide range of impurities from gas streams, water gas scrubbers play a key role in the efficient production of clean biogas and green hydrogen. Our T1000 systems allow water recovery and reuse of scrubbing water, reducing water waste.
Pressurized Dewatering of AD Sludge: When used in a closed loop, pressurized side stream dewatering helps minimize gas losses and reduces the risk of contamination and odors. Additionally, reusing digester water can significantly reduce water hauling charges. Rather than hauling water at $0.50 per gallon, Spiral Water allows for the reuse of AD, making real economic sense.
Feedstock Conditioning: Spiral Water’s systems are placed before anaerobic digesters to condition feedstock and remove as much contaminant as possible before it enters the anerobic digester, helping to increase gas production while preventing non-digestible solids from entering the digester.
To learn more about our products, systems, and specific applications, contact Spiral Water at info@spiralwater.com. www.spiralwater.com
Rosedale Products, Inc. is a leading technology developer in the field of liquid filtration systems and waste minimization products for customers around the globe. With more than 50 years of experience, Rosedale offers an exceptional product line that includes high-performance filtration solutions for multiple industries. Rosedale technicians help customers find the best, most cost-effective approaches to their filtration needs.
Rosedale product lines set the industry standard in versatility and reliability and includes bag and cartridge filters, basket strainers, automatic back washing filters, filter cartridges, and many special application products. Together with ongoing consulting, troubleshooting, and support from our team of inhouse experts, Rosedale provides comprehensive solutions for every critical industry filtration need.
Rosedale is committed to your vision. Rosedale manufactures industrial filtration products for virtually any industry where liquid and gas flows are present.
With a vast product line that suits many needs, as well as the flexibility to customize standard products. Rosedale’s sales staff has knowledge of many industrial practices, giving customers the confidence that their filter solution is the best available for their specific need. The most popular products are bag filters, pleated cartridge filters, and basket strainers. Rosedale High Flow horizontally mounted filter vessels are setting the industry standard with containing 1 to 31 large pleated cartridges in 40 or 60 inch lengths. The High Flow product line boasts flow rates of up to 400 gallons per minute for each element in select applications.
Whatever your filtration application, Rosedale Products, Inc. offers a product designed to meet your needs. From
filters that accept high-efficiency filter cartridges to filter bags, Rosedale products deliver superb performance at an exceptional value.
Rosedale product offering:
• Single Bag Housings
• Multi-Bag Housings
• Polypropylene Housings
• High Flow Housings
• Basket Strainers
• Centrifugal Separators
• Duplex Filter Systems
• Multiplex Filter Systems
• Backwashing Filter Systems
• Coolant Filter Systems
• Filter Bags
• Filter Cartridges
Rosedale Products Multi-Bag Filter Housing.
Rosedale Products Custom Filtration Systems
Capturing DANGEROUS BACTERIA
LAM-X Brings a New Technology That Traps Bacteria Causing Secondary Infections
By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer & Publisher, IFN
As an emerging leader in nanofiber solutions to combat the spread of harmful bacteria, LAM-X is proving to offer an innovative, flexible, and sustainable solution that reaches into air, water, beverage, and healthcare industries. The company, founded in 2020, retained its original mission to combat bacterial contamination using its innovative nanofiber technology.
Roman Chaloupka, LAM-X CEO/CTO, is a PhD in Molecular Biophysics. He shares with International Filtration News how LAM-X’s nanofiber material, which includes synthetic or biodegradable polymers and a photosensitizer, effectively kills bacteria and viruses using light activation. The technology has achieved global patent protection and is tested against various microorganisms that meet international standards.
The innovation in LAM-X lies within its optimal polymer composition and the photosensitizers embedded in it, which eliminates microbes upon blue light activation without negative side effects. The company is adaptive to its customer’s needs, with the ability to creatively think through complex problems. The nanofiber is composed of biodegradable polymers, eliminating the toxicity found in heavy metals such as silver and titanium oxide. The special fiber has been proven to kill all types of bacteria, regardless of their resistance.
LAM-X is being targeted by innovative well-known companies in the B2B market, focusing on water and air filtration to
Q+A
IN THIS ISSUE:
ROMAN
CHALOUPKA
Founder of LAM-X
integrate its technology as it ramps up to larger-scale production. IFN spoke with Chaloupka to discuss the company's plans for the future.
International Filtration News: Could you provide a brief overview of how LAM-X originated?
Roman Chaloupka: If I can start more broadly, we observed that hospitals have a significant problem with patient-acquired infections, also known as secondary infections. Originally, we aimed to address this problem by developing an innovative nanofiber material, which we accomplished. Since this effort was successful,
we extended its use to other areas where airborne bacteria can also cause problems. Filtration media was a perfect fit for our solution.
As a PhD in Biophysics and with a brief academic career, I transitioned into startup work. I worked for a significant period at a med-tech startup company before we founded LAM-X. There are several co-founders of the company and as Chief Technology Officer, I have been involved in the development of the technology from the very beginning.
IFN: When was the nanofiber research started, under the LAM-X company umbrella?
Chaloupka: Nanofibers have been at the core of the LAM-X technology since the beginning. We founded LAM-X in 2020 and began working on medical devices. Two years ago, we also began working in the field of filtration. In fact, the company began three weeks before COVID started. So very fine. It was like a big challenge for us.
IFN: What does LAM-X stand for?
Chaloupka: It stands for “light-activated materials,” and the “X” symbolizes nanofibers, which is probably more apparent when we look at the logo than just at the name of the company.
IFN: What brought the issue of secondary hospital infections to light, prompting you to pursue this line of research and development?
The nanofiber comprises biodegradable polymers with antimicrobial activity without the use of heavy metals, such as silver, or toxic chemicals like titanium oxide. The special fiber is proven to kill all types of bacteria, regardless of their resistance.
Chaloupka: Originally, we had the technology that we knew was excellent for killing bacteria of all kinds. In hospitals, one of the main problems is bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics or multiresistant strains. Because our technology, is universal – meaning that it can kill any bacteria or virus – we worked to prove that it can also kill multi-resistant strains, such as MRSA, and it was successful.
From this initial proof of concept, we started there, and then, step by step, methodically, we are expanding to more applications beyond hospital scenarios. Wherever bacteria are causing a problem, we can develop a solution for our customers to combat the situation.
IFN: Explain the science behind the nanofiber technology.
Chaloupka: Our material is a membrane made of polymer nanofibers. We offer both synthetic and biodegradable versions. Another critical component of the material is a small organic molecule called photosensitizer.
How the antimicrobial function works is a simple three-step process. First, the bacteria or viruses are captured in the dense nanofiber network, just as in any other passive filtration material. And then, in our process, there is a flash of blue visible light, not UV, on the membrane to activate it. The light activates the photosensitizer molecules in the fibers, transforming molecular oxygen into its reactive form, which in turn kills bacteria or viruses captured within the nanofiber network. In short, it’s a safer self-cleaning alternative of a simple, passive barrier filter.
IFN: How did you prove the concept through testing? What kinds of bacteria are utilized in the testing process?
Chaloupka: In general, all products, including filters and medical devices,
undergo thorough testing of antimicrobial activity against various types of viruses and bacteria for example E. coli and multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus, both in-house and in accredited laboratories. Therefore, our materials are tested according to international standards, including – but not limited to – ISO 2743 for the antibacterial activity of both gramnegative and gram-positive bacteria, ISO 18184 for antiviral activity, and ISO 22612 for bacterial penetration.
IFN: What is your vision for this innovation, and how might it impact the marketplace?
Chaloupka: LAM-X technology operates in a critical space of filtration due to its antimicrobial component. This will likely have a great impact in ultrafiltration market, where filtration is typically combined with antimicrobial solutions. We are able to merge several systems into one single step reducing space needs, saving electricity and reducing the cost associated to biofilm. Thanks to our efforts, combined with partnerships with major players in the field, the technology will gradually penetrate different areas of the filtration market.
IFN: What kinds of companies are you working with?
Chaloupka: Currently, we are in the B2B space. I’m confident that due to these partnerships with important players in the field, the LAM-X technology is on track to penetrate different areas of the filtration market as we continue to attract the industries top filtration companies. We are still at the development stage with one partner in the field of ultrapure water preparation, and are in negotiations with one of the top three players in the filtration market. We are seeking other partners willing to innovate in water filtration and air filtration, we also see opportunities for growth and implementation of our technology also in other domains in the future.
IFN: What other markets are you seeking partnerships?
Chaloupka: We are currently developing solutions for ultrafiltration for water and beverage industries, but, of course, there are other applicable categories such as food, gas and liquids, and even domains such as crop protection.
IFN: Your slogan is, “Our solution solves your problems without creating new ones.” What does that mean to you?
Chaloupka: Well, in the world of antimicrobial solutions, introducing new solution to the market should be done, in my opinion, with extreme care because of the resistance against antibiotics and disinfectants. The solution to the problem of bacterial contamination can have unintended, negative repercussions. Our material releases neither heavy metals nor toxic chemicals and can capture and kill any bacteria, including those that are
We are seeking other partners willing to innovate. Although we are now entirely focused on water filtration and air filtration, we see opportunities for growth and implementation of our technology in other domains in the future.
resistant, which are the most dangerous. We know that it does not induce any resistance to this treatment. It is a solution for the future.
IFN: Your product description includes biodegradable. Please elaborate on this.
Chaloupka: Well, we have both versions. In certain circumstances, a synthetic version is necessary. However, we also have an environmentally friendly membrane made of biodegradable polymers which is in line with our principles as a company. We have come far in equating the quality of biodegradable to synthetic nanofibers and we are proud of the quality of our membranes.
IFN: Can you elaborate on the markets that you best succeed in the industry?
Chaloupka: Currently, we would like to give focus to ultrafiltration, to succeed and lead. It’s better to focus, and filtration is a significantly large marketplace. Yet we have a platform technology which can play a role in every application where the bacteria can cause a problem.
IFN: Where do you think your company will be in five years?
Chaloupka: I see LAM-X technology as an integral part of standard solutions in the filtration industry, and I hope that by working with the major players in the field, we are already on our way to this goal.
Our confidence in our technology comes from hearing time and time again that our unique selling point is resonating with the problems of that our partners have battling bacteria. Accumulating bacteria in filters is not aggressively being addressed by current solution providers. Our technology eliminates bacteria in such an effective way that it prevents the onset of clogging bacteria and the formation of biofilm, one of the biggest advantages of LAM-X.
Biodegradability also plays an important role. If I can empathize with our safety profile in the fact that the material originally met all the regulatory criteria for medical devices, which are very strict, it provides confidence in the higher safety profile LAM-X offers.
With our current focus on water filtration and now entering the air filtration market, the market is sufficiently large to ensure that our solution can be integrated into many different sub-sectors soon. We will continue to work towards multimarket applications as we grow our success in specific marketplaces.
Blue light to activate the photo synthesizers killing microbes without negatives. LAM-X
By Philippe Wijns Principal at CleverSustainability, Filtration Expert and Sustainable Business Development Advisor
Ecodesign in Filtration: Supply Chain Impacts and New Business Opportunities
Ecodesign is becoming more critical in the filtration industry. By considering the early stages of filter production, use, and subsequent disposal, companies can minimize waste, reduce energy consumption, and select more sustainable materials. This approach also presents new opportunities to enhance supply chains and develop innovative methods for delivering customer value. Let’s examine how product design choices impact recyclability and energy use, the growing importance of supply chain collaboration, and how forward-thinking companies are utilizing ecodesign to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. This includes business opportunities, new models, services, and market possibilities. Ultimately, ecodesign is not just a topic of compliance or cost; it is becoming a real competitive differentiator.
Sustainable engineering and Ecodesign are closely connected, but they focus on different levels. Sustainable engineering looks at the whole system and aims to reduce environmental impact across operations, products, processes, and infrastructure. It includes energy systems, production methods, and overall lifecycle management. On the other hand, Ecodesign focuses more directly on the product itself. It aims to reduce a product’s environmental footprint through wise material choices, modular design, energy-efficient use, and easier recycling or reuse. While both approaches support sustainability goals, we will focus mainly on ecodesign, the product-level design strategies that enable better environmental performance, cost efficiency, and business opportunities in filtration.
In Ecodesign, choosing and developing filtration media is crucial. Since the filter element is the core of the product’s function and environmental impact, early design choices, especially in raw materials and filtration media structure, have long-lasting effects across the entire lifecycle. Traditional filter media often rely
Philippe Wijns is Principal at CleverSustainability, and serves as a Filtration Expert and Sustainable Business Development Advisor. He is a Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance, Climate Finance, and Renewable Energy from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He began with global leaders in the nonwovens industry before transitioning to the filtration sector, where he specialized in filtration technologies across a wide range of applications and markets – including industrial and automotive systems, HVAC, household appliances, medical and life sciences, as well as power storage solutions such as fuel cells, hydrogen systems, and battery separators.
Wijns recently founded CleverSustainability, a consultancy dedicated to sustainable business development to help companies develop and implement sustainability strategies, ensure compliance with the EU legal reporting requirements, and enhance their sustainable business growth, product portfolio and development, and market positioning.
on fossil-based polymers, which are efficient but not always recyclable or biodegradable. Ecodesign encourages shifting towards more sustainable options: bio-based polymers (PLA, PHA, PVOH), cellulose blends, or recycled fibres. The aim is to reduce dependency on virgin resources and improve end-of-life outcomes. Beyond raw material origin, the chemical design of the polymer down to the monomer level can support recyclability and lower toxicity. For example, using binders free from formaldehyde or switching to mono-material structures helps make the filter element easier to recycle or dispose of cleanly. Modular design is another key enabler. Filter housing or frames can be reused often, while only the media is replaced. This requires careful integration between media performance and structural support systems. Companies can facilitate recycling, reduce material waste, and develop take-back or reuse programs by designing elements for easy disassembly. Optimizing energy use during filtration is crucial. Media with high dust-holding capacity and lowpressure drop can significantly lower energy consumption in HVAC or industrial systems. As energy use during the operational phase accounts for most of a filter’s environmental footprint, reducing flow resistance becomes not just a technical objective but an ecological necessity. In essence, filtration media development combines sustainable material selection, smart polymer chemistry, modular thinking, and lifecycle efficiency. This transforms the filter element from a disposable product into a strategic, value-adding component within a more circular and resource-efficient filtration system.
From a sustainability perspective, what happens to a filter after use is just as important as how it is made. Most contaminated filters, especially those used in industrial, automotive, or HVAC applications, are still treated as waste. They are often landfilled or incinerated, especially when made from mixed materials or containing hazardous particles. Ecodesign addresses this challenge by making filters easier to disassemble and sort. Using monomaterial constructions improves recyclability. Reducing or eliminating glues, metal inserts, or toxic additives simplifies disposal. Reusing or refurbishing is a growing option for filters that cannot be easily recycled. Some systems allow the media to be replaced while the frame or housing is reused multiple
times. In industrial applications, washable or cleanable filters can extend service life and reduce waste. Technical and scientific solutions can and need to be developed when recycling is not possible due to contamination. These include specialized decontamination processes, alternative separation technologies, or safe material recovery methods. Ultimately, ecodesign supports a shift from single-use, mixed-material filters to modular, recyclable, or regenerable components, enabling circular business models and reducing the environmental burden at the product’s end of life.
Ecodesign in filtration is not limited to product development; it requires close collaboration across the entire supply chain and manufacturing process. Companies must build cross-functional teams that include R&D, procurement, production, quality, sustainability, and logistics to make real progress. Material choices, for example, must align with supplier capabilities and environmental criteria and shared sustainability goals with upstream partners. Procurement teams must work together with design engineers to validate the availability, quality, and traceability. In manufacturing, sustainable design often involves process adjustments: minimizing production waste, reducing energy use, or enabling modular assembly. This can only succeed if engineering, production planning, and environmental management work together from the beginning. Cross-functional teams are also essential for implementing takeback schemes, reverse logistics, or recycling programs, areas that touch multiple departments. Lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools and sustainability metrics, such as carbon footprint metrics, must be integrated into decision-making across all stages. In short, ecodesign filtration is not the responsibility of one team. It requires an integrated, cross-functional approach across supply chains, R&D, and manufacturing to turn sustainable ideas into operational and commercial reality.
On a broader scale, we may observe the vertical integration of recycling or media regeneration units into filtration companies or the emergence of new service providers dedicated exclusively to end-of-life filter management. Cross-industry collaboration platforms, linking filter manufacturers, recyclers, and logistics providers, are another opportunity, especially for industrial and B2B markets. In summary, ecodesign enables a shift from selling filter units to offering sustainable solutions. It creates space for new services, partnerships, and even entirely new companies, placing sustainability at the core of future business strategies.
Ecodesign offers substantial potential for competitive differentiation in the filtration industry, but successfully introducing these products to the market requires more than technical innovation. The key challenge is market acceptance, especially in a sector where price, performance, and reliability have traditionally dominated purchasing decisions. Marketing ecodesigned filtration solutions means telling a transparent and credible story. Companies must explain how a more sustainable filter delivers environmental benefits and added value through a longer lifetime, lower energy use, or simplified disposal. This value proposition must be backed with facts: lifecycle cost savings, environmental certifications, or real application data. However, resistance remains. Many customers worry that sustainability means higher cost or lower performance.
Others are unaware of how filters can impact energy use or waste streams. Education is key; companies must help customers understand that ecodesign does not mean compromise. A sustainable filter can reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), especially when energy and maintenance costs are considered. Even minor price differences can become an obstacle in a highly competitive market. To overcome this, suppliers must focus on value-based communication and offer clear comparisons showing operational savings over time.
Another strategy is segmentation. High-performance or premium product lines can introduce ecodesigned options where customers are more open to innovation. Fleet operators, cleanroom facilities, or ESG-driven companies may actively look for sustainable alternatives and be willing to pay for them. Once scale increases, these same technologies can become viable for cost-sensitive markets. Scale and volume effects are essential.
As global demand for sustainable products increases, economies of scale will help lower prices. Supply chains will adapt, and what is now a niche solution can become the industry norm. Brand differentiation is another opportunity. A company with a strong sustainability profile can position itself as a partner for customers facing pressure to meet ESG goals or reduce emissions. Ecodesign becomes a technical feature and part of a broader brand strategy.
As more filtration products are marketed as “eco” or “sustainable,” the risk of greenwashing increases. Customers and regulators expect explicit, verifiable claims. Certifications like ISO 14001, Cradle to Cradle, or thirdparty Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) help prove that ecodesign is more than just marketing. Transparent reporting of lifecycle data, recycled content, or carbon footprint is becoming essential, especially for B2B buyers working toward ESG or supply chain goals. Marketing must be based on facts, not slogans. Companies should publish verified data, use recognised labels, and align with frameworks such as CSRD. From my experience, nonwoven and raw material suppliers in markets like hygiene, medical, automotive or geotextiles are already more advanced in automated carbon footprint reporting, especially for Scope 3. The filtration industry can and should catch up quickly.
Upfront sustainable parameters in filtration design don’t necessarily translate into higher upfront costs. By prioritizing wise material choices, optimizing designs for durability, and incorporating features like disassembly and recyclability, eco-designed filters can match the cost of traditional solutions. As supply chains evolve and economies of scale kick in, these designs become increasingly efficient and affordable. More importantly, ecodesign looks beyond initial expenses, focusing on lifecycle value: reduced reliance on raw materials, energy-efficient operation, extended service intervals, and streamlined disposal processes all deliver substantial savings. For instance, reusable components and simplified end-of-life handling offer cost-effective solutions while maintaining exceptional performance. With rising adoption and growing demand, manufacturers are pushed to scale production of sustainable materials and components, leading to further cost reductions and design advances. Integrating eco-design principles isn’t just a technical innovation; it’s a strategic imperative.
By Peter S. Cartwright, P.E. Cartwright Consulting Co. LLC
Ongoing Crisis of PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water Supplies
The reality of PFAS and why the filtration must address this critical water issue now more than ever.
PFAS is the acronym for “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.” They are a class of humanmade (anthropogenic) organic chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms attached to an alkyl chain.
A clear and universally accepted definition of what constitutes a PFAS does not now exist. The term “polyfluoro” implies two or more alkyl fluorines anywhere in the molecule. The EPA’s CompTox Chemicals Dashboard contains over 30 PFAS lists, with one list naming more than 11,000 chemicals (doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.850019).
These chemicals have been manufactured since the 1950s and are present everywhere: in water, air, soil, food, and now are present in the bodies of virtually all living beings, including people. Because the carbon-fluorine bond is extremely difficult to break, PFAS are considered indestructible and called “forever chemicals.”
Many PFAS are known to bioaccumulate in humans and other animals. Extremely low concentrations (nanograms/liter) of some are suspected to cause health issues. The vast majority of PFAS have not been evaluated for toxicity, but numerous investigations are underway.
This combination of chemical inertness, ubiquitous presence in the environment, and suspected toxicity at low concentrations have earned PFAS the title of the most consequential water contamination issue in our lifetime.
Peter Cartwright entered the water purification and wastewater treatment industry in 1974 and has had his own consulting engineering firm since 1980. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and is a registered Professional Engineer in that state. Peter has provided consulting services to several hundred clients globally. He has authored over 300 articles, contributed to books, presented at 300+ conference lectures globally, and is the recipient of several patents. He serves the industry as an extensive expert witness, technology educator, and member of many editorial advisory boards and technical review committees. As Technical Consultant for the Canadian Water Quality Association from 2007 until 2018 and the 2016 McEllhiney Distinguished Lecturer for the National Ground Water Research and Educational Foundation, he presented over 35 lectures globally on groundwater contaminant mitigation. Peter is a recipient of the Award of Merit, Lifetime Member Award and Hall of Fame Award from the Water Quality Association and received the 2022 Frank Tiller Award from the American Filtration & Separations Society. Reach him at www. cartwright-consulting.com or peterscartwright@gmail.com
Although PFAS have been in use for many years, concerns about their environmental and health impacts are relatively new, and these water contaminants have only recently attracted the attention of the public.
We currently know very little about PFAS behavior in the environment, their specific health effects, and removal and destruction technologies.
Sources
Environmental sources of PFAS include landfill leachate, biosolids, AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) subsurface plumes, wastewater plant discharge, stormwater runoff, and the air we breathe. The two most commonly encountered compounds are PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid). These compounds are most commonly associated with the manufacturing of Teflon™ and Scotchgard™ products, respectively; however, they have also been used in coatings for paper, cardboard, and leather products, as surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, coatings, and in many other applications.
Examples of common products which have contain PFAS include:
• Cosmetics • Menstrual products
• Electronics • Upholstery
• Nail polish • Toilet paper
• Dental floss • Fast-food wrappers
• Carpeting • Artificial turf
• Fertilizer • Paper drinking straws
Although most U.S. manufacturers are no longer producing PFAS compounds (or plan to phase them out shortly), these compounds are still ubiquitous in the country and are being imported into numerous products.
Chemistry
The molecular structures of PFOA and PFOS are illustrated in Figure 1. From that Figure, note that PFOA has a carboxylic acid “head,” while PFOS has a sulfonic “head.” They are both surfactants and are very water-soluble. The huge number of PFAS compounds encompasses a diverse range of molecular weights and physicochemical properties.
Health Issues
The fact that PFAS can enter the human body via eating, drinking, and breathing contributes to their detrimental health effects. It is estimated that virtually all of us have PFAS in our bodies. They accumulate primarily in the kidney and liver. These compounds are associated with a myriad of health issues, including many cancers, liver, thyroid, and reproductive disorders, pregnancy issues, tooth decay, and the list goes on and on.
p Figure 1.
In general, acute health effects of toxic chemicals such as arsenic are much more rapidly identified than the chronic (longterm) effects of chemicals such as PFAS that may bioaccumulate in low doses over many years. The data acquisition and analysis required to determine a risk level necessitate careful, meticulous, and deliberate scientific methods.
• A 2022 study from Harvard Medical School and Sichuan University in China estimated exposure to PFOS may have played a role in the deaths of more than 6 million people in the U.S. between 1999 and 2018. (doi/org/10.1289/EHP10393).
• A May 2024 issue of the International Journal of the Hygiene and Environmental Health describes a Dartmouth study that documents how PFAS can cause the production of breast milk in new mothers to slow or stop altogether within six months of birth (https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ijheh.2024.114359).
• There is evidence that some PFAS can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier and enter the brain.
• A recent Yale University study shows evidence that exposure to high levels of PFOA and PFAS may increase the growth of colorectal cancer.
• The National Academies of Sciences publication, Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up (2022) (nap.nationalacademies.org/26156) provides a comprehensive summary of the potential health effects of PFAS. Yet, we know so very little to date. This same
publication indicates that the half-life (the time it takes for the blood plasma concentration to decrease by 50%) of the PFAS studied ranges from two to eight years in humans.
• Since children drink more water, eat more food and breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, their PFAS exposure is of greater concern. Children are also more likely to be exposed to these chemicals in carpeting, toys, dirt and dust.
as 0.000001 mg/L (milligrams per liter). A part per trillion is equivalent to one second in about 32,000 years. EPA Health Advisories are just that – advisories and are not enforceable.
Regulatory
On April 10, 2024, the EPA issued a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for six PFAS, listed in the Figure 2.
Mixtures of two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, GenX and PFBS (Hazard Index) 1.0 (unitless) 1.0 (unitless)
p Figure 2.
• A recent study of 17 of the more widely used PFAS revealed that 15 compounds showed substantial dermal absorption through the skin into the bloodstream of humans. This suggests that, in addition to the routes of ingestion and inhalation, PFAS can also be absorbed through the skin (https:// www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/ new-study-confirms-forever-chemicalsare-absorbed-through-human-skin). The intense research addressing the health effects of PFAS will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of additional concerns.
• In June 2022, the EPA issued a Health Advisory Level for PFOA and PFOS (based on “a robust assessment of the best available science at that time”) of 0.004 ppt for PFOA and 0.02 ppt for PFOS. We lack the ability to analytically measure these tiny concentrations at this time. The measurement “ppt” refers to parts per trillion or nanograms per liter and is mathematically expressed
Both MCLs and MCLGs are expressed in parts per trillion (ppt), which is the same as nanograms per liter (ng/L). The EPA defines MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal) as the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable. They are just that – goals.
The EPA defines an MCL as the highest level of contaminant that is allowed in drinking water supplies. MCLs are set as close to MCLG levels as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards. These standards require all public water systems to produce water containing no more than these levels of these contaminants. The public systems must also continuously monitor and inform the public about these levels in their drinking water.
The table includes a statement regarding mixtures of two or more of four PFAS and identifies these as a Hazard Index.
We have almost no knowledge of the interactions between PFAS and other chemicals in water. Considering this and the fact that PFAS are ubiquitous adds credence to the intense concerns about these contaminants and their prominent place in the media spotlight.
This is not based on concentrations but rather on the ratios of each PFAS relative to its Health-Based Water Concentration. This approach is commonly used for Superfund treatment applications.
Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS, which must be completed by 2027, and provide the results to the public. By 2029, all U.S. public water systems must produce drinking water that meets the listed levels.
The EPA estimates that the cost to affected drinking water treatment plants for testing, installation, and operation of treatment technologies will be $1.5 billion per year; the American Water Works Association (AWWA) states that the figure will be at least twice that.
On the health side, the EPA estimates that this regulation will save $1.5 billion/ year in health-related costs because fewer people will get cancer, heart attacks and strokes from PFAS in their drinking water.
Not surprisingly, lawsuits have started to appear. Water utilities and chemical companies are targeting the science, cost analysis, and rulemaking process of the EPA. These entities claim that the rule is arbitrary and capricious and based on unsound data.
The U.S. EPA has also designated PFOA and PFOS as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This designation provides the agency greater authority under the 1980 Superfund Law to investigate and to force polluters to clean up contaminated sites. The EPA has stated that it plans to focus its efforts on companies that manufacture or use PFAS in products, rather than on publicly owned water systems, airports, landfills, or fire departments. The agency has identified over 180 Superfund sites with PFAS contamination.
With such a large number of different PFAS in the environment, it is obvious that this initial set of regulations is only the tip of the iceberg. We have almost no knowledge of the interactions between PFAS and other chemicals in water. Considering this and the fact that PFAS are ubiquitous adds credence to the intense concerns about these contaminants and their prominent place in the media spotlight. So, what can be done?
Eliminate PFAS Introduction
The obvious elimination of manufactured products containing PFAS will ultimately reduce exposure to these compounds; however, given the extensive use of these products by everyone and the erratic pace of voluntary replacements of PFAS in these products, this will likely take many years. Additionally, traces of PFAS are found in soils, oceans, water aquifers, and the air - virtually everywhere. We are in constant contact with them.
In most cases, the industry is trying to replace those products under scrutiny with PFAS-free components. This effort will take time and the replacement solutions are often more expensive. One such example is the development of a PFAS-free aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a significant source of contamination. The U.S. Department of Defense has spent 10 years developing this product. However, due to the roadblocks of cost (over 20% more expensive), equipment changes, training, and other challenges, officials at the Pentagon are expected to request a two-year extension for implementation, according to a July 16, 2024 post on www.military.com. Additionally, there are some products (semiconductors and certain medical devices) for which alternatives may not be available. Whereas it is possible to minimize the introduction of PFAS into the environment, it may not be possible to eliminate them completely.
Removal
Removal of all PFAS contamination from oceans, soil and air will be extremely difficult, if not impossible; however, remediation of drinking water supplies is feasible and the focus of significant activity at this time.
The regulatory activities mentioned are directed at cleaning up drinking water supplies and we will address the technologies to accomplish this effort.
Treatment of Drinking Water Supplies
The technologies most appropriate for PFAS removal from normal water supplies, both municipal and private wells, are:
1) Granular activated carbon (GAC)
2) Anion exchange resins (IX)
3) Reverse osmosis (RO)
4) Foam Fractionation
In my opinion, GAC will likely be the initial technology of choice for municipalities to meet the new MCL requirements to remove all PFAS from water. GAC technology has a long history of successful use in municipal water treatment applications for removal of various organic contaminants; it is readily available and relatively inexpensive. On the other hand, the raw material source of the activated carbon affects its PFAS adsorption capability, and GAC appears to have limited sorption potential for short-chain PFAS. There is a lack of agreement on the definition of “short-chain;” however, it commonly appears to refer to a carbon skeleton of fewer than 7 carbon atoms. Of course, the technology selection will need to meet several variables, including the specific PFAS and other factors. Piloting these efforts will certainly be required.
1) Activated carbon is typically made from carbonaceous sources (often waste material) such as coconut husks, coal, lignite, peat, wood and petroleum materials. It is physically activated by heating in an inert atmosphere followed by oxidation in the presence of steam or oxygen. This process produces a material with very high porosity and high surface area. One gram of activated carbon has an estimated surface area of over 32,000 ft². Activated carbon removes contaminants from water by a process
called adsorption, the attachment of the chemical to the surface of the carbon through Van der Waals forces, often inside its pores. Activated carbon is available in several forms: granular, powdered, colloidal, block, extruded. GAC made from bituminous coal appears to be most effective for PFAS adsorption.
2) Ion-exchange (IX) resins are small plastic beads engineered to remove ionic contaminants utilizing an adsorption mechanism similar to that of activated carbon. Anion IX resins are effective in removing most PFAS and are claimed to remove them more rapidly than GAC (faster kinetics).
A recent development involves stripping the adsorbed PFAS off the resins with a specialized solvent-brine solution and recovery of the solvent by distillation (cen.acs.org/environment/persistentpollutants/Getting-PFAS-drinking-water/ 102i20). The “still bottoms” contain PFAS concentrated by a factor as high as 50,000 to facilitate destruction. Since the solvent is currently methanol, the process does not comply with NSF/ ANSI 61 and cannot be used for drinking water applications.
3) Reverse osmosis is a crossflow, pressure-driven membrane separation process, utilizing a semipermeable membrane which is designed to reject ionic contaminants and organic compounds with molecular weights above roughly 150 Daltons. This technology produces two streams: one which passes through the membrane and is purified (permeate), and one that passes across the membrane surface and carries away the contaminants (concentrate). Because the contaminants are continuously removed, this is a continuous process, although the membrane will eventually become fouled and require cleaning or replacement. Reverse osmosis is considered effective for removal of all PFAS.
4) Nanofiltration is another membrane separation technology, very similar to reverse osmosis, but capable of rejecting organic compounds with molecular weights no less than about 300 Daltons.
5) Foam fractionation involves introducing air bubbles into water which rise
to the surface carrying PFAS with them. Many PFAS are surfactants with hydrophilic “heads” and hydrophobic “tails.” This characteristic causes them to preferentially accumulate at the air-water interface of the bubbles, and this concentrated surface layer (up to 10,000 times) can then be removed and further treated. Using ozone instead of air has been studied and appears to offer cost savings by producing significantly less foam volume (doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121300).
Whereas no technology will remove 100% of any contaminant, comprehensive testing of the above technologies has exhibited over 99% PFAS removal. Several of these technologies show promise to concentrate PFAS to improve the operation of the destruction technologies described below.
Treatment of Groundwater Plumes
In applications where PFAS has contaminated a groundwater (aquifer) supply, the following techniques can be employed:
1) Pump and Treat
2) Colloidal Activated Carbon (CAC)
Pump and Treat involves pumping contaminated water out of the aquifer, treating it with one of the above technologies, and then returning it to the aquifer. This process has been used for over 40 years for groundwater remediation, primarily for chlorinated contamination removal. A downside of this process is that some contaminants, especially PFOA and PFOS, adhere to soil solids and resist removal during the pumping process.
Colloidal Activated Carbon consists of finely ground carbon particles (<2μ size). These are injected into the contaminated aquifer and adsorb PFAS in situ. The
Figure 3.
particles of activated carbon are sorbed onto the soil solids and remain there indefinitely. As the treated water remains in the aquifer, no waste management is required, and human exposure to PFAS is not required. Additional CAC can be reinjected as necessary, and it is reported that total cost of this approach is less than 1/3 of the pump and treat process.
PFAS Destruction
It is essential to note that none of the above technologies will break down PFAS into its basic chemical components (e.g., carbon dioxide, fluoride ions, and water); however, intensive research is underway to develop destructive (mineralization) technologies. The challenge is that the carbon-fluorine chemical bond is extremely strong, likely the strongest known (in the range of 485kJ/mol).
Fortunately, humans are very innovative. This challenge is manifesting results in the plethora of new technologies under development and in various phases of commercialization.
Most PFAS are either carboxylic or sulfonic acid-based surfactant species with fluoroalkyl chains of varying lengths. This significant variation translates into challenges regarding the efficacy of specific destruction technologies. Some compounds may not be completely mineralized and just produce shorter chain length PFAS.
The key to complete destruction is to harness and control the necessary energy to accomplish this.
Rather than detailing specific manufacturers, I have chosen to attempt to list the particular technology categories being investigated.
Calgon Carbon Corporation
These are:
• Thermal
• Supercritical water oxidation (SWCO)
• Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT)
• Electrochemical Oxidation
• Photocatalysis
• Plasma
• Sonolysis
• Bioremediation
Thermal Incineration is an energy-intensive process and gaseous toxic compounds can be released into the environment; however, it appears that at temperatures above 1000°C, mineralization of PFAS is possible. In the September 13, 2022 issue of Remediation (doi.org/10.1002/rem.21735), a research article, titled “Thermal destruction of PFAS during full-scale reactivation of PFAS-laden granular activated carbon,” details the utilization of a multi-hearth furnace followed by a thermal oxidizer, spray quench cooler, dry injection scrubber, and baghouse to regenerate granular activated carbon, which has been used to adsorb PFAS from water supplies. The overall destruction efficiency of the targeted compounds (PFOA, PFOS, GenX and PFBS) exceeded 99.99%.
An illustration of two of the heating systems used in the reactivation process in Figure 3. Pyrolysis, the destruction of organic matter by heating in the absence of oxygen, has been investigated for PFAS mineralization; however, it appears to be more applicable for contaminated soil treatment.
Supercritical Water Oxidation (SWCO)
A supercritical fluid is a substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point. For water, this point is 374°C and 3200 psig respectively. Above this critical point, water is neither a liquid nor a gas, but has properties of both: salts become insoluble and oxygen extremely soluble.
To break down PFAS, an oxidant (air, oxygen, hydrogen peroxide) is added and the resulting hydrofluoric acid is typically neutralized with sodium hydroxide.
Exposure of organic compounds to ultraviolet (UV) radiation wavelengths below 320 nm can result in photolysis, the photodissociation of polymer chains, theoretically breaking the compound down into its basic components.
A 2022 study, under the direction of the EPA Office of Research & Development, evaluated the efficacy of this technology to destroy PFOA and PFOS in dilute aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Three providers of SWCO systems were tested. All systems showed a greater than 99% reduction of these compounds (doi. org/10.1061(ASCE)EE.19437870.0001957).
Although this technology has high energy requirements, it appears to destroy PFAS, regardless of chain length, and the reaction time is quite fast. A chart illustrating the chemistry is ilustrated in Figure 4.
Hydrothermal Alkaline Treatment (HALT)
Somewhat related to SWCO, this technology utilizes a high pH (~14) and pressure (~3600 psi) at a temperature of about 350°C to effect PFAS destruction. Under these conditions, the water is considered in a “subcritical” (liquid) state. Some testing performed has indicated that faster reaction times can be achieved by adding a powdered heavy metal, such as iron. A comprehensive explanation of the technology can be found on www. sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/ pii/S0045653522041741.
Figure 4.
Electrochemical Oxidation
The EPA defines this technology as “… a water treatment technology that uses electrical currents passed through a solution to oxidize pollutants” (www.epa. gov/research/potential PFAS destruction technology:electrochemical oxidation). It utilizes an anode and cathode with direct current power. The advantages are low energy costs, ambient temperature operation, and no chemical addition. Disadvantages include the potential for incomplete destruction, anode fouling, electrode cost and potential PFAS volatilization issues.
The electrode material of choice appears to be a boron-doped diamond (BDD), with excellent mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability and high electron transfer properties. The exact mechanism of PFAS destruction is not entirely understood, and long-chain compounds are more rapidly broken down, apparently the result of their greater hydrophobicity. ACS EST Water 2023 (doi.org/10.1021/ acsestwater.2c00660). Electrochemical oxidation is illustrated in Figure 5.
Photochemical Oxidation/Photocatalysis
Supercritical Water Oxidation
Exposure of organic compounds to ultraviolet (UV) radiation wavelengths below 320 nm can result in photolysis, the photodissociation of polymer chains, theoretically breaking the compound down into its basic components. The two most commonly tested UV wavelengths are 185 nm and 254 nm, and destruction results from the generation of photons. Competitive organic contaminants such as NOM (natural organic matter), as well as environmental conditions (temperature, pH, etc.), limit the photolysis of PFAS. The addition of oxidants (ozone, hydrogen peroxide, EPA
Electrochemical Oxidation
persulfate, sulfite) has shown improvement in the decomposition rate in laboratory studies. The destruction mechanism is the formation of active radicals by UV radiation.
Titanium dioxide nanotubes and composites have shown promise in laboratory testing. These catalysts apparently produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and other photochemically generated reactive intermediates to more effectively defluorinate PFAS. (doi.org/10.1016/j.nxmate.2023.100077).
Hybrid processes, combining electrochemical oxidation with photocatalysis, for example, have been studied in the laboratory. One such study is described in a May 2024 issue of Nature Water, “NearComplete Destruction of PFAS in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) by Integrated Photo-Electrochemical Processes (doi. org/10.1038/s44221-024-00232-7).
A November 2023 ESTCP (U.S. Department of Defense Environmental Security Technology Certification Pro-
gram), project ER21-7569 report titled “Photoactivated Reductive Defluorination PFAS Destruction,” details a new technology. The addition of a chemical produces a surfactant micelle cage that apparently encloses PFAS. Another chemical addition is stimulated by UV radiation to break down PFAS. This technology is depicted in the following illustration in Figure 6.
Plasma Technology
A plasma is an electrically charged gas. The preferred design for PFAS destruction, Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP), can be generated using electrodes in several ways: spark discharge, glow discharge, dielectric barrier discharge, and gliding arc discharge. This discharge energy produces electrons that react with air or a specific gas such as helium, neon, argon, oxygen, or nitrogen in the water to generate reactive species, including •OH radicals, atomic oxygen, singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and solvated electrons. Ultraviolet radiation, shockwaves
and localized high temperatures are also produced in situ. Argon has been reported as the gas most appropriate for the treatment of PFAS (www.enviro.wiki/ index.php?title=PFAS). PFAS molecules adsorbed onto the bubble interface are impacted by the reactive species. The advantages of this technology are short treatment time, minimal interference by co-contaminants and more complete PFAS destruction. On the other hand, this process makes the treated water acidic, although the exact destruction process is not fully understood (doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph192416397). Plasma technology is illustrated in Figure 7.
Sonolysis
Acoustic cavitation involves the generation and implosion of vapor bubbles. Ultrasonic irradiation creates pressure waves that generate localized areas of low and high pressure, forming vapor bubbles that continue to grow and, ultimately, collapse, causing instantaneous high temperatures (4000–10,000 K) and pressures (580,000–870,000 psi). This results in the pyrolysis of water, producing hydroxyl radicals and atomic hydrogen and oxygen at the cavity-bulk interfaces. Testing has revealed that PFAS can be broken down into carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and fluoride ion (10.1016/j. ceja.2022.100421). This is illustrated in Figure 8.
Plasma Discharge
Photoactivated Reductive Defluorination
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Sonolysis
A recent study of municipal wastewater microorganisms found that two bacterial species can cleave the bonds between carbon and chlorine atoms, which destabilizes the molecule. The reactive oxygen and hydrogen atoms replacing the chlorine atoms contribute to the cleavage of the carbon-fluorine bonds.
Bioremediation
There are very few naturally occurring organic chemicals containing fluoride, and none has more than one fluorine atom in the molecule. Additionally, the fluoride anion is known to cause toxic effects at low concentrations. Therefore, there are almost no known microorganisms capable of consuming these chemicals. As a result, investigations into the destruction of microorganisms by PFAS are very limited.
A recent study of municipal wastewater microorganisms found that two bacterial species can cleave the bonds between carbon and chlorine atoms, which destabilizes the molecule. The reactive oxygen and hydrogen atoms replacing the chlorine atoms contribute to the cleavage of the carbon-fluorine bonds. This approach only works on those PFAS that also contain chlorine (www.newscientist. com/article/2373513).
Another study evaluated the defluorination of carboxylic acid-based PFAS and determined that it is possible to destroy certain PFAS by the combination of anaerobic and aerobic treatments (pubs. acs.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c05509).
Yet another study has shown that material fabricated from renewable lignocellulosic sources adsorbs PFAS and promotes bacterial and fungal growth to degrade these compounds. This technology utilizes low-cost sustainable
materials; however, long reaction times (30 – 45 hours) are required and incomplete mineralization may result (https:// doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31881-5).
Others
Several other technologies referenced in the literature appear to be still in the very early stages of laboratory investigation. Some investigators claim PFAS destruction but withhold the specific scientific process(es) employed. This lack of detail makes it difficult to place a particular technology in a specific category.
One provider offers “nanoporous” and “piezoelectric” catalysts, which, under turbulent conditions, generate “highly reactive, oxidative and reductive radicals” that break chemical bonds. Specific technical details are considered proprietary.
Thermomechanochemical treatment refers to a milling technology that utilizes stainless steel balls to crush soils and other solids containing PFAS. The collisions of the balls create high temperatures and the addition of an alkaline reagent promotes PFAS destruction. EPA/ORD has filed a patent application.
There are numerous hybrid treatment technologies under development, combining more than one of the above categories in an attempt to optimize performance.
The categories listed herein are as inclusive as possible, and as developments
continue, more will undoubtedly appear. The key to complete defluorination is to produce sufficient energy to break the carbon-fluorine chemical bond.
The factors that influence performance are many and varied and include: particular PFAS chemistry (short-chain PFAS, containing less than six carbon atoms, are generally more difficult to break down), water volume to be treated, chemical makeup, pH, temperature, interference from co-contaminants, quality requirement of treated water, economic considerations, etc. (doi:10.1111/ gwmr.12657).
Determinations
The world is entering a whole new era of drinking water contaminant identification and measurement. Analytical chemists can now measure contaminants in the nanogram per liter (ppt) range, which is at least 1000 times smaller than most all previous measurement capabilities.
There is every reason to believe that soon it will be possible to routinely measure concentrations in the part per quadrillion (ppq) or Picogram per liter range. This is 1000 times smaller yet and equivalent to 1 second in 32 million years!
As the bulk of the estimated 85,000 chemicals in our drinking water are presumed to be in tiny concentrations, this capability will undoubtedly allow us to identify new contaminants we are not now aware of, and the bottom line is that a “Pandora’s Box” of water-borne contamination issues will be opened.
Do these tiny concentrations of hereto-fore unknown chemicals represent a health hazard? We have no idea, yet. On the other hand, it’s hard to believe that consuming all these chemicals is good for you!
The good news is that every time we identify new contamination issues, humans soon find a solution to make our drinking water more safe.
More viable solutions certainly will come forward for PFAS removal from our water sources as research and development continue.
This information is as of August, 2024.
PFAS Removal from Drinking Water Strategies Using PAC, GAC,
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of man-made chemicals characterized by the presence of strong carbonfluorine bonds. These compounds have been widely utilized since the 1940s in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, food packaging, and especially firefighting foams (Rahman et al., 2014). Their chemical stability and resistance to degradation have led to their accumulation in water, soil, wildlife, and even the human body.
PFAS contamination in drinking water has become a global concern and a dominant topic of discussion across the media, policy and public health sphere. Due to their high mobility and persistence in the environment, PFAS are often detected in both surface and groundwater sources. As traditional water treatment processes – like coagulation, flocculation, and chlorination – are ineffective at removing PFAS, utilities and researchers have turned to more advanced technologies. Among the most prominent solutions are powdered activated carbon (PAC), granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange (IX) resins, and reverse osmosis (RO).
Ion Exchange Resins, and Reverse Osmosis
By Miles Menyhert
A growing body of scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to significant human health risks, including endocrine disruption, decreased fertility, immune suppression, developmental delays in children, liver damage, and increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers (EPA, 2024). These findings have led to increased scrutiny and regulatory action. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed stringent national drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion (ppt), a threshold lower than ever previously enforced (EPA, 2024). On March 14th of 2025, this regulation was narrowed to only include PFOS and PFOA by rescinding the maximum contamination limits and hazard index for the other four PFAS compounds (PFHxS, PFBS, PFNA, GenX).
The push for ultra-low detection and removal targets has intensified the need for effective and scalable treatment technologies. The following sections explore how PAC, GAC, IX, and RO compare in their ability to address PFAS contamination under real-world conditions.
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
PAC is a fine carbon powder that can be dosed into water treatment systems to adsorb a wide range of organic contaminants. It is particularly effective for the removal of long-chain PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, which are more hydrophobic and tend to adsorb readily to carbon surfaces. In municipal water treatment, PAC is typically added to the water during mixing and allowed to settle out with other solids before the clarified water proceeds through filtration.
PAC offers operational flexibility and low capital costs, making it a practical choice for emergency or temporary treatment scenarios. It can be introduced quickly into existing plants with minimal infrastructure changes. However, its effectiveness is diminished for short-chain carboxylic acid PFAS such as PFBA, which are less likely to adsorb due to their higher solubility and lower hydrophobicity.
To achieve meaningful PFAS reductions, PAC doses must often be much higher than those used for taste and odor control. Additionally, competition from natural organic matter (NOM) and other background organics can reduce the effectiveness of PAC, as these compounds compete for adsorption sites. Disposal of spent PAC, which contains concentrated
p AC and IEX is the best solution for taking care of PFAS. Jacobi Group
p PFAS is a group of over 4,700 substances. This means that the contamination looks different in different places. Jacobi has both the knowledge and the equipment to take care of the various contaminants in the best possible way.
Jacobi Group
p Ion exchange resins are synthetic polymers designed to remove charged species from water. Jacobi Group
PFAS, poses additional handling and environmental concerns (Crone et al., 2019).
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
GAC is structurally similar to PAC but consists of larger granules and is used in fixed-bed adsorption systems. Water is passed through GAC filters, allowing PFAS compounds to adsorb onto the carbon surfaces over time. GAC is one of the most widely used technologies for PFAS removal and has been deployed in hundreds of municipal water systems across the United States.
GAC effectively removes long-chain PFAS compounds with empty bed contact times (EBCTs) of at least 10 minutes, though optimal performance may require longer contact times (20 minutes or more) and multiple beds in series. Over time, as adsorption sites become saturated, the media must be replaced or reactivated. Breakthrough monitoring is essential to prevent PFAS from re-entering the treated water supply.
Although GAC performs well for PFOA and PFOS, its performance for short-chain PFAS and new-generation substitutes like GenX is more limited. These smaller compounds tend to break through sooner due to their lower affinity for carbon. The effectiveness of GAC also depends on bed depth, flow rate, water temperature, and the presence of co-contaminants such as natural organic matter (NOM), which can clog pores and reduce adsorption capacity.
Nonetheless, GAC remains a trusted workhorse for PFAS treatment. It is relatively simple to operate, offers a moderate cost profile, and can be integrated into existing filtration systems. Some systems even employ GAC as a pre-treatment stage before IX or RO to extend the life of those more expensive technologies.
Ion Exchange Resins (IX)
Ion exchange resins are synthetic polymers designed to remove charged species from water. In the case of PFAS, strong base anion (SBA) resins are used, which can selectively remove PFAS molecules by exchanging them for benign anions such as chloride. These resins are engineered with functional groups and pore struc-
tures that offer high affinity and selectivity for PFAS.
One of the key advantages of IX is its superior performance with short-chain PFAS and emerging replacement chemicals. Ion exchange resins also have fast kinetics, meaning PFAS is removed more quickly, thereby requiring less empty bed contact time.
However, IX systems are not without challenges. Their performance can be impacted by competing anions such as sulfate, nitrate, chloride, bicarbonate, and natural organics, which can interfere with PFAS binding. Additionally, once exhausted, resins require disposal as currently, regeneration is not widely used due to the chemical dosing requirements. IX technology is particularly effective when used in conjunction with other technologies in a treatment train approach.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a pressure-driven membrane separation process capable of rejecting molecules as small as individual ions. RO membranes act as physical barriers that exclude PFAS compounds based on size and charge. Removal rates typically exceed 90% for both long-chain and short-chain PFAS, including challenging compounds for adsorbents like GenX and PFBS (EPA 2025).
Despite its effectiveness, RO has several limitations. It requires significant energy to maintain the high pressures necessary for operation. Membrane fouling from particulates or scaling from minerals can reduce performance and increase maintenance costs. Pretreatment steps, such as microfiltration or antiscalant dosing, are often needed to protect the membranes.
Another major challenge is the management of the brine waste, which contains a concentrated solution of PFAS and other contaminants. Disposal options include deep-well injection or treatment with destructive technologies, but these can be costly and logistically complex.
Nevertheless, RO remains the gold standard for high-purity water production and is increasingly being used as part of multi-barrier systems in municipal water treatment.
Integrated and Hybrid Approaches
Because no single technology perfectly addresses all PFAS species or operational constraints, utilities are increasingly turning to integrated treatment systems. These systems combine multiple processes to enhance overall performance and resilience.
For example, GAC is often used as a polishing step after IX or RO to remove residual PFAS or reduce organics prior to these systems that might interfere with resin or membrane performance. Hybrid approaches also allow utilities to balance cost, performance, and operational simplicity. While RO offers strong consistent removal across all chain lengths, its high costs and brine management needs may be offset by upstream treatment with GAC or IX. Similarly, using PAC as a pretreatment step can reduce the PFAS burden before reaching more sensitive or expensive technologies.
Operational Considerations
When designing a PFAS treatment system, several factors must be considered: influent PFAS concentration and speciation, target effluent levels, volume of water to be treated, and site-specific conditions such as source water quality and space constraints. Monitoring is essential for all PFAS treatment systems. Breakthrough curves for GAC and IX columns must be tracked to determine when media replacement is necessary.
For RO, membrane performance must be routinely evaluated for integrity and fouling. Cost is also a major consideration. While PAC is inexpensive on a per-dose basis, its ongoing operational demands may exceed those of GAC or IX over time and therefore PAC is recommended as a spot fix. RO has the highest capital and energy costs but offers unmatched removal capabilities in terms of consistency and broad PFAS removal.
Future Perspectives and Innovations
The future of PFAS treatment lies not only in separation but also in destruction. Technologies such as electrochemical oxidation, supercritical water oxidation, photocatalysis, and plasma treatment
are being actively researched for their ability to break the carbon-fluorine bond and eliminate PFAS entirely. While these technologies show promise in lab settings, scalability and cost remain barriers to full implementation.
Material science also holds promise. New adsorbents based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), graphene oxide, or functionalized biochar are being tested for their PFAS selectivity and regenerative capacity (Rahman et al., 2014). These materials may offer lower cost, better performance, or easier disposal in future treatment systems.
Additionally, as regulatory limits tighten and the list of monitored PFAS expands, utilities will need to invest in adaptive systems that can evolve with changing standards. The development of analytical methods for real-time PFAS detection will also improve the responsiveness and efficiency of treatment operations.
Next Steps
PFAS contamination presents one of the most complex and persistent challenges in modern water treatment, and there is no “one solution fits all.” Technologies such as powdered activated carbon, granular activated carbon, ion exchange resins, and reverse osmosis each offer critical tools in the fight to protect drinking water supplies. While each has its strengths and limitations, their combined use in integrated treatment systems allows for flexible, effective, and scalable solutions.
As scientific understanding of PFAS continues to grow and regulatory pressure increases, innovation in treatment technologies will remain essential. Through continued research, pilot studies, and infrastructure investment, utilities can build resilient systems that ensure the long-term safety of drinking water for communities around the world.
References
Crone, B. C., Speth, T. F., Wahman, D. G., Smith, S. J., Abulikemu, G., Kleiner, E. J., ... & Schaefer, C. E. (2019). Occurrence of PFAS in source water and their treatment in drinking water. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 49(24), 2359–2396. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs /10.1080/10643389.2019.1614848
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2024). PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Rulemaking. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkylsubstances-pfas
Reducing PFAS in Drinking Water with Treatment Technologies | US EPA. (2025, February 26). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/reducing-pfas-drinking-water-treatment-technologies Rahman, M. F., Peldszus, S., & Anderson, W. B. (2014). Behaviour and fate of PFAS in drinking water treatment: A review. Water Research, 50, 318–340. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/abs/pii/S0043135413008518
Miles Menyhert is an Applications Engineer specializing in drinking water treatment with Jacobi Carbons, Inc.
Resins’ high-quality epoxy and polyurethane solutions have solved complex filter manufacturing challenges for decades. Our experts partner with you, leveraging our experience to recommend products or formulate solutions designed for:
Treatment of AFFF IMPACTED WATER
Application of Foam Fractionation Technology for Remediation of AFFF Wastewater
By Dr. Mirka Wilderer
In firefighting scenarios involving flammable liquid fires (i.e., jet fuel or petroleum fires), highly effective suppression methods are required. One such method has been the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), a specialty foam that spreads rapidly and forms a protective film, preventing the release of flammable vapors. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have historically been a key component of AF; their surfactant properties allow the foam to spread quickly, and the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond ensures stability in extreme heat. AFFF has been in use since the 1960s to put out fires at military and civilian airports (see Figure 1), refineries and chemical plants, fire departments, and harbors and marinas.
Public health concerns have led to a gradual phase-out of AFFF in favor of fluorine-free foam (FFF), which does not contain PFAS.2 Despite their phaseout, thousands of sites across the United States continue to face groundwater contamination issues associated with historic AFFF use.3 Furthermore, millions of gallons of AFFF are stored in firefighting trucks, hangars, and suppression systems across thousands of locations. As AFFF is replaced, storage sites are rinsed and AFFF-rich wastewater is produced in the process. The designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA in April 2024 provides the legal framework required to kick-start the cleanup and treatment of impacted rinse water at these sites.
The Need for Innovative Treatment
The complexity of AFFF-impacted waste streams often creates challenges for traditional PFAS treatment technologies. Depending on the source (i.e., impacted
tions, the lifetimes of granular activated carbon (GAC) and anion exchange (IX) resins decrease, thereby increasing the total operating cost of a remedial system. Furthermore, the presence of other nonPFAS surfactants and organic chemicals in AFFF-impacted waters may affect the effectiveness of adsorption and ionic exchange mechanisms.
groundwater vs. AF rinse water), concentrations of PFAS can be in the parts per billion or parts per million range, whereas typical municipal drinking water applications tend to be in the lower parts per trillion range. At these higher concentra-
Due to these challenges, alternatives to GAC and IX are being explored. One such alternative is AqueoUS Vets’ FoamPro™ foam fractionation system. The patented FoamPro™ system creates micro-bubbles that facilitate the removal of PFAS by pressurizing the treatment reactor with a vacuum pump. Vacuum pressure also creates flow within the reactor, eliminating
p Figure 1: NAS Key West firefighters applying AFFF foam around an old Skywarrior military plane during a training class1
p Figure 2: PFAS removal by FoamProTM with a co-foamer in batch mode for federally regulated compounds. Note that PFNA concentrations were removed below the detection limits of liquid chromatographymass spectroscopy equipment.
p Figure 3: PFAS removal by FoamPro™ with no-cofoamer in flow-through configuration for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS. All effluent levels were below the detection limits of liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy equipment.
The complexity of AFFF-impacted waste streams often creates challenges for traditional PFAS treatment technologies.
the need for mechanical pumping during conventional foam fractionation. Furthermore, the vacuum pressure facilitates one-step PFAS removal and foam dewatering, simplifying the overall treatment process compared to conventional foam fractionation.
Treatment Results
The FoamPro system was tested at the US EPA's Test and Evaluation Facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, on AFFFimpacted water. The treatment results for contaminants regulated by the US EPA’s maximum contaminant levels are shown in Figure 2. In this test, a co-foamer was used to enhance the adsorption capacity of short-chain PFAS, consistent with previous reports on conventional foam fractionation technology.4 The results in Figure 3 show the removal of PFAS compounds to nearly 100%. Depending on the treatment goals for a given application, retention time and the number of phases can be adjusted to achieve even the most stringent effluent limits. Figure 2 shows treatment of PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS to non-detect levels from initial
References
1. Photograph: State Archives of Florida/ McDonald.
2. United States Government Accountability Office. “Firefighting Foam: DOD Is Working to Address Challenges to Transitioning to PFAS-Free Alternatives.” GAO24-107322, July 2024.
3. Salvatore, Derrick, et al. “Presump -
concentrations in the part per trillion levels. These results indicate that the FoamPro™ system is a highly flexible solution amendable to a variety of different effluent types and deployment scenarios.
Benefits & Applications
Due to the capital and operating cost advantages this technology offers over conventional foam fractionation and media filtration technologies, FoamPro can play a significant role in treating traditionally challenging PFAS waste streams. With a small footprint – the size of a standard 275-gallon tote in which liquid wastes are typically stored – rapid portability, and low power requirements, this system is well suited to on-site and mobile treatment in emergency applications. The FoamPro™ can reduce waste volumes by 100-10,000 times and, in combination with one of the many available destruction technologies on the market, facilitates the cost-effective destruction of PFAS-laden waste.
Dr. Mirka Wilderer is recognized as one of the leading female executives in the water industry with deep experience in corporate strategies, business transformation, and cross-functional leadership in global organizations. Mirka is a seasoned executive with two decades of experience in the water industry. Prior to Aqueous Vets, Mirka was the CEO of De Nora Water Technologies. Mirka started her career at Siemens AG as strategy consultant and held management positions in Germany, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the United States and South Africa.
tive contamination: a new approach to PFAS contamination based on likely sources.” Environmental Science & Technology Letters 9.11 (2022): 983-990.
4. Buckley, Thomas, et al. “Effect of different co-foaming agents on PFAS removal from the environment by foam fractionation.” Water Research 230 (2023): 119532.
the Topics and Technologies that will Shape the Future of Filtration and Separation.
at www.filtnews.com/
Clarity from Complexity How Proper Filtration Elevates Citrus Oil Processing
By Karol Hinz and Christian Kern
Citrus oil has always carried an air of purity. From the bright burst of orange in a soda to the crisp lemon note in a skincare serum, it promises freshness and simplicity. But behind that promise lies a complex reality – one that producers know all too well.
It isn’t just juice. It is essential oils extracted from the peel, packed with aromatics, acids, colorants, and some times things you really don’t want, like waxes, flavonoids and water. And while demand for these oils is booming across food, cosmetics, pharma and household cleaners, so too is the pressure to get the filtration process exactly right.
Today’s consumers want clarity and consistency. They also want purity. They’re scanning labels, looking for clean formulations. And that is driving a fundamental shift in filtration – one that’s not just about removing what shouldn’t be there, but preserving what should.
So how are smart processors rising to the occasion?
The Unfiltered Truth
Citrus oils are mechanically expressed from the peel – the flavedo – where essential oil is locked inside tiny glands. That pressing releases not just oil but everything else the peel offers: waxes, water, colorants, and pulp solids. It’s all about balancing aroma retention with
the removal of bitter components to achieve a premium oil. Of course, filtering the good from the bad is no small feat.
Turbidity
Turbidity is the first and often most underestimated challenge. More than cloudiness, it is a complex cocktail of suspended solids, microscopic pulp fragments, emulsified moisture and trace particulates left over from the extraction process. These heavier particles can settle out over time, forming sediments at the bottom of containers. Phase separation alone can ruin the visual appeal of a product, but more than that, these residual solids can chemically degrade, introducing off-notes, changing color or affecting the oil’s oxidative stability.
Filtration of Turbidity
This is where depth filtration earns its keep. Rather than just skimming particles
deep into a three-dimensional inner matrix, capturing them throughout the full thickness of the media through both size exclusion and adsorption. The result is a longer service life, reduced risk of clogging, and a more gradual pressure increase during operation.
There are two main types to think about. Standard depth filter sheets are designed for high retention and consistent flow. These are workhorses –reliable, effective, used for decades. The second type is a low-adsorption filter sheet made from high-purity cellulose with no mineral additives. These are ideal when flavor retention is mission critical as their pore structure filters solids without binding aroma compounds.
An optimal filtration solution allows for strategic pairing of both types based
on particle load and filtration goals. When turbidity is low, depth filter sheets made of high-purity cellulose fibers are generally ideal. For moderate loads, standard filter sheets having integrated filter aids can provide more efficient clarification. And in high-solid scenarios, precoat filtration may be needed, or even a more tailored combination of filter sheets and filter aids that offers added capacity while protecting sensory properties.
Processors often start with filter sheets in a classic, multi-sheet plate-and-frame filter setup. Plates and frames should be stainless steel, gasket-free and modular, making them ideal for applications where acid and terpene content is high (potentially causing plastic gaskets to degrade). Some designs let operators flex the filter area or switch modes to pre-coat, depending on the batch size and solids load.
When tackling turbidity, the best filter sheets offer high dirt-holding capacity, stable flow performance and resistance to clogging. Some processors opt to preclassify or pre-filter their oil to reduce the turbidity load before depth filtration, but even then, fine particulates can slip through.
Pressure management is also key. Apply too much, and you risk forcing emulsified water or soft solids through the media. Run it too slow, and you sacrifice efficiency. The ideal setup balances retention and throughput matched to the oil’s specific turbidity profile.
Turbidity may not sound like a showstopper, but in citrus oil filtration, it’s often the biggest test of process discipline in the pursuit of crisp, bright oil.
Waxes
Waxes are invisible at room temperature, but as things cool down, these compounds begin to crystallize. What was once a clear, golden liquid can now contain floating white particles that impact clarity and shelf appeal.
That’s why dewaxing (winterization) is such a critical early step. The process is simple in theory but demands precision in practice. The oil is cooled, typically down to -20°C (-4°F), and held at that temperature for a controlled duration. This thermal shock triggers wax precipitation, separating the insoluble components from the oil matrix. Therein lies the nuance: how fast you cool it, how long you hold it and how evenly the temperature is maintained all influence the outcome. Cool it too quickly, and you risk uneven crystal formation. Hold it for too short a time, and not all the wax comes out. The goal is a stable, complete phase separation – no haze, no floaters.
Filtration of Waxes
Once the wax is crystallized through winterization, it is suspended in the oil as fine, visible particulates. At this stage, filtration becomes the make-or-break step. Standard filtration media can clog quickly with this load, which is why many pro-
cessors again turn to depth filter sheets with optimized flow dynamics. Some even incorporate pre-coat filtration (adding a thin cake of filter aid atop the media) to increase throughput and prevent premature clogging of the filter surface. And the stakes are higher than just visual appearance. Waxes can affect scent stability and even alter how citrus oils blend into emulsions. Getting dewaxing right means balancing temperature control, residence time and filtration finesse – a trifecta that directly impacts quality, shelf life and customer satisfaction.
Water
Water is citrus fruit’s most deceptive impurity. Unlike solids or waxes, it doesn’t always make itself obvious, or at least not right away. Left unchecked, water introduces a host of downstream problems: it destabilizes emulsions, accelerates oxidative degradation, encourages microbial activity and can cloud the oil.
During expression, the citrus peel is releasing oil and moisture from the fruit’s outer cells and underlying pith. That moisture doesn’t separate cleanly. Instead, it forms emulsified microdroplets suspended in the oil phase. These aren’t visible to the naked eye, but will show themselves either through turbidity or phase separation.
Filtration of Water
Centrifugation is the first weapon against residual moisture. A high-speed centrifuge
p High-purity cellulose depth filter sheets, like those in Eaton’s BECOPAD® range, help preserve the delicate aroma and flavor profile of citrus oils while capturing fine particulates. Eaton. All rights reserved.
Demand for citrus oils is climbing fast, with an expected global market volume of $14 billion by 2030 and a projected annual growth rate of 8%, citrus oils are finding wider use in beverages, skin care, nutraceuticals and aromatherapy. Consumers aren’t just seeking citrus flavor but also purity, aroma and health-forward ingredients.
exploits the density difference between oil and water, causing heavier water particles to fling outward so they can be drawn off. This works well, but the tightest water-in-oil emulsions (especially those stabilized by natural surfactants in the citrus peel) can still resist separation. That’s where filtration steps in.
To polish off what centrifugation leaves behind, processors rely on depth filtration. The trick here isn’t just capturing water droplets but doing so without pushing them through. That’s why managing differential pressure across the filter is critical. If the pressure gets too high, you risk forcing the deformable droplets right through the pores of your filter media. Instead, the system has to run with a gentle pressure gradient that allows capture without compression.
When to Pre-Coat
Pre-coat filtration isn’t always needed, but in high-solid scenarios, it can make all the difference. It’s the filtration equivalent of giving your system a running start. Instead of pushing oil directly through bare filter sheets and letting solids do their damage, sheets are coated with a thin, porous layer of filter aid, usually perlite, diatomaceous earth (DE) or cellulose-based powders. This sacrificial layer captures the bulk of the particles to leave the underlying sheet cleaner, longer.
p In high-solid scenarios, filter aids such as BECOGUR® or BECOLITE® from Eaton provide an effective pre-coat layer that protects the media and improves filter surface and throughput. Eaton. All rights reserved.
Here’s how it works: before oil is introduced to the system, a filter aid mixed with a compatible liquid is circulated through the plate-and-frame filter. The result is a soft, even cake just a few millimeters thick that blankets the filtration surface. When the citrus oil begins flowing, the pre-coat takes the brunt of the contaminant load, trapping particles on a constantly renewing surface rather than forcing them to embed directly into the media.
Proper filter sheet selection is vital in this stage. Media with a well-engineered pore structure and low electrokinetic charge can physically trap microdroplets without adsorbing valuable oil compounds. The best-performing filter sheets can absorb so much water that they are virtually soaked, but resist swelling and
disintegration when in contact with citrus oil’s acidic components. With each aspect of the complete filtering solution working as intended and in harmony, the result is a dry, brilliantly clear oil that’s stable, compliant and ready for blending, bottling or further processing. And in markets where shelf life, appearance and microbial safety are paramount, getting filtration right isn’t just a technical detail but a competitive advantage.
t A gasket-free plate-andframe filter arrangement, like Eaton’s BECO COMPACT™ PLATE OC system, helps ensure compatibility with acidic citrus oils and allows modular configuration for varied batch sizes. Eaton. All rights reserved.
Pre-coating can also prevent the filter sheet from clogging too soon. Once the pre-coat layer starts to saturate, and be flushed and rebuilt with a fresh cake to keep operations streamlined. Filter aids are consumable, and using them means additional material handling, disposal logistics and upfront cost. But many times, the gains in throughput, consistency and filter sheet lifespan easily offset those factors, especially when running larger batches or trying to stretch time between filter changes.
Again, the trick is knowing your product. Oils with lower solids loads or better upstream clarification may do just fine with sheet filtration alone. Choosing whether to use pre-coat filtration often depends on factors like batch size, filtration targets, waste disposal constraints and even regional customer preferences.
What Comes Next
Efficiency has become the heartbeat of modern citrus oil filtration. It’s not enough to simply remove the unwanted bits –
processors are laser-focused on how fast, cleanly and cost-effectively that happens. How long a filter runs before clogging, how often sheets need replacing and how much valuable oil is lost in the cake all matter. And they matter more than ever. Yield isn’t just a metric – it’s money, quality and customer satisfaction rolled into one.
That’s why filtration systems today are being evaluated through a broader lens: clarity and compliance – yes – but also the total cost in terms of downtime, labor and long-term durability. For citrus oil applications, that often means using equipment built to meet not just FDA (U.S.) and LFGB (Germany) food safety standards, but also ATEX certification requirements, which are essential for processing in environments with potentially flammable vapors. For instance, stainless steel gasket-free plate-and-frame filters are a common choice here – they’re dura-
ble, easy to sterilize and ATEX-compliant by design when working with acidic or volatile compounds.
As citrus oils take center stage in “clean label” trends – powering everything from craft sodas to wellness capsules – the stakes get higher, putting the demand for purity under the microscope. And while mechanical performance still reigns, filtration’s next wave is digital. Systems that track pressure, flow and clarity in real time, for instance, are already proving their worth in optimizing process efficiency. Coupled with sustainability pressures, the push to conserve water and a focus on reducing waste, the industry is pivoting toward even more capable, adaptive solutions.
But here’s the truth: there’s no one-sizefits-all. Every citrus oil is different – just like every customer’s definition of “premium.” That’s why flexibility is crucial, from
Solent Technology Inc
systems that scale to expert partners who see filtration not just as a step in the process, but as a way to elevate it. Whether you’re clarifying orange oil for soft drinks or lemon oil for a serum – the mission is the same: remove the noise, keep the essence. In this business, clarity sells, and it starts with proper filtration.
Karol Hinz is the Global Product Manager, Life Sciences, Eaton’s Filtration Division.
Christian Kern is an Application Engineer, Eaton’s Filtration Division.
Through tailored engineering and a customercentric approach, Eaton’s Filtration Division remains at the forefront of providing innovative, sustainable systems in response to evolving liquid filtration demands.
The Consulting Engineer’s Ultimate Guide to Advanced Scraper Strainer Technology
An International Strainer Expert Provides Guidance to Industry Professionals on Scraper Strainer Technology
By Jeff Elliot
For consulting engineers tasked with planning, designing, and supervising projects for a wide range of industries, advanced water filtration technology –particularly automatic scraper strainers – offers numerous advantages over traditional choices such as backwash filters and basket strainers.
Various industries including wastewater treatment, power generation, food processing, and chemical manufacturing depend on industrial strainers to separate unwanted suspended solids from liquids and slurries. Strainers are also used in the treatment of seawater and wastewater, as well as to remove debris from process and cooling tower water.
Consulting engineers are often involved in specifying strainers, particularly in applications that require bid specs or system-level design decisions. While some projects go directly through buyers, engineering firms frequently play a central role in strainer selection.
Backwash strainers and manual basket strainers are widely accepted technologies and are often the default option during specification. However, conventional strainer designs can present reliability challenges and require frequent maintenance, particularly in applications where large debris or high volumes of suspended solids are present.
In contrast, automatic scraper strainers – cleaning the screen through direct mechanical contact using brushes and blades – are less commonly known. Many consulting engineers are unaware that
self-cleaning systems utilizing mechanical brushes are available. These mechanical scraper systems offer a simpler design, eliminate the need for auxiliary piping or external water sources, and provide a more robust and adaptable operational profile.
“Automatic scraper strainers are frequently overlooked due to limited familiarity, leading to default specifications of backwash or basket strainers – even in scenarios where a scraper strainer would offer superior performance,” explains Philippe Ellison, Project Manager, Acme Engineering Products, a North American manufacturer of industrial self-cleaning strainers.
This common oversight can result in reduced efficiency, higher maintenance requirements, and subpar system protection. Ellison offers the following guide to help consulting engineers understand the advantages of scraper strainers versus traditional filters. The guide highlights key advantages, ideal uses, and selection basics to help engineers specify the right solution with confidence.
Strainer Selection and Sizing
Selecting the appropriate strainer begins with understanding the application’s process requirements, including the type and size of solids, solid loading, and what needs to be filtered.
Strainer sizing involves balancing flow rate, particle size, and solid concentration. Higher solid loading requires a larger filtration area and vessel size. As flow rate
and particle concentration increase, so must the strainer’s capacity. Proper data on particle size distribution and operational conditions is critical for accurate equipment selection and sizing as well.
According to Ellison, consulting engineers may specify the wrong type of strainer if they lack detailed information about the operating conditions.
“For example, backwash strainers are sometimes specified in applications where the solids are large, sticky, or difficult to remove – conditions that backwash systems struggle to manage effectively. In these cases, scraper strainers are the better option, as their mechanical cleaning action is specifically designed to handle challenging debris,” explains Ellison.
Oversizing backwash strainers can also reduce cleaning efficiency. Contrary to assumptions, bigger is not always better. Correct flow rate and pressure data are essential for designing effective backwash systems.
In addition, no fluid processing or filtration system remains static. Treatment conditions continually change due to variable factors such as pressure, particle size, solids loading, and even the presence of sticky biologicals.
p By offering a mechanically robust, self-cleaning design that functions effectively under a broad range of conditions, automatic scraper strainers provide tangible advantages over traditional filters. Acme Engineering Products Inc.
“Flow rate and the amount of suspended solids in a fluid can vary significantly based on production demands, equipment in use, time of day, day of the week, and even seasonal conditions,” explains Ellison. “A properly selected strainer must be able to handle the full range of operating conditions to ensure consistent and reliable performance.”
Manual Basket Strainers
Basket strainers are manual filters used to remove large solids or debris from a fluid stream, typically in water or process piping systems. They consist of a pressure vessel housing that contains a perforated or mesh-lined basket. The basket acts as a screen to capture and retain particulates while allowing the fluid to pass through.
In water filtration applications, basket strainers are used to remove coarse materials such as leaves, sand, rust, scale, and other solids that may be present in the water. This helps protect downstream equipment such as pumps, valves, meters, and more sensitive filters from clogging or damage.
In continuous flow processes that cannot be shut down for cleaning purposes, duplex basket strainers are often installed. This type of strainer employs two distinct chambers that function independently. When one chamber needs cleaning, the flow is seamlessly diverted to the alternate chamber, enabling the removal and cleaning of the first basket.
Cleaning is a messy, laborious process that involves equalizing pressure between the baskets, diverting flow to the off-line chamber, opening the cover, manually removing the clogged basket, and cleaning it before refitting the basket, ensuring the seal, and tightening the fasteners.
If an operator fails to adequately clean the basket strainers for any reason, both strainers can become clogged at the same time. This can result in quality issues or unexpected downtime until the problem is resolved. For many processors, this
can occur simply due to having insufficient personnel to keep basket strainers clean, along with their other duties.
Backwash Systems
Backwash filters are used in water filtration systems to remove suspended solids, sediment, and other particulate matter from water. They are designed to operate continuously with minimal manual intervention by automatically cleaning themselves through a backwashing process.
In normal operation, dirty fluid flows through the filtration screen, trapping suspended solids, allowing the effluent to pass through the outlet. Over time, these trapped particles accumulate and begin to restrict flow, increasing the pressure drop across the strainer.
To restore performance, the backwash process is initiated. During backwashing, the drain valve opens, causing a reverse in flow across the section of the screen which is isolated by the backwash clean-
ing mechanisms openings. This dislodges the accumulated solids, which are then pulled into the backwash cleaning mechanism and flushed out through a drain. Once the filtration screen is clean, the system returns to normal filtration mode.
Consulting engineers are generally most familiar with backwash systems, which often leads to their default specification even in cases where scraper technology would offer a more effective solution. This tendency to standardize around known designs can result in missed opportunities for performance and efficiency improvements.
Backwash filters rely on a substantial amount of flow and constant pressure, which can compromise reliability if not always available. “Backwash units do not operate well in backwash mode below 30 PSI. To compensate, some utilize complex, pressure-inducing tactics, but these do not always resolve the issue,” says Ellison.
Additionally, conventional backwash units are not designed to effectively remove larger or irregularly shaped solids. “Backwash systems are only recommended when filtration requirements are below 50 microns and solid loading is low,” says Ellison.
Backwashing is not ideal for removing large solids from the screen elements. The problem is that the backwash arm must be quite close to the screen to function properly, and that prevents the passing of larger particles.
Backwash systems are also more complex and require additional control valves, instrumentation, and sometimes external water sources. Scraper strainers eliminate these needs and operate more flexibly through programmable control panels.
Acme Engineering offers a backwash filtration system that stands apart from conventional designs. A key distinguishing feature of Acme’s backwash filters is that they do not require an external source of cleaning water. Instead, they utilize the system’s own process fluid for
p Self-cleaning scraper systems with mechanical brushes offer a simpler design, eliminate the need for auxiliary piping or external water sources, and provide a more robust operational profile.
Acme Engineering Products Inc.
p Scraper strainers allow the solids to accumulate at the bottom of the vessel, where the blowdown valve will open periodically to clear them out. Acme Engineering Products Inc.
Consulting engineers are generally most familiar with backwash systems, which often leads to their default specification even in cases where scraper technology would offer a more effective solution.
cleaning, which simplifies installation and reduces water consumption. Additionally, these filters are engineered to operate effectively at lower differential pressures, enhancing system efficiency and extending component life.
Another notable advantage is the internal cleaning mechanism: the suction arm assembly rotates during backwash cycles, while the filter screen itself remains stationary. This design minimizes wear on the screen and maintains structural integrity over time.
ACME is the only manufacturer that produces automatic filtration equipment that can be converted between Backwash and Scraper easily in the field. The filtration housings are designed to accommodate both cleaning mechanisms, allowing operators to switch one for another if the wrong type was specified.
Automatic Scraper Strainers
Automatic scraper strainers are a viable alternative to backwash systems in many scenarios. Unlike backwash strainers, scraper strainers do not rely on a pressurized backwash to remove solids from the screen. Instead, blades and brushes provide more reliable cleaning under varying conditions.
The automatic scraper strainer from Acme Engineering, for example, is a motorized unit designed to continuously remove both large and fine suspended solids. This process is managed by a fully automatic control system.
These scraper strainers are offered with three screen types, selected based on the specific application. Reverse-formed wedge wire screens are the standard choice, valued for their durability and compatibility with brush cleaning systems. For applications requiring finer filtration, multilayer sintered metal mesh screens are recommended. In fibrous processes such as those in the pulp and paper
industry, perforated screens with round holes provide optimal performance.
Four blades/brushes rotate at 8 RPM, resulting in a cleaning rate of 32 strokes per minute. The scraper brushes get into wedge-wire slots and dislodge resistant particulates and solids. This approach enables the scraper strainers to resist clogging and fouling when faced with large solids and high solids concentration. It ensures a complete cleaning and is very effective against organic matter “biofouling.”
Scraper strainers allow the solids to accumulate at the bottom of the vessel, where the blowdown valve will open periodically to clear them out. Blowdown occurs only at the end of the intermittent scraping cycle when a valve is opened for a few seconds to remove solids from the collector area. Liquid loss is well below 1% of total flow.
p When corrosive environments and process fluid temperature raise concerns about material compatibility, automated scraper strainers are available in materials such as Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP).
Acme Engineering Products Inc.
p Consulting engineers face increasing pressure to deliver strainer systems that are high performing and cost-effective as well as reliable and low maintenance.
Acme Engineering Products Inc.
If additional pressure is required to clean the screen, Acme Engineering can add an inexpensive trash pump to the blowdown line to assist in removing the solids from the strainer sump.
“Since the solids are small, a little trash pump can pressurize the blowdown line to evacuate solids from the strainer,” says Ellison.
For applications with high solids loading that are prone to clogging, a macerator can be installed upstream of the automated scraper strainer to break down large solids into smaller fragments. This combination of proven technologies is already in use for some of the most demanding and debris-laden straining applications, including wastewater debris, power plant boiler water slag, asphalt transloading, and meat processing waste streams.
While standard carbon steel or stainless steel construction is suitable for typical applications, corrosive environments such as those involving seawater, erosive slurries, or aggressive chemicals can rapidly degrade conventional equipment. This deterioration can create risks related to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, as well as cause production downtime due to the need for premature replacement of strainer components.
When the chemical properties and temperature of the process fluid raise
concerns about material compatibility, automated scraper strainers are available in other materials such as Monel, D2205, SD2507, and even Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). The internal mechanism and wetted components can be manufactured from super duplex or similar high-performance steels.
Cost Comparison
Manual basket strainers are the lowestcost option but require frequent human intervention. Scraper strainers are a midpriced solution and operate automatically. Backwash strainers are typically the most expensive due to system complexity, additional control valves, instrumentation, and sometimes external water sources.
According to Ellison, the cost-benefit ratio of scraper strainers should factor into reduced infrastructure requirements, wear item replacement costs, and ongoing maintenance.
For example, a single, automated scraper strainer can replace multiple manual basket strainers as well as the associated piping. Basket strainers require regular maintenance, with manual models requiring cleaning several times daily. The process is messy and undesirable, making it a task operators are often unwilling to carry out.
The frequency of part replacement often depends on the severity of the conditions and how often cleaning is required for the application.
“While scraper strainers contain a few more wear components, such as brushes and blades, these parts are relatively inexpensive. In contrast, backwash systems can feature fewer wear parts but require more costly replacements. Over time, the maintenance expenses for both systems tend to balance out,” says Ellison.
Consulting engineers face increasing pressure to deliver systems that are not
only high-performing and cost-effective but also reliable and low maintenance. The adoption of advanced scraper strainer technology represents a significant opportunity to meet these demands.
By offering a mechanically robust, selfcleaning design that functions effectively under a broad range of operating conditions, automatic scraper strainers provide tangible advantages over traditional basket and backwash filters, particularly in high-solids or variable-load applications.
“As consulting engineers become more familiar with scraper technology’s capabilities, supported by application data, installation success stories, and performance metrics, they are more likely to consider it a primary option in system design,” says Ellison.
• Rigid plastic cores
• Flexible tubular sleeves
• Flow channel spacers
• Media, pleat support
• Welded tube overwraps
• You design it, we create it!
Jeff Elliott is a Torrance, California.-based technical writer. He has researched and written about industrial technologies and issues for the past 20 years.
SAn Underestimated Health Hazard in the Operating Theatre.
Surgical SMOKE
By Stefan Kämper and Timur Zeytin
urgical smoke, also known as surgical plume or electrosurgical smoke, is produced through the use of energy-based devices such as electrocautery units, lasers, or ultrasonic scalpels. These instruments burn tissue, resulting in visible smoke. While it may appear harmless at first, this smoke poses a serious health risk to operating theatre staff.
The smoke contains a complex mixture of harmful substances, including toxic gases, carcinogens, viral and bacterial particles, as well as very fine biological aerosols. Studies show that long-term inhalation of these particles can lead to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, and in extreme cases, an increased risk of cancer.
Despite the known risks, protective measures such as smoke extraction systems or respiratory masks are not yet
widely established in many operating theatres. For years, international health organizations have been calling for the consistent use of technical extraction devices and improved ventilation systems to reduce exposure to surgical teams.
Overall, the handling of surgical fumes is an essential but often neglected topic in occupational safety. Raising awareness among medical staff and ensuring the use of suitable protective measures are essential to safeguarding long-term health in the operating theatre.
Why Are Filters Necessary?
Unfiltered surgical smoke can cause respiratory irritation, nausea, and headaches, as well as long-term health effects such as chronic lung diseases. Studies have also shown that infectious particles, such as human papillomaviruses (HPV), can be transmitted via smoke fumes. The installation of appropriate extraction and filter
systems is, therefore, essential to minimize exposure.
Types of Filter Systems
High-performance filtration systems, typically used for removing surgical smoke, comprise multiple components.
• Pre-filters, which trap coarse particles
• HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) for removal of particles down to 0.3 microns with an efficiency of ≥ 99.97%
• Activated carbon filters for adsorption of gaseous pollutants and odors.
Some modern devices also use UV light or plasma to kill germs.
Table 1 shows the main gas components, i.e., the volatile and gaseous substances, of surgical smoke: An effective method of reducing these emissions is to use filters based on spherical high-performance adsorbents (see Figures 2 and 3).
This special form of activated carbon offers significantly higher adsorption capacity and faster adsorption kinetics compared to conventional powdered or granular carbon, as well as enhanced moisture resistance and more uniform airflow. Due to its unique electrostatic properties, it also exhibits bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against various germ species. In systems used for minimally invasive surgical procedures, the resulting surgical smoke often requires effective filtration under conditions of high relative humidity. This can be achieved much more efficiently and effectively using filter media based on highly hydrophobic spherical adsorbents of polymer
Courtesy of Talamon
p Operating theatre with an exhaust ventilation system. Courtesy of Talamon
origin than with conventional activated carbons. The spherical shape ensures optimal packing density and reduces flow resistance, which enhances the effectiveness of surgical smoke removal.
Thanks to its microporous structure, spherical adsorbents are highly effective in adsorbing a wide range of pollutants, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous compounds. When used in conjunction with particle filters (e.g., HEPA filters), it forms an effective system for maintaining clean air in operating theaters.
It not only protects surgical teams from unpleasant odors but also from the longterm health damage caused by toxic or carcinogenic substances.
Suitable Filter Media from Talamon Table 2 presents media data for suitable Talamon filter materials used in surgical smoke filtration applications. The media are presented alongside their basic characteristics, pressure losses, and adsorption values for the aromatic hydrocarbon toluene, used as a model substance for VOCs.
The comparison involves a 3-layer, a 6-layer flat media, and a dense filter foam with a thickness of 5.5 mm, all based on spherical high-performance adsorbents. The pressure loss and toluene breakthrough comparison for the media mentioned is illustrated in Diagram 1.
All three media exhibit low flow resistance, with the adsorptive foam being nearly “pressure-drop free.” Depending on the filter system design and in cases of
p Table 1: Main gaseous components in surgical smoke.
Figure 3: Pore structure of spherical high-performance adsorbents. Courtesy of Talamon
Figure 2: Spherical polymer-based high-performance adsorbents. Courtesy of Talamon
p Table 2: Overview of Talamon media data.
Diagram 1: Pressure loss comparison.
higher face velocities or flow rates, a low flow resistance can be a decisive factor for application suitability.
Diagram 2 illustrates the breakthrough curve for the VOC toluene at a typical face velocity of 0.1 m/s for all three media.
The two types of flat media differ mainly in their initial breakthrough behavior compared to the dense 5.5 mm foam medium. The flat media show virtually no initial breakthrough, whereas the ‘pressure drop-free’ foam has an initial breakthrough of approximately 8%. However, from around 50% breakthrough, the foam medium exhibits a lower breakthrough than the two flat media types.
Another critical factor in filter system design is the face velocity, which significantly affects adsorption performance. Diagram 3 illustrates the impact of face velocity on the breakthrough characteristics of the VOC toluene, using the 3-layer flat medium 102628 as an example. By reducing the face velocity from 0.3 m/s to 0.1 m/s, the initial breakthrough can
be lowered from approximately 18% to 2%, greatly extending the breakthrough times.
Armed with knowledge of pressure loss and adsorption characteristics, a suitable filter medium can be selected depending on the specific requirements of the application.
Reduction of Bioburden Through Special Post-Treatment
The microbiological quality of the filter medium is given special attention during the manufacturing process. The targeted use of synthetic carbon with antibacterial properties significantly reduces the natural bacterial load. This results in a comparatively low initial load of 2.8 CFU/g on average, consisting of 2.30 CFU/g of aerobic microorganisms and 0.49 CFU/g of yeasts and moulds. However, these values alone are insufficient for applications in a medical environment, particularly for further processing in clean rooms. Therefore, a special posttreatment was validated, reducing the bacterial load to below 0.06 CFU/g.
Diagram 4 illustrates a comparison of microbiological contamination (bioburden) before and after treatment.
Combined with consistently implemented hygiene measures during production, this ensures that the material meets the strict requirements for cleanroom processing without affecting the structural or functional properties of the filter medium.
Safety is Worth the Investment
Ultimately, adsorptive filters for surgical fumes are an important occupational safety measure in operating theatres. They protect healthcare staff from harmful emissions and reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. Despite the initial investment, the long-term benefits in terms of safety, hygiene and health protection clearly outweigh the costs.
Stefan Kämper is the Senior Product Manager for adsorptive filter media.at Talamon Filtration Technologies. He studied Chemical Engineering at TU Dortmund and has over 30 years of experience in the field of particle and gas adsorption. He spent 18 years in development and application technology, focusing on cabin air filtration, adsorptive composite materials, and the production of spherical adsorbents before moving into product management.
Timur Zeytin is Product Manager for adsorptive filter media.at Talamon Filtration Technologies. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Process, Energy and Environmental Engineering at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, specializing in thermal process engineering and membrane processes. He also holds a Master of Science in Bio- and Chemical Engineering at TU Braunschweig, specializing in nanotechnology and simulation technology.
p Diagram 3: Influence of face velocity on adsorption performance.
p Diagram 2: Toluene breakthrough comparison.
p Diagram 4: Comparison of bioburden load before and after post-treatment.
Source the Latest Textile and Garment Technologies Across the Entire Manufacturing Chain for Sustainability and Competitiveness View live machinery demonstrations by technology owners.
The Silent Assault of AIR POLLUTION ON HUMAN FERTILITY
The Imperative of Air Filtration in Enhancing IAQ for Reproductive Health and Assisted Reproductive Facilities
By Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, Global Correspondent, Technology and Innovation, IFN
As part of his visit to the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) conference in Tokyo, Japan, Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, the global correspondent for technology and innovations at International Filtration News, conducted insightful interviews with many experts from the IFFS. Dr. Al-Attar focuses on the growing concern about the ever-degrading Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concern and its potential correlation with human infertility worldwide. Experts shared their perspectives on the factors contributing to the global decline of human fertility and the increased need for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART).
Arriving at Tokyo Airport to attend the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) conference brought to mind the story of Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) baby born in the UK in 1978. Just five years later, Japan celebrated its first successful IVF baby as well. Known as a leader in IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), Japan has made significant strides in addressing its declining birth rates. Since 2022, the Japanese government has expanded public insurance coverage for ART and male infertility treatments, making these options more financially accessible to patients. This proactive approach has clearly contributed to the increase in the number of ART cycles. Japan boasts a strong network of ART facilities, with hundreds of registered clinics and hospitals involved in treatment. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) has been at the forefront of monitoring and reporting advancements in ART since 1986, highlighting a long-standing commitment to the field. The IFFS, being a global organization, represents national fertility societies that aim to stimulate research, disseminate educational information, and promote superior clinical care in all aspects of reproductive and fertility medicine worldwide. Today, Japan boasts an impressively high utilization rate of ART, with a notable percentage of births resulting from IVF. In fact, in 2021, one
in every 11.6 babies born in Japan was conceived through IVF. It’s no surprise that the IFFS conference continues to return to Japan – this is a place where the seemingly impossible becomes a reality.
Connecting Air Quality and Reproductive Health
Listening to the first lecture at the conference inspired me to think of what it takes for a family to plan and conceive a healthy baby. Potential parents meticulously plan every step on the journey to parenthood, from diet to lifestyle. But have we ever considered the air we breathe within our home, workplace, or even the sterile environment of an IVF lab? When does building a healthy lifestyle begin to include exposure to filtered air free from particulates, gases, and bioaerosols? Declining global human fertility rates are a growing concern, prompting extensive research into contributing factors. While genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices play a role, emerging scientific evidence increasingly implicates environmental exposures, particularly those related to IAQ.
Humans spend a significant portion (up to 90%) of their time indoors, making IAQ a critical parameter of public health and well-being1. Inhaling up to 13,000 liters daily makes even low concentra-
p Ultrasound.
tions of inhaled pollutants a considerable health risk2. Ultimately, the air we breathe in enclosed spaces is a critical determinant of our overall health and, alarmingly, our reproductive capabilities. A blend of invisible pollutants, from everyday household dust particles and chemicals to industrial emissions trapped indoors, can act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)3. These insidious substances interfere with our delicate hormonal balance, potentially impacting fertility in both men and women and posing unique risks within the sensitive environment of laboratories4,5.
The IFFS consensus document (https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/ dmad028) highlights infertility as a widespread and burdensome disease that demands greater recognition, prevention efforts, and equitable access to care. Research has strongly advocated for viewing the desire to build a family as a human right, emphasizing the need for integrated policies that address both population trends and individual reproductive health needs6. The call to action emphasizes increasing awareness, promoting human rights in reproductive choices, and improving access to quality, affordable fertility care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Strategies to mitigate risks, enhance reproductive health, and reduce pregnancy complications are necessary for planning and conceiving a healthy baby6. Addressing the impacts of various indoor air pollutants on human fertility requires an understanding of the implications for endocrine system performance associated with indoor environments. Air quality and filtration technologies are essential for meeting the specific needs of IVF laboratories7.
From a public health perspective, research on IAQ advanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing a framework for healthcare professionals to manage pregnant women [8]. Yet the work needs to advance further to understand and remedy the global issue of infertility, which now underscores the nexus between environmental factors and human reproductive health9
Urban Environments and Fertility
Cities typically suffer from higher concentrations of outdoor air pollution stemming from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction, which readily infiltrate indoor spaces. Furthermore, urban areas feature a higher density of multi-family housing, where shared ventilation systems and proximity to external pollutant sources can exacerbate indoor air issues. City dwellers often spend a substantial amount of time indoors, making air quality a predominant determinant of their health.
There is increasing evidence that improved IAQ and advanced air filtration technologies can protect and enhance fertility, particularly in urban environments, where unique pollution challenges exacerbate their impact on human wellbeing10. Also, a strong association exists between exposure to poor IAQ and the increased prevalence of ART facilities, including IVF laboratories, in urban areas11. Exposure to mixtures of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), biological agents, combustion byproducts, and EDCs correlates with adverse reproductive outcomes in both men and women12.
Complicating the matter, extreme climate conditions play a critical role in impacting how buildings operate within harsh environmental conditions such as sandstorms, wildfires, and excessive air pollution. Also, air quality
strategies appear insufficient in addressing the growing issue of air pollution resulting from emissions from power generation (34%), transportation (16%), and industries (11%)13. In urban settings where outdoor pollution readily infiltrates indoor spaces, these conditions deteriorate the ambient conditions for human occupants. Consequently, the role of fit-for-purpose air filtration systems, including High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and gas phase filters, becomes imperative for mitigating the adverse health consequences of airborne pollutants. Research links increasing exposure to air pollutants to a significant impact on gamete quality, embryo development, and overall fertility rates14.
Mitigating urban IAQ requires a multifaceted approach, considering the chemical and biological interactions among indoor pollutants are complex and vary widely. Also, varying levels of exposure influence building design, preplanned architecture, and activities within the indoor space. Researchers are just beginning to gain a fundamental understanding of the actual impact of pollutants and their byproducts, presenting a significant challenge for effectively mitigating indoor air quality.
Complicating Matters
The accumulation and synergistic toxicity of pollutants in indoor environments, which function as dynamic chemical reactors, must be considered. Various indoor sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and cleaning products, can emit VOC compounds throughout their lifespan. The cumulative exposure to air pollutants, including primary emissions and secondary reaction products, even at low concentrations, can result in a toxic burden on health. Thus, an innovative, comprehensive, multi-pollutant filtration strategy is necessary to capture not only primary particulate and gaseous pollutants but also their precursors and byproducts of indoor chemical reactions.
Humidity influences the proliferation of biological contaminants and the emission of chemical pollutants. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is crucial for
p IVF.
effective IAQ management15. High humidity levels (above 60-70%) create an ideal environment for biological pollutants such as mold, mildew, dust mites, bacteria, and certain viruses to thrive. Excessive moisture can also increase the emission of VOCs from building materials and contribute to the formation of new irritants, such as sulfuric aerosols, when water vapor interacts with other airborne compounds.
Conversely, low humidity levels (below 30-40%) can enhance the spread of airborne germs and cause dryness and irritation in the respiratory tract, potentially worsening symptoms for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Effective humidity control, achieved through proper ventilation, air conditioning, dehumidifiers or humidifiers, is thus a crucial preventative measure that complements air filtration by addressing the sources of both biological and chemical contaminants. Environmental control systems must manage temperature, humidity, and air purification to achieve optimal IAQ.
The ART of Fertility
A growing body of epidemiological evidence establishes a strong and concerning association between exposure to air pollution and elevated rates of infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes16 Research indicates that both maternal and paternal exposure to ambient air pollution can have a detrimental effect on human embryo development, even during ART cycles, such as IVF17. These factors suggest that the impact of air pollution
extends beyond natural conception, influencing the success of advanced fertility treatments. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that more than one in seven pregnant women exposed to indoor air pollution experienced at least one adverse pregnancy outcome: underdeveloped growth for gestational age18. This research highlights the pervasive nature of influence that air pollution has on not only the ability to conceive but also the healthy progression of pregnancy.
To mitigate the detrimental effects of air pollution on reproductive health, researchers have focused on four key pathways consistently identified across various pollutant types: oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and hormonal disruption.
• Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify them. Air pollutants, particularly particulate matter and heavy metals, induce the excessive generation of ROS, leading to cellular damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in sensitive reproductive cells, such as oocytes and spermatozoa. This cellular damage compromises their viability and function, directly impacting fertility.
• Inflammation is caused when pollutants trigger systemic or localized inflammatory responses in reproductive tissues, such as the endometrium – the inner lining of the uterus. This inflammatory environment can be detrimental to processes like embryo implantation, making the uterine lining less receptive. Chronic inflammation can also contribute to broader reproductive disorders and increase the chance of early pregnancy loss.
• DNA damage is a direct consequence of exposure to various air pollutants, including particulate matter, VOCs, and
heavy metals. This damage can manifest as direct breaks in the DNA strands or fragmentation, affecting the genetic integrity of sperm and oocytes and leading to impaired gamete quality, reduced embryo viability, and potentially even epigenetic changes that can be passed on to future offspring, influencing their longterm health.
• Hormonal disruption is caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as VOCs, which can block the natural reproductive hormones of the body, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Any hormonal imbalance can impact the control cycles which produce eggs and sperm. Hormonal disruption can lead to reduced sperm count and egg production in menstrual cycles.
Hormonal disruption involves pollutants mimicking, blocking, or altering the synthesis and function of natural hormones essential for reproduction. Many EDCs, including phthalates and some VOCs, directly interfere with the endocrine system, affecting the production and regulation of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, and LH. This disruption can impair gamete production, reduce ovarian reserve, cause menstrual cycle irregularities, and negatively impact sperm quality and count, thereby significantly hindering fertility. The sensitivity of developing tissues to endocrine signals during critical periods (fetal development, infancy, childhood) means that even low-level exposures can have profound and lasting effects on reproductive potential.
The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that airborne pollutants are a significant contributor to hormonal disruption. From fine particulate matter to gaseous pollutants, PAHs, phthalates, and heavy metals, these environmental contaminants interfere with the intricate balance of the endocrine system through various mechanisms.
The pervasive nature and widespread exposure to these pollutants underscores the broad implications for public health, contributing to rising infertility rates and adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is a growing public health challenge that re-
p Dr. Iyad Al-Attar at IFFS.
quires implementing stringent air quality regulations, conducting continuous monitoring, and conducting further research to fully elucidate the complex interplay between air pollution and endocrine health19. Mitigating airborne pollution is not merely about improving respiratory health; it is a crucial step towards safeguarding global health and well-being.
IVF Imperative: Pristine Air for Precious Beginnings
In the quest for parenthood, the air one breathes is an often-overlooked factor and is a silent threat to human fertility and the delicate process of IVF. It has never been more imperative to incorporate sustainable and efficient air filtration
References:
1. Klepeis, N. E., Nelson, W. C., Ott, W. R., Roberts, J. W., Switzer, D. W., Tsang, J., ... & Engelmann, W. H. (2000). The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): a resource for assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology, 10(3), 231-252.
2. Brugge, D., 2018. Particles in the air: The deadliest pollutant is one you breathe every day. Springer.
3. Xu, X. and Yang, M., 2021. Effects of environmental EDCs on oocyte quality, embryo development, and the outcome in human IVF process. Environment and female reproductive health, pp.181-202.
4. Babaniyi, G.G., Ajao, B.H., Akor, U.J. and Babaniyi, E., 2024. Reproductive endocrinology drug development: Hormones, metabolism, and fertility in female reproductive health. In Perspectives of Quorum Quenching in New Drug Development (pp. 187-206). CRC Press.
5. Bala, R., Singh, V., Rajender, S. and Singh, K., 2021. Environment, lifestyle, and female infertility. Reproductive sciences, 28(3), pp.617-638.
6. Joulaei, H., Morshed-Behbahani, B., Ghadimi, P., Nadimi Parashkouhi, S. and Mansoori, Y., 2025. Contentious population policy-making and its consequences: a health policy analysis. International Journal for Equity in Health, 24(1), p.96.
7. Urrutia, A. and Worrilow, K.C., 2024. IVF Cell Culture: VOCs and Air Quality. In Mastering Clinical Embryology (pp. 6-12). CRC Press.
8. García-Valdés, L., Al Wattar, B.H., GarcíaValdés, M. and Amezcua-Prieto, C., 2025. Quality of clinical practice guidelines on the COVID-19 management in pregnancy during the pandemic: a systematic review. European Journal of Public Health, p.ckaf046.
9. Sengupta, P. and Dutta, S., 2024. Disappearing sperms and changing climate: correlating decreasing semen quality and population dynamics within the Sustainable Development Goals framework. Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Medicine, 4(3).
10. Melhim, S.H. and Isaifan, R.J., 2025. The Energy-Economy Nexus of Advanced Air Pollution Control
to improve reproductive outcomes. The human reproductive system, both male and female, is susceptible to environmental stressors that harbor a complex cocktail of contaminants, requiring extensive research and proper indoor air quality codes to protect the human reproductive process.
For couples undergoing IVF treatments, it is essential to inform them that air quality has a direct impact on the viability of gametes and embryos. IVF laboratories require high levels of air purity to mimic the ideal conditions that should be operating within the human body. Poor air quality can compromise gamete health, harming eggs and sperm and impacting their ability to fertilize. Embryos
Technologies: Pathways to Sustainable Development. Energies, 18(9), p.2378.
11. Vásquez, V. and De Los Santos, M.J., 2019. Environment air pollution related to ART facilities and its potential involvement in IVF outcomes. Medicina Reproductiva y Embriología Clínica, 6(1), pp.15-32.
12. Xu, X. and Yang, M., 2021. Effects of environmental EDCs on oocyte quality, embryo development, and the outcome in human IVF process. Environment and female reproductive health, pp.181-202.
13. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2022). Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
14. Frutos, V., González-Comadrán, M., Sola, I., Jacquemin, B., Carreras, R. and Checa Vizcaino, M.A., 2015. Impact of air pollution on fertility: a systematic review. Gynecological Endocrinology, 31(1), pp.7-13.
15. IAQ, I.A.Q., 2013. Moisture control guidance for building design, construction and maintenance. EPA 402-F-13053.
16. Carré, J., Gatimel, N., Moreau, J., Parinaud, J. and Léandri, R., 2017. Does air pollution play a role in infertility?: a systematic review. Environmental Health, 16, pp.1-16.
17. Leathersich, S. J., Roche, C., Walls, M., Nathan, E., & Hart, R. (2024). Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) exposure prior to oocyte collection is associated with decreased live birth rates in subsequent frozen embryo transfers. Human Reproduction, 39(Supplement_1), deae108.081.
18. Tartaglia, M., Chansel-Debordeaux, L., Rondeau, V., Hulin, A., Levy, A., Jimenez, C., Bourquin, P., Delva, F. and Papaxanthos-Roche, A., 2022. Effects of air pollution on clinical pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilisation (IVF): a retrospective cohort study. BMJ open, 12(11), p.e062280.
19. Mousavi, S.E., Delgado-Saborit, J.M., Adivi, A., Pauwels, S. and Godderis, L., 2022. Air pollution and endocrine disruptors induce human microbiome imbalances: A systematic review of recent evidence and possible biological mechanisms. Science of The Total Environment, 816, p.151654.
are particularly vulnerable to airborne contaminants, which can disrupt their development and reduce implantation rates. VOCs have been linked to embryotoxicity and increased miscarriage risks. Maintaining optimal air quality through advanced filtration technologies is essential for improving IVF outcomes and ensuring a safe, conducive environment for embryo development.
Although several studies have established the profound impact of air pollutants on human health systems, the actions to achieve the highest level of optimal air quality in homes, schools, and the workplace are somewhat limited compared to the rising risks of human infertility. By prioritizing optimal air quality indoors and sustainable, efficient air filtration, we can create healthier indoor environments that safeguard natural reproductive potential and enhance success for couples embarking on an IVF journey.
The power of clean air is one of the most significant advancements in our advanced healthcare systems. A sense of urgency is emerging in the IFFS community to apply this clean-air mindset to other indoor environments so that we avoid surrendering our health, well-being, and even reproductive future to the silent assault of air pollution.
Dr. Al-Attar is IFN’s Global Correspondent, Technology and Innovation, with insight as a mechanical engineer and an independent air filtration consultant. He is a Visiting Academic Fellow in the School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing at Cranfield University, consulting for air quality and filter performance relevant to land-based gas turbines. His expertise is on the design/performance of high-efficiency filters for HVAC and land-based gas turbine applications, focusing on chemical and physical characterization of airborne pollutants. Dr. AlAttar is also the strategic director, instructor, and advisory board member of the Waterloo Filtration Institute. In 2020, Eurovent Middle East appointed Dr. Al-Attar as the first associated consultant for air filtration, as well as an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) patron for EUROVENT.
Bart CJM Fauser, MD, PhD, FRCOG
Supporting global family-building strategies is the key current focus area of the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), where I currently act as the scientific director. This means, in practical terms, creating awareness among politicians, policymakers, international organizations (such as the EU and WHO), journalists, health insurance companies, employers, and young people about the need to facilitate those who desire to have children. We believe that family planning education in high schools should not only involve spreading knowledge to prevent unwanted pregnancies but also strategies to improve the chances of building a family if desired.
Employers should understand that next to career planning, family planning should also represent a vital activity to motivate young (female) employees. It should be recognized that the decision to have or not have children is not for women only. Men should take more responsibility in establishing a family and engage in more household activities thereafter.
Increasingly robust scientific evidence suggests a distinct role of environmental changes and pollution on the reproductive health of both males and females. Studies in males focused on declining sperm quality, whereas preliminary studies in women suggest detrimental effects on puberty, impaired fertility, and premature menopause. Access to fertility care should also be evaluated in the context of a rapid decline in global fertility rates. Increasingly, countries are extending funding for IVF treatment. However, in most countries, patients have to pay out of pocket for treatment. Conse-
quently, access to care varies significantly in different countries, with one out of 10 children born due to IVF in some countries like Denmark and Japan, whereas this represents way less than 1% of all children in other countries like Mexico. As recently stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in every six couples requires medical assistance to achieve their dream of having children. Hence, around 15% of the population can be diagnosed with infertility. However, this is not well established and may vary in different parts of the globe. An increased prevalence of infertility is often mentioned, although solid scientific evidence to support such a statement is not available.
About Bart CJM Fauser, MD, PhD, FRCOG. Professor Em. of Reproductive Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, Scientific Director International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), Consultant, Executive Board Member
Gian Carlo Di Renzo
Nutrition plays a major role in the healthy pregnancy and development of the fetus. In addition, nutrition can expose humans to a wide range of potentially hazardous environmental constituents, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals, from marine or agricultural food products during processing, production, and packaging. Humans are constantly exposed to these constituents through air, water, soil, food and domestic products.
During pregnancy, the rate of cellular division and differentiation is higher; exposure to any of these environmental toxicants can lead to developmental defects as they cross the placental barrier. In some cases, these
contaminants can also harm subsequent generations, as they can affect the reproductive cells of the fetus. Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population to food contaminant exposure and require a proper dietary chart and conscious food choices. The placenta acts as a barrier between the fetus and the mother, also helping to deliver nutrients, clear waste, and protect against noxious compounds. Many pollutants can cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal region, exposing the fetus to these compounds at a higher level than the mother.
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is raising awareness to minimize toxin exposures as it is linked to the declining well-being of both fetus and mother. Dietary recommendations are required to balance the risks and benefits of contaminants exposure and nutrient absorption. Food is a source of both essential nutrients and environmental toxicants. Here, we have researched the possible toxicants in the food industry and their influence on the in-utero development of the fetus, along with the importance of dietary interventions and the need to balance a healthy diet to mitigate the harms.
Cumulative exposure to environmental toxicants can influence the mother’s prenatal environment, affect fetal development, and have long-term effects on the health of the offspring. Reproductive health professionals witness firsthand the increasing numbers of health problems facing their patients, and preventing exposure to toxic chemicals can reduce the burden on women, children, and families around the world. These recommendations have been approved by the General Assembly of FIGO in 2015: Advocate for policies to prevent exposure to toxic environmental chemicals. Work to ensure a healthy food system for all. Make ecological health part of health care. Be a champion of environmental justice.
About Gian Carlo Di Renzo. Di Renzo GC, editor. Environment, climate and human reproduction, Volume 89. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology. London: Elsevier, 2023
Di Renzo GC, Conry JA, Blake J, DeFrancesco MS, DeNicola N, Martin JN Jr, McCue
pBart CJM Fauser, MD, PhD, FRCOG
pGian Carlo Di Renzo
KA, Richmond D, Shah A, Sutton P, Woodruff TJ, van der Poel SZ, Giudice LC. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics opinion on reproductive health impacts of exposure to toxic environmental chemicals. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015 Dec; 131:219-25. PMID: 26433469.
Dr. Nahed Hammadieh
The impact of air pollution on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), particularly In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), is a growing concern amid environmental degradation. Even in controlled laboratory environments, peaks in external pollution can impact embryo development. Research indicates that increased levels of particulate matter (PM), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide diminish embryo quality and live birth rates.
An eight-year cohort study found that high PM10 levels significantly reduced live birth rates by 38% during the weeks preceding oocyte retrieval (Leathersich et al., 2025), highlighting adverse effects that occur even at relatively low pollution levels. Further studies have revealed that increased PM2.5 exposure before oocyte pick-up is associated with a lower oocyte yield and poorer embryo quality, independent of maternal factors.
Retrospective data also confirm negative interactions between ambient pollutants and ART success (Smith, 2021). From a toxicological impact mechanism, Pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons disrupt hormone function, affecting folliculogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Additionally, exposure to nitrogen oxides can impair male Sertoli function and female ovarian tissue, further compromising gamete quality (Conforti et al., 2018).
These genetic and epigenetic changes reduce gamete viability and increase risks of miscarriage and heritable disorders, highlighting the reproductive toxicity of ambient air pollution
About Dr. Nahed Hammadieh.
• Obtained the highest academic degrees granted to this specialty in the UK. He spent years conducting intensive research and clinical practice, aiming to provide significant help to his patients.
• Trained in Obstetrics & Gynecology in the South of England to Midlands in 1999 to take a Clinical Research Fellow Post in Reproductive Medicine at Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Honorary Lecture at Birmingham University. In 2002, he became the first sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Cardiff University.
• Appointed as Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Clinical Director for Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) at CARE, Nottingham.
Professor Paul Lewis
Much of the research data on air pollutant-induced DNA damage and resulting mutation profiles in oocytes and sperm have been generated in animal models. Whereas such data provide valuable insight into mutagenic mechanisms it is possible that mutation profiles in humans might differ to some extent. DNA adducts, especially from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and reactive VOC metabolites, frequently target guanine bases, causing G T transversions and G A transitions where mutations linked to oxidative stress and rep-
lication errors (Zhang et al., Sci Total Environ, 2018). In sperm, these mutations often affect genes critical for chromatin packaging, such as PRM1 and PRM2, resulting in defective condensation and impaired motility. Damage to DNA repair genes like OGG1 and XRCC1 further exacerbates mutation accumulation (Lee et al., Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2024). In oocytes, exposure disrupts meiosis, increasing the risk of aneuploidy and mutations in mitochondrial genes (ND5, COX1), which are essential for early embryo development.
The likelihood of a bulky DNA adduct forming, typical of a PAH, can be dependent on certain primary DNA sequences and resulting secondary structures that facilitate mutagen binding (Menzies et al., NAR , 2015). Additionally, both PM₂.₅ and VOCs can alter epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation of key fertilityrelated genes like HOXA10 and GDF9, and dysregulate miRNAs such as miR-34c and miR-21, which govern gametogenesis (NHANES, Sci Rep, 2024). These genetic and epigenetic changes reduce gamete viability and increase risks of miscarriage and heritable disorders, highlighting the reproductive toxicity of ambient air pollution (WHO, 2023; Prague Study, 2009).
DNA structural change is not just limited to somatic cells. Epigenetic dysregulation in germline cells, through methylation changes and miRNA disruption, can add a heritable dimension to this damage, raising concern for transgenerational effects on offspring health and viability (Spanou, 2025). These mutations and epimutations may not only impair conception and embryonic development but also silently propagate heritable risks through generations.
About Professor Paul Lewis. He is Chief Scientific Officer, Raven Delta Group Ltd., Professor Emeritus, Medical School, Swansea University, Clean Air Programme, Regional Champion for Wales, Welsh Government Chair of Clean Air Advisory Panel
p Professor Paul Lewis
pDr. Nahed Hammadieh
Discover the Power of Networking and Making New Connections in Water Quality Management
From the opening general session to rooting for your favorite team during the Operations Challenge, experience the unique ways WEFTEC brings water quality leaders together to form valuable and supportive relationships. WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals the best water quality education and training available!
WEFTEC 2025 is the 98th Annual Technical Exhibition & Conference to be held once again at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Ill. USA. The Conference is September 27 - October 1, 2025, and the Exhibition is September 29October 1, 2025 where you can meet water sector experts and suppliers, connect with water sector colleagues, and join the important conversations to help drive the future of water quality.
WEFTEC attracts a wide cross-section of the global water sector each year, allowing you to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences that will broaden your perspectives and deepen your understanding of the sector.
Workshops, technical sessions and facility tours are the WEFTEC way, as well as opportunities to gain CE credits to maintain your professional qualifications.
The robust and greatly-attended Exhibition brings attendees of the uber-water event together with approximately 1,000 quality vendors to provide services to the industry.
Workshops
WEFTEC workshops offer an immersive and interactive learning experience, designed to impart skills, techniques, and concepts directly applicable to professionals in the water quality field. Choose from among essential and cutting-edge topics for a deep dive into your specific areas of interest in a classroom setting. This year, WEFTEC is excited to offer 20 workshops covering a wide range of topics in Microbiology and Biological Processes, Water Reuse and Disinfection, Climate and Environmental Impact, Process Optimization and Control, and Data and Analytics.
Operations Challenge
Operations Challenge competition is a showcase of excellence in wastewater treatment, where skilled teams of professionals compete in a series of timed events. These events simulate real-world challenges faced in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. The registration portal for Operations Challenge 2025 will open on July 16, and close on Sept. 12 at www.weftec.org/ program/exhibition/operations-challenge/team-registration-information/. Through this competition, participants highlight the critical role of efficient and environmentally responsible wastewater management, fostering camaraderie and promoting best practices within the water sector. Registration is open, and session specifics are being announced soon at www.weftec.org/program/learn-abouteducation/. www.weftec.org
2025-26 BUYER’S GUIDE
Directory Index
Activated Carbon
Harmsco Filtration Products
Adhesives Fluid Dispensing Equipment
Stockmeier Urethanes USA Inc.
Stockmeier Urethanes GmbH & Co. KG
Valco Melton
Air Filters & Media
Contract Pleating Services
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
Mezger Inc.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Air Filtration Equipment
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Helix International
Air Filtration & Media
Contract Pleating Services
Gessner
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Pall Corporation
Superior Felt & Filtration
Automation (Assembly) Equipment
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Chase Machine & Engineering, Inc.
Bag & Filter Systems
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Sigma Design Company
Bicomponent Fibers
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
Cabin Air Lines
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Cabin Filter Production Line
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Cartridge Filters
AJR Filtration
Filterbag.com
Enpress LLC
Filtration Technology Corp.
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Shelco Filters
United Filters International
APC Filtration Inc.
Enpress LLC
Filters S.p.A.
Filtration Technology Corp.
Graver Technologies
Harmsco Filtration Products
Mezger Inc.
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Center Cores
Beverlin Specialty Tube
Helix International
Industrial Netting
PerCor Manufacturing Inc.
Coalescers
Filtration Technology Corp.
Graver Technologies
Pall Corporation
Compressed Air & Vacuum Filtration
Graver Technologies
Contract Pleating
Contract Pleating Services
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Custom Impulse Welders
Chase Machine & Engineering, Inc.
Dust Collectors
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
Engineering Services Design/Build
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Epoxies, Urethanes
Epic Resins
Innovative Resin Systems, Inc.
Polyset
Stockmeier Urethanes USA, Inc.
Stockmeier Urethanes GmbH & Co. KG
Expanded Metals
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Global Expanded Metals
Helix International
Fabric Filter Bags
AJR Filtration
FilterBag.com
Magnetool Inc.
Mezger Inc.
Rosedale Products Inc.
Fabrics Suppliers
Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles, Inc.
Decotex Inc.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Filter Bag Housing
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Filtration Technology Corp.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Hayward Flow Control
Mezger Inc.
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Shelco Filters
Filter Bags Liquid
FilterBag.com
Filtration Technology Corp.
Hayward Flow Control
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Filter Caps
Helix International
Filter Caps & Components
Beverlin Specialty Tube
Helix International
Filter Caps/Components/Frames/
CNC Machined Parts
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Contract Pleating Services
Filter Cartridge Housings
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Filtration Technology Corp.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Hayward Flow Control
Mezger Inc.
Filter Cleaning
Mezger Inc.
Filter Clips
Decotex Inc,
Filter Cloth
Decotex, Inc.
G. Bopp USA, Inc.
Newark Wire Cloth
Phifer Incorporated
Filter Components
Contract Pleating Services
Epic Resins
Harmsco Filtration Products
PerCor Manufactuing, Inc,
Helix International
Phifer Incorporated
Polyset
Superior Felt & Filtration
Filtration Technology Corp.
Pall Corporation
Parker Hannifin
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Wallner Expac
Filter Fabric
Decotex Inc.
Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles Inc.
Magnetool Inc.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Filter Housing
Enpress LLC
Graver Technologies
Filtration Technology Corp.
Hayward Flow Control
Mezger Inc.
Pall Corporation
Rosedale Products Inc.
Filter Manufacturer
Filtration Technology Corp.
Lenzing Filtration
Filter Manufacturing Automation
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Filter Manufacturing
AJR Filtration
APC Filtration Inc.
Contract Pleating Services
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Filters S.p.A.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Sonobond Ultrasonics
United Filters International
Filter Media
G. Bopp USA Inc.
Gessner
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Mezger Inc.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Filter Products
Beverlin Specialty Tube
Helix International
Shelco Filters
Filter Replacement
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
United Filters International
Filter Testing
APC Filtration Inc.
Filter Ultrasonic Sealing
& Die Cutting
Sonobond Ultrasonics
Superior Felt & Filtration
Chase Machine & Engineering, Inc.
Filters Automatic
Lenzing Filtration
Mezger Inc.
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Filters & Strainers
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Lenzing Filtration
Mezger Inc.
Rosedale Products Inc.
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Filtration Components
Contract Pleating Services
G. Bopp USA Inc.
Filterbag.com
Helix International
Industrial Netting
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Filtration Manufacturing
Pall Corporation
Filtration Media
Pall Corporation
Filtration Systems
Enpress LLC
Filters S.p.A.
Filtration Technology Corp.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Lenzing Filtration
Mezger Inc.
Pall Corporation
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
United Filters International
HVAC/HEPA/ULPA
APC Filtration Inc.
Contract Pleating Services
HVAC - Automation/Assembly Cells
A2Z Filtration
Hydraulic Filtration
Pall Corporation
Impulse Welders (Custom)
Chase Machine & Engineering Inc.
Laminating
Superior Felt & Filtration
Liquid Adhesive
Polyset
Liquid Bags Housing
Harmsco Filtration Products
Liquid Adhesive/Sealants For Filter
Applications
Epic Resins
Stockmeier Urethanes USA, Inc.
Stockmeier Urethanes GmbH & Co, KG
Liquid Filtration
AJR Filtration
Custom Services & Design, Inc.
Decotex Inc.
Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles, Inc.
FilterBag.com
Filtration Technology Corp.
Gessner
Graver Technologies LLC
Harmsco Filtration Products
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Magnetool Inc.
Mezger Inc.
Lenzing Filtration
Pall Corporation
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Superior Felt & Filtration
Magnetic Separation
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Magnetool Inc.
Media Fabrics Woven
Decotex Inc.
Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles, Inc.
G.Bopp USA Inc.
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Phifer Incorporated
Membrane Filtration
Pall Corporation
Metal Expander
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Helix International
Meter, Mix, Dispense Equipment
Stockmeier Urethanes USA, Inc.
Stockmeier Urethanes GmbH & Co. KG
Mini Pleat
A2Z Filtration Specialities
APC Filtration Inc.
Contract Pleating Services
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Roth Composite Machinery GmbH
Solent Technology, Inc.
Netting
Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles, Inc.
Industrial Netting
Oil/Water Separation
Filters S.p.A.
Pall Corporation
Perforated Tubes
Beverlin Specialty Tube
Helix International
PerCor Manufactuing Inc.
Plastic Filtration Components
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Helix International
Industrial Netting
Plastic Injection Molding
Superior Felt & Filtration
Plastic Netting & Tubing
Gessner
Industrial Netting
Pleated Filters
AJR Filtration
Pleaters Blade Type
JCEM Inc.
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC.
Roth Composite Machinery GmbH
Pleaters Rotary Type
A2Z Filtration Specialities
JCEM Inc.
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Roth Composite Machinery GmbH
Pleating
Superior Felt & Filtration
Pleating Custom
JCEM Inc.
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Solent Technology, Inc.
Pleating Machinery
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Harmsco Filtration Products
JCEM Inc.
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Roth Composite Machinery GmbH
Solent Technology, Inc.
Sonobond Ultrasonics
Pleating Scoring
JCEM Inc.
Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
Roth Composite Machinery GmbH
Reverse Osmosis Pre-Filtration
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Sealants for Filter Applications
Polyset
Separators
Filtration Technology Corp.
Rosedale Products, Inc.
Sintered Wire Mesh
G. Bopp USA Inc.
Spiral Tubes
Beverlin Specialty Tube
Helix International
PerCor Manufacturing Inc.
Stainless Steel Vessels
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Harmsco Filtration Products
Newark Wire Cloth
Sigma Design Company
United Filters International
Strainer In-Line
Hayward Flow Control
Magnetool Inc.
Newark Wire Cloth
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Testing Filtration/Laboratory
APC Filtration Inc.
Pall Corporation
Trade Show
FiltXPO™
TRUPOR® Submicron Filtration
Superior Felt & Filtration
Ultrasonic Bonding
Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.
Sonobond Ultrasonics
Ultrasonic Custom Machinery Building
Chase Machine & Engineering Inc.
Ultrasonics Laminators & Slitters
Chase Machine & Engineering, Inc.
Ultrasonic Sewing Machine
Chase Machine & Engineering, Inc.
Urethane Dispensing Equipment
Stockmeier Urethanes USA, Inc.
Stockmeier Urethanes GmbH & Co. KG
Valves
Hayward Flow Control
Water Filtration
Filters S.p.A. Gessner
Lenzing Filtration
Sigma Design Company
Spiral Water Technologies, Inc.
Wire Mesh
G. Bopp USA Inc.
Newark Wire Cloth
Phifer Incorporated
Woven Fabrics Wire
Newark Wire Cloth
Phifer Incorporated
PREMIERE LISTING
A2Z Filtration Specialities
Private Limited
Design Centre & Manufacturing Facility
D-1, Infocity, Phase-2, Sector-33 Gurgaon-122001,
National capital region, Delhi, India
TEL: +91 (124) 478 8700
FAX: +91 (124) 478 8728
WHATSAPP: +91 98716 90592
EMAIL: marketing@a2zfiltration.com
EMAIL: sales@a2zfiltration.com
WEBSITE: www.a2zfiltration.com
A2Z offers a wide range of Air Filtration Production Equipment for HVAC, Mini pleat, HEPA, Cabin Air and Gas turbine filtration.Contact us for your requirements of Automated HVAC Assembly Cells pleating styles like the “W” Pleat, Step Pleat, Taper Pleat. All equipment presents an excellent value proposition.
Air Filtration Equipment l Automation (Assembly)
Equipment I Cabin Filter Production Line I Engineering Services Design/Build I Expanded Metals I Filter Caps/Components/Frames/CNC Machined Parts
I Metal Expander I Mini Pleat I Plastic Filtration Components I Pleaters Rotary Type I Pleating Machinery I HVAC – Automation/Assembly Cells
AJR Filtration
1500 Harvester Road West Chicago, IL 60185
TEL: 1-630-377-8886
EMAIL: sales@ajrfiltration.com
WEBSITE: www.ajrfiltration.com
CONTACT: Sales
AJR is America's leading manufacturer of liquid and dust filtration solutions, exclusively serving the OEM, distribution, and reseller markets. Liquid filters include felt and mesh bags, high efficiency microfiber multi-layer bags, compact SBF and FMC filters, BOSA bags, and oil absorbing products. Liquid cartridges include pleated PPO and PPOW liquid cartridges, nominal and deep pleated bag-sized filters, string wound, melt blown, and carbon cartridges, and more, in a wide array of sizes. Fabric baghouse filters, dust cartridges, and dust pleated bags are manufactured in house for most makes of industrial dust collectors. AJR provides OEM and replacement filters for many baghouse and cartridge-type dust collectors. Fabric Filter Bags I Filter Manufacturing I Cartridge Filters | Liquid Filtration I Pleated Filters
APC Filtration Inc.
10 Abbott Court Building “C” Unit 303 Brantford, ON N3S 0E7
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-689-1235 ext 222
FAX: 1-866-491-1236
EMAIL: inquiry@apcfilters.com
WEBSITE: www.apcfilters.com
CONTACT: Russell Kelly
APC Filtration Inc., is a RENSA Filtration, ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of critical air filters
for global OEM’s providing over 45 years’ experience in filter design, engineering, manufacturing and ISO 6 test lab filter testing. HEPA and ULPA panel filters and radial/ cartridge filters are tested and certified to North American and European test standards. Industries served include Aerospace, Air Purification, Biological Equipment, Cabin Air, Disaster Restoration, Infection Isolation, Laboratory, Manufacturing Equipment, Medical, Off-Road HVAC, Pharmaceutical and Protective Environment Rooms. Cartridge Filtration I Filter Manufacturing I Filter Testing I HVAC/HEPA/ULPA I Mini Pleat I Testing Filtration/Laboratory
PREMIERE LISTING
Beverlin Specialty Tube
3515 Raleigh Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512
TEL: 1-616-949-5990 • Fax: 1-616-949-0873
EMAIL: sales@beverlinmfg.com
WEBSITE: www.beverlinmfg.com
The industry leader for 46 years. We provide perforated filter cores, tubes, strainers, CNC machined components and perform welded assemblies for industries worldwide including: Industrial, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Nuclear, Defense, and more. ISO 9001:2015
Center Cores I Filter Caps & Components I Filter Products I Perforated Tubes I Spiral Tubes
G. Bopp USA Inc.
4 Bill Horton Way Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
TEL: 1-845-296-1065 • Fax: 1-845-296-1282
EMAIL: info@bopp.com
WEBSITE: www.bopp.com
CONTACT: Mike Millard
G. Bopp USA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of precision woven wire cloth for diverse applications such as aerospace, pharmaceutical, electronics, acoustics and many more. Our meshes are often vital components in highly complex areas. Our decades of experience lead to convincing solutions in many of our customers’ processes.
Filter Cloth I Filtration Components I Filter Media I Wire Mesh I Woven Fabrics, Wire
Chase Machine & Engineering Inc.
324 Washington Street West Warwick, RI 02893
TEL: 1-401-821-8879 • Fax: 1-401-823-5543
EMAIL: guygil@chasemachine.com
WEBSITE: www.chasemachine.com
CONTACT: Guy Gil
Custom Converting and Assembly Machine Builders for Air, Liquid, and Membrane Filters Specializing in Integrating Technologies such as Ultrasonics, Impulse welding, Hot Air, Band Sealing and Adhesive Dispensing Equipment.
We specialize in pleating glass or synthetic medias into pleated mini pleat packs. We can use our medias or media supplied by our customers. No job is too large or too small.
Air Filters & Media | Air Filtration & Media | Contract Pleating | Filter Components | Filter Manufacturing | Filtration Components | HVAC|HEPA|ULPA | Mini Pleat
Custom Service & Design, Inc.
Auburn Hills, MI
Tel: 1-248-340-9005
Email: info@csdfilters.com
Website: www.csdfilters.com
Custom Service & Design, Inc. (CSD) is a leading manufacturer of filter vessels designed for bag, cartridge & strainer separation. CSD’s diverse designs & extensive inventory ensure that we have the solution to either advance your existing technologies or to design solutions to meet filtration requirements. CSD products are made in the USA of high quality industrial components, built for quality, safety and ease of use. Our wide-range of products make CSD a full service resource for your filtration needs.
Bag & Filter Systems I Filter Bag/Housing I Filter Manufacturing I Liquid Filtration I Stainless Steel Vessels
Decotex Inc.
1283 Route 311
Patterson, NY 12563 USA
TEL: 1-845.878.3612 • Fax: 1-845.878.3614
MOBILE: 1-763.568.2008
EMAIL: Alex@decotex.com
WEBSITE: www.decotex.com
CONTACT: Alex Scheinost
Decotex Inc. is a U.S. based company that works with customers worldwide to develop woven fabric solutions for Filtration and Industrial applications in a variety of industries. We supply woven and knit screen fabrics, filter, belt-ing, spiral and tubular fabrics produced from nylon, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, and other specialty fibers.
Woven, knit and non-woven Filter Media available in roll form. Strainer fabrics and precision screen cloths. Belt fabric. Large and small quantities. Polyester, Polypropylene, Nylon, Cotton and Specialty Fibers. With unparalleled technical expertise. Worldwide. Fabrics Suppliers I Filter Fabric I Liquid Filtration I Media Fabrics Woven I Netting
PREMIERE LISTING
EDANA
AVENUE DES NERVIENS 85 1040 Brussels, Belgium
PHONE: +32 2 734 93 10
CONTACT: Natacha Defeche
EMAIL: natacha.defeche@edana.org
WEBSITE: www.edana.org
Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry's goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several applicationspecific and geographic-focused industry events.
solve tough application challenges with reliable epoxy and polyurethane solutions. Whether you need a proven product or a custom formulation, we start by listening – so we can deliver exactly what your project requires. Our deep industry knowledge and commitment to quality ensure consistent performance and long-term value. As an ISO 9001/14001 registered company, we’re dedicated to supporting your success with dependable materials and responsive service.
Epoxies/Urethanes I Filter Components I Liquid Adhesive/Sealants for Filter Applications
Filterbag.com
TEL: 1-847-680-0566
EMAIL: sales@filterbag.com
WEBSITE: https://filterbag.com
Filterbag.com is a leading online provider of highquality, US-made liquid and dust filtration products. We offer liquid filter bags, cartridge filters, housings and assorted replacement parts. We are the exclusive stocking supplier of the NSF-61 compliant MWF X100+ polypropylene vessel. Dust filtration offerings include the most requested baghouse filter bags, pleated bags and dust cartridges. Many liquid and dust filter products are stocked for fast order fulfillment.
Cartridge Filters I Cartridge Filtration I Coalescers I Filter Bags Housing I Filter Bags Liquid I Filter Cartridge Housings I Filter Elements I Filter Housing I Filter Manufacturer I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I Separators
FiltXPO™ | International Filtration Conference & Exhibition
1255 Crescent Green, Suite 145 Cary, NC 27518
PHONE: + 1-919-459-3754
EMAIL: sales@inda.org
WEBSITE: www.filtxpo.com
CONTACT: Dan Noonan, Exhibit Sales
GESSNER
Global production sites in Europe, USA, and Asia
EMAIL: gessner@mativ.com
WEBSITE: www.gessner-filtration.com
Enpress Group
34899 Curtis Blvd. Eastlake, OH 44095
TEL: 1-866-859-9274 • Fax: 1-440-510-0202
EMAIL: info@enpress.com
WEBSITE: www.enpressgroup.com
CONTACT: Michael P. Mormino
ENPRESS Group™ is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of advanced liquid filtration solutions. As a premier conglomerate in the filtration industry, ENPRESS Group™ is a family-owned business with our history going back to the beginning of the water treatment industry in 1954. The Group unites several top-tier companies including ENPRESS, essef, Applied Cartridge Systems, and United Filters International. With a robust network of five state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facilities under more than 175,000 sqft of manufacturing, the Group is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, patented products that set the standard for performance, filtration efficiency, and water conservation. All ENPRESS Group™ products are proudly Made in the USA, ensuring superior quality and reliability for diverse global markets. www.enpressgroup.com
Cartridge Filters I Cartridge Filtration I Filter Housing I Filtration Systems
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Epic Resins
600 Industrial Blvd. Palmyra, WI 53156
TEL: 1-800-242-6649
EMAIL: sales@epicresins.com
WEBSITE: www.EpicResins.com
CONTACT: Jon Zarnstorff/Matthew Veenhuis Since 1958, Epic Resins has been helping customers
Fabric Filter Bags I Filter Bag-Liquid I Filtration Components I Liquid Filtration I Cartridge Filters
Filters S.p.A.
Via della rimembranza, 1 10060 Piscina (TO)
Italia
TEL: + 39 0119866231 (230)
EMAIL: info@filters.it
WEBSITE: www.filters.it
CONTACT: Dr. Stefania Pistore (Ms.) Marketing & Proposal Specialist
Established in 1989, Filters SpA has continually evolved to become a leading manufacturer of filtration systems, filter elements, pressure vessels, and complete skid-mounted units for the treatment and conditioning of liquids and gases. With a strong presence in sectors such as Oil & Gas, naval, water treatment, and aero-space; FILTERS SpA continuously seeks innovation to meet the needs of its customers world-wide Cartridge Filtration I Filter Manufacturing I Filtration Systems I Oil/Water Separation I Water Filtration
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Filtration Technology Corporation
11883 Cutten Road
Houston, TX 77066
TEL: 1-713-849-0849
Global / Regional
CONTACT: https://ftcfilters.com/contact/ FTC provides industry leading filtration and separation solutions to the chemical production, oil & gas, power generation, water treatment, food & beverage, and general industrial markets. We engineer, manufacture, and deliver the highest quality solutions and technology backed by unparalleled service and support.
GESSNER Provides Filtration Solutions to solve the most complex customer challenges
As a global leader in the filtration industry we’re protecting people, machineries, and the environment with our filter media, pleat supports, cores & tubes to ensure a better, cleaner, and healthier world.
Air Filtration & Media I Filter Media I Liquid Filtration I Plastic Netting & Tubing I Water Filtration
Graver Technologies LLC
200 Lake Drive Glasgow, DE 19702
TELEPHONE: 302-731-1700
EMAIL: info@gravertech.com
WEBSITE: https://www.gravertech.com/ Graver Technologies specializes in trace contaminant removal for industrial filtration, separation and purification needs of companies. We offer a broad selection of highperformance specialty ion exchange resins, proprietary absorbents and filtration products to efficiently remove particulate and soluble contaminants from a broad range of fluids and gases.
Cartridge Filtration I Coalescers I Compressed Air & Vacuum Filtration I Filter Housings I Liquid Filtration I
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Harmsco Filtration Products
7169 49th Terrace N. Riviera Beach, FL 33407
PHONE: 561-848-9628 X6177
EMAIL: ggutierrez@harmsco.com
WEBSITE: www.harmsco.com
CONTACT: German Gutierrez
Established in 1958, Harmsco Filtration Products has manufactured innovative and cost-effective solutions for liquid filtration challenges. With 3 divisions and a global footprint our Made In America, Family Owned
Business provides energy savings, proven products, and enduring value. As a pioneer in the filtration industry, Harmsco holds numerous U.S. Patents for innovative filtration technologies while maintaining our focus and commitment on quality and value for the end user.
Cartridge Filtration I Filter Bag Housings I Liquid Bags Housings I Filter Cartridge Housings I Filter Manufacturing I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I Pleating Machinery I Reverse-Osmosis Pre-Filtration I Stainless Steel Vessels I Activated Carbon I Filter Components
Hayward Flow Control
One Hayward Industrial Drive Clemmons, NC 27012 USA
TOLL-FREE: 1-888-429-4635
FAX: 1-888-778-8410
EMAIL: hfcsales@hayward.com
WEBSITE: www.haywardflowcontrol.com
Hayward Flow Control, a division of Hayward Industries, is a leading U.S. based manufacturer of industrial thermoplastic strainers, filters, valves, actuation, corrosion resistant pumps, and other fluid handling products for use in water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing & handling, chemical feed, aquatic life support and other processing systems. Hayward Flow Control is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer based in Clemmons, North Carolina. Filter Bags Housing I Filter Bag Liquid I Filter Cartridge Housings I Filter Housing I Strainer In-Line I Valves
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Helix International
950 Hollywood Avenue Itasca (Chicago), IL 60143
TEL: 1-847-709-0666 • Fax: 1-847-709-0667
EMAIL: dnaismith@helixinternational.com
CONTACT: Drew Naismith
Helix International has been the world’s leading producer of Spiral Filter-Core Machines for almost 40 years. As an industry leader in the production of spiral metal and plastic filter tubes, we can service any of your filtration requirements from one of our North American facilities. Our Machines and Tubes are made with a passion for design, quality, and reliability – all at fair prices. Contact us today!
Air Filtration Equipment I Center Cores I Expanded Metal I Filter Caps I Filter Caps & Components I Filter Components I Filter Products I Filtration Components I Metal Expander I Perforated Tubes I Plastic Filtration Components I Spiral Tubes
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INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
1255 Crescent Green, Suite 145 Cary, NC 27518
PHONE: + 1-919-459-3754
EMAIL: sales@inda.org
WEBSITE: www.inda.org
CONTACT: Dan Noonan, Director of Memberships and Business Development
Industrial Netting
10300 Fountains Drive
Maple Grove, MN 55369
TEL: 1-763-496-6355 • Fax: 1-763-496-6356
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-328-8456
EMAIL: info@industrialnetting.net
WEBSITE: www.industrialnetting.com
CONTACT: Corey New
Discover the world’s largest inventory of plastic netting, rigid extruded mesh tubes, and woven mesh products, along with high-quality custom converting services such as precision slitting, die cutting, and sonic welding, all tailored to meet your specific needs. Center Cores I Filtration Components I Netting I Plastic Filtration Components I Plastic Netting & Tubing
Innovative Resin Systems, Inc.
257 Wilson Avenue
Newark, NJ 07105
TEL: 1-973-465-6887 • Fax: 1-973-465-0592
EMAIL: info@rez-cure.com
WEBSITE: www.rez-cure.com
CONTACT: Manny Nerantzoulis
IRS, Inc. is a leading formulator and manufacturer of high performance epoxy, polyurethane acrylic and radiation cured systems. We have more than 50 years of technical expertise in developing and implementing new chemistries that help our customers optimize performance and maximize cost effectiveness.
Epoxies I Urethanes
IZUMI AMERICA, Inc.
92 Argonaut, Suite 220 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
TEL: 1-949-916-1840
EMAIL: info@IzumiAmerica.com
WEBSITE: www.IzumiAmerica.com
CONTACT: Ken Ennis / Kazuya Oimatsu Izumi America offers AXTAR™ spunbond non-woven a 100% polyester continuous filament, made by Toray Industries, Inc. It’s the ideal material for a wide range of uses, including filter materials in industrial applications, gas turbines, automotive. It has been the top choice for manufactures in the North America for over 30 years. Master & Slit rolls are available in the U.S. and available for immediate delivery.
Air Filters & Media I Air Filtration & Media I Bicomponent Fibers I Dust Collectors I Filter Media
JCEM Inc.
2606 River Green Circle
Louisville, KY 40206
TOLL-FREE: +1-866-866-8931
EMAIL: Chris.Lyons@JCEM.group
WEBSITE: www.jcem.ch
CONTACT: Chris Lyons
JCEM GmbH
Engineering Manufacturing
Industrie Allmend 27
CH-4629 Fulenbach / Switzerland,
TEL: + 41 62 926 44 80
EMAIL: Jannis.Christakos@JCEM.group
CONTACT: Jannis Christakos
TAG GmbH
Engineering Manufacturing
An den Ritterhufen 5
D-14513 Teltow / Germany
TEL: + 49 3328 4595 21 • + 49 3328 4595 0
EMAIL: Martin.Hilpert@JCEM.group
CONTACT: Martin Hilpert
JCEM Group, which includes JCEM GmbH (Switzerland), TAG GmbH (Germany) and JCEM INC (USA), is the global leader for all types of pleating equipment, offering the world’s most innovative, efficient, and robust pleating systems available anywhere in the globe. Our equipment lineup consists of the latest generation P7 model which offers world-record pleating speeds, Turnkey Blade & Mini Pleat systems, Cabin Air lines, Custom requirements, and much more.
Pleaters Blade Type I Pleaters Rotary Type I Pleating Custom I Pleating Machinery I Pleat-ing Scoring
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
1400 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Roswell, GA 30076
TEL: 1-404-281-5911
EMAIL: ann.imsangjan@kcc.com
WEBSITE: www.kcprofessional.com
CONTACT: Ann Imsangjan, Senior Marketing Manager – Filtration and Building Materials
For more than 140 years, Kimberly-Clark® has been a leader in non-woven technology. Utilizing this expertise, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ Filtration Products offer a broad range of highly efficient air filter media solutions for a variety of HVAC applications including pleat, pocket and minipleat filters for commercial, residential and industrial locations, designed to meet the needs of various essential markets. These products provide better indoor air quality and deliver superior quality and performance.
Air Filtration & Media I Filter Media I Filtration Components I Liquid Filtration I Media Fabrics, Woven
Lenzing Filtration
Werkstrasse 2
A-4860 Lenzing Austria
TEL: + 43 (0) (7672) 701-3479
FAX: + 43 (0) (7672) 918-3479
EMAIL: filter-tech@lenzing.com
WEBSITE: www.lenzing-filtration.com
Lenzing Filtration, a division of the Lenzing Group, is specialized in the development and manufacturing of high-quality filtration devices for solid-liquid separation. The wide product range offers PREMIUM self-cleaning patented filtration systems of its three umbrella brands OptiFil, ViscoFil and CakeFil, also a wide disposable filtration portfolio with its CoreLine. The product range AutoLine accomplished the divers line of business with its conventional automatic filtration systems.
Filter Manufacturer I Filters Automatic I Filters & Strainers I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I Water Filtration
Magnetool, Inc.
505 Elmwood
Troy, MI 48083
TEL: 1-248-588-5400 • Fax: 1-248-588-5710
EMAIL: magnetool@aol.com
WEBSITE: www.magnetoolinc.com
CONTACT: Michael Wright
MADE IN USA
Manufacturer of magnetic coolant cleaners, inline magnetic filters, filter bag magnets, magnetic tubes, magnetic material handling and work holding equipment. Fabric Filter Bags I Filter Fabric I Liquid Filtration I Magnetic Separation I Strainer In-Line
PREMIERE LISTING
Mezger, Inc.
170 Metro Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29303 USA
TEL. 1- 864-542-8037
EMAIL: info@mezgerinc.com
WEBSITE: www.mezgerinc.com
MEZGER INC is a leading distributor of a wide range of products for various types of high-quality filtration devices for solid-liquid separation. We also provide thermal cleaning systems and ultrasonic systems for the removal of polymers from metal filter medias and process equipment. Applications range from air filtration, polymer filtration, water, oil & gas, and may others requiring liquidsolid separation.
Air Filters & Media I Cartridge Filtration I Fabric Filter Bags I Filter Bag Housing I Filter Cartridge Housing I Filter Cleaning I Filter Housings I Filter Media I Filters Automatic I Filters & Strainers I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration
Newark Wire Cloth
25 Rutgers Avenue
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
TEL: 1-973-778-4478 • Fax: 1-973-778-4481
EMAIL: Sales@newarkwire.com
WEBSITE: www.newarkwire.com
Industry supplier for over 100 years. We supply wire cloth and fabrications including stamping, welding, forming, laser and water jet cutting. Largest supplier of specialty alloys. DFARS Compliant material available. ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP welding and brazing certified. We supply to all industries from our multiple locations in the U.S., Export also available.
Filter Cloth I Stainless Steel Vessels I Strainer In-Line I Wire Mesh I Woven Fabrics, Wire
PREMIERE LISTING
Pall Corporation
25 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY USA
TEL: 1-800-717-7255
EMAIL: contact@pall.com
WEBSITE: www.pall.com
Pall Corporation is a filtration, separation and purification leader providing solutions to meet the critical fluid management needs of customers across the broad
spectrum of industries. Pall works with customers to advance health, safety, and environmentally responsible technologies. The company’s engineered products enable process and product innovation and minimize emissions and waste. Pall Corporation serves customers worldwide. For more information visit www.pall.com.
Air Filtration & Media I Coalescers I Filter Housings I Filter Elements I Filtration Manufacturing I Filtration Media I Filtration Systems I Hydraulic Filtration I Liquid Filtration I Membrane Filtration I Oil/Water Separation I Testing Filtration/Laboratory
PerCor Manufacturing, Inc.
Roger B. Chaffee Memorial Blvd. Wyoming, MI. 49548
WEBSITE: www.percormfg.com
CONTACTS:
Gerard Stanaway gstanaway@percormfg.com
John Corbett jcorbett@percormfg.com
Mike Perry mperry@percormfg.com
PerCor is a leading manufacturer of perforated steel tubing for industry. Industries which rely on PerCor’s superior technology in spiral welding include industrial filtration, hydraulics, aerospace, oil drilling, sand control, and nuclear energy. PerCor is located in a 72,000 square foot facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan and serves its global customers growing demand for high-quality, competitively priced Perforated Steel Tubing.
Center Cores I Filter Components I Perforated Tubes I Spiral Tubes
Phifer Incorporated
P.O. Box 1700
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-1700
TEL: 1-205-345-2120 • Fax: 1-205-750-4890
EMAIL: info@phifer.com
WEBSITE: www.phifer.com
CONTACT: Greg Rhoden
Aluminum, steel, bronze, vinyl-coated fiberglass and polyester meshes for filtration. Broad mesh ranges, precision slitting and custom packaging. Custom annealing and epoxy, polyester and acrylic coatings for aluminum, steel and bronze mesh. ISO registered. Filter Cloth I Filter Components I Media Fabrics, Woven I Wire Mesh I Woven Fabrics Wire
Polyset
65 Hudson Avenue • PO Box 111 Mechanicville, NY 12118
TEL: 1-518-664-6000 • Fax: 1-518-664-6001
EMAIL: filter.adhesives@polyset.com
WEBSITE: www.polyset.com
CONTACT PERSON: Niladri Ghoshal
For more than 40 years, Polyset has been a leading custom formulator of two-component polyurethane adhesive, elastomer, and foam systems for commercial and industrial filtration applications. These polyurethane systems meet many different requirements including lowoutgassing for HEPA filters, excellent chemical/temperature resistance for Oil/Gas filter applications, chlorine and mildew/mold growth resistance for Pool/Spa filters, and exceptional hydrolysis resistance for Reverse Osmosis/ Ultrafiltration applications. Our polyurethane products also feature soft to rigid durometers, high tear strength,
flame retardancy, super adhesion, ultra-low viscosity to thixotropic, and are FDA and NSF compliant. Polyset is both ISO 9001 and MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified. Epoxies, Urethanes I Filter Components I Liquid Adhesives I Sealants for Filter Applications
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Pleating Systems & Equipment, LLC
132 Citizens Boulevard
Simpsonville, KY 40067
TEL: 1-502-722-3740
EMAIL: chris.pierce@pseusa.com
WEBSITE: www.pseusa.com
CONTACT: Chris Pierce
As a leading supplier of high quality manufacturing equipment, Pleating Systems & Equipment offers a wide range of filter manufactur-ing solutions. Our product lines include: Precision CNC servo driven blade pleaters, high speed rotary pleaters, mini-pleat systems for glass and synthetics, cabin air production lines and much more. When it comes to cost effective high-end auto-mated production lines, we are proven to be North America’s choice from the top brands in filter manufacturing.
PSE continuously runs multiple high-end contract pleating lines to accommodate customer’s overflow pleating requirements & interim machine sale pleating. Our capabilities include 3-300mm pleat heights including glue bead application, complex multi-layer configurations of up to 10+ layers, inline slitting, and more!
Cabin Air Lines I Contract Pleating I Mini Pleat I Pleaters Blade Type I Pleaters Rotary Type I Pleating Custom I Pleating Machinery I Pleating Scoring
PREMIERE LISTING
Rosedale Products, Inc.
3730 W. Liberty Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
TEL: 1-800-821-5373 • Tel: 1-734-665-8201
FAX: 1-734-665-2214
EMAIL: filters@rosedaleproducts.com
WEBSITE: www.rosedaleproducts.com
Rosedale Products, Inc. is a leading technology developer of liquid filtration systems and waste minimization products. Their products set the industry standard in versatility and reliability and includes bag and cartridge filters, basket strainers, back washing systems, and custom products.
Bag & Filter Systems I Cartridge Filters I Cartridge Filtration I Fabric Filter Bags I Filter Bag Housing I Filter Bags/Liquid I Filter Elements I Filter Housing I Filters & Strainers I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I Separators
Your Performance – Made by Roth Roth Composite Machinery GmbH are ranging the tailor-made solutions being offered for your technical requirements.
We offer a worldwide extensive, high-performance machine program for your pleating production procedures.
Every working widths and pleat heights can be realized. We develop a specific mechanical solution for you resulting in the decisive advantage in the market competition.
Mini Pleat I Pleaters Blade Type I Pleaters Rotary Type I Pleating Machinery I Pleating Scoring
Shelco Filters
100 Bradley Street
Middletown, CT 06457
TEL: 1-860-854-6121 • Fax: 1-860-854-6120
EMAIL: info@shelco.com
WEBSITE: www.shelco.com
Leading manufacturer of commercial and industrial filters, including stainless steel filter housings; filter bags & bag filter housings; Wound, pleated and depth style cartridges.
Cartridge Filters I Filter Bag Housings I Filter Products
For 20+ years, Sigma Design Company has been a trusted, one-stop Design/Build resource for clients including major global brands, delivering more than 1,000 successful projects saving our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in manufacturing costs while helping them achieve their product and business goals. Our offering includes fully customizable, engineered solutions for clients’ industrial water and non-hazardous wastewater challenges.
Bag & Filter Systems I Engineering Services Design/ Build I Filter Manufacturing I Filter Manufacturing Automation I Filters & Strainers I Filters Automatic I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I ReverseOsmosis Pre-Filtration I Stainless Steel Vessels I Strainer In-Line I Water Filtration
Solent Technology, Inc.
85 Old Barnwell Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
TEL: 1-803-739-0770 • Fax: 1-803-739-0814
EMAIL: sales@solentech.com
WEBSITE: www.solentech.com
CONTACT: Ken Lucas
Manufacturers of Soltech Mini-Pleaters for GLASS media and SYNTHETIC H.E.P.A. Other pleaters, WE ALSO OFFER A CONTRACT PLEATING SERVICE. Mini Pleat I Pleating Custom I Pleating Machinery
Sonobond Ultrasonics
1191 McDermott Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
TEL: 1-610-696-4710
FAX: 1-610-692-0674
TOLL-FREE: 1- 800-323-1269
EMAIL: sk@sonobondultrasonics.com
WEBSITE: www.sonobondultrasonics.com
CONTACT: Sara Karmilowicz
Ultrasonic Cutting & Bonding for Filtration Assembly
We manufacture ultrasonic equipment, including our SeamMaster™, which cuts and seals in a single pass, bonds varying material thicknesses, and operates without consumables – ideal for efficient, fast filtration product assembly.
Filter Manufacturing I Filter Ultrasonic Sealing & Die Cutting I Pleating Machinery I Ultrasonic Bonding
PREMIERE LISTING
Spiral
Water
Technologies, Inc.
200 Pond Ave.
Middlesex, NJ 08846
TEL: 1-732-629-7553
EMAIL: info@spiralwater.com
WEBSITE: https://www.spiralwater.com/
CONTACT: Gerard J. Lynch
Spiral Water Technologies develops and markets high performance products for advanced high solids filtration and concentration applications. Our awardwinning, patented automatic self-cleaning filtration technology delivers superior results while reducing CapEx and OpEx for low Total Lifecycle Cost, providing breakthrough performance in some of today’s most demanding applications from biogas production, industrial water filtration, and food processing to concentration of valuable or resalable product from non-hazardous wastewater. Engineering Services Design/Build I Filter
Manufacturing I Filter Manufacturing Automation I Filters & Strainers I Filters Automatic I Filtration Systems I Liquid Filtration I Reverse-Osmosis PreFiltration I Strainer In-Line I Water Filtration
STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.
20 Columbia Boulevard
Clarksburg, WV 26301-9606
TEL: + 1-304-624-7002
CELL: 1-304-880-8709
EMAIL: b.blundell@stockmeier.us.com
WEBSITE: www.stockmeier-urethanes.com
CONTACT: Ben Blundell
STOCKMEIER Urethanes GmbH & Co. KG
Im Hengstfeld 15
32657 Lemgo, Germany
TEL: + 49 (0) 52 61 / 66 0 68 0
EMAIL: f.steegmanns@stockmeier.com
WEBSITE: www.stockmeier-urethanes.com
CONTACT: Frank Steegmanns
STOCKMEIER Urethanes develops and manufactures high-performance polyurethane adhesives, sealants, and elastomers for industrial filter applications – including air, oil, and fuel filtration. With production sites and dedicated R&D facilities across the globe, we deliver innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the filtration industry. Adhesive Fluid Dispensing Equipment I Epoxies, Urethanes I Liquid Adhesives/Sealants for Filter Applications I Meter, Mix, Dispense Equipment I Urethane Dispensing Equipment
PREMIERE LISTING
Superior Felt & Filtration
1150 Ridgeview Drive
McHenry, IL 60050
TOLL-FREE: 1-800-255-3358
FAX: 1-815-759-1212
EMAIL: sales@superiorfelt.com
WEBSITE: www.superiorfelt.com
CONTACT: Dennis Cook (CEO), Mark Rath (Filtration Product Manager) and Ping Hao (Technical Nonwoven Product Manager)
Superior Felt & Filtration, LLC is a global leader in the technical nonwovens industry. We provide injection molding, pleating, ultrasonic lamination, and finished goods contract manufacturing solutions for the medical, retail, and personal care markets. Offering a large inventory of spunbond, meltblown, spunlace and needlepunch roll goods. We also offer valueadded adhesive coating, slitting, laminating, and dry fabricated sub-components. Our nonwoven market base solutions include cosmetic pads, medical wipes, wound care, hygienic, podiatry pads, and filtration for oxygen concentrators, respiratory, anesthesia, and CPAP filtration, as well as micron and sub-micron liquid and air filtration applications.
Air Filters & Media I Air Filtration & Media I Felts I Filter Components I Filter Fabric I Filter Media I Filter Ultrasonic Sealing & Die Cutting I Filtration Components I Laminating I Liquid Filtration I Plastic Injection Molding I Pleating I TRUPOR® Best in Class Submicron Filtration
United Filters is a manufacturer/supplier of filter cartridges, vessels, and fluid handling devices used for consumer, commercial/industrial, petrochemical/gas, and municipal applications. Manufacturing locations in Texas and California are ideally located for domestic and offshore customers’ needs. Products are NSF42/61 certified.
Cartridge Filters I Filter Manufacturing I Filter Replacement I Filtration Systems I Stainless Steel Vessels
Svante Teams up with Samsung E&A
Svante Technologies of Canada has signed a joint development agreement with Samsung E&A to jointly develop a set of standardized modular carbon capture plants.
These will be based on Svante’s VeloxoTherm solid sorbent-based carbon capture filter technology and leverage Samsung E&A’s advanced digital solutions and modularization capabilities.
The agreement was signed during an opening event to mark the commissioning of Svante’s new commercial manufacturing plant in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which is capable of producing enough filters to capture ten million tons of CO2 annually.
Fibroline and Big Frog Innovation LLC Enters Partnership
Fibroline, the French company that has developed dry powder impregnation solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with Big Frog Innovation LLC, a consulting company with many years of international experience focused on bringing innovation to the filtration and nonwovens industries.
With this new collaboration, Fibroline aims to extend the use of its solutions in the filtration industry and especially in the American market. Capitalizing on the recent opening of its U.S.-based Innovation Center in February and a successful presence at FiltXPO recently, Fibroline is confident that this will lead to new project developments in the filtration sector. www.fibroline.com
Svante has developed a unique, environmentally responsible carbon capture and removal technology which employs what it calls ‘structured adsorbent beds’.
The company’s filters are coated with nanoengineered solid adsorbent materials which can capture CO2 from industrial emissions, including pulp and paper, waste-to-energy, cement, steel, fertilizer and hydrogen plants. The company’s filter technology can also be leveraged for direct air capture (DAC), in which CO2 that has already been emitted into the atmosphere is trapped and removed from the ambient air. www.svanteinc.com
Hawkins, Inc. Acquires WaterSurplus
Hawkins, Inc., a leading water treatment and specialty ingredients company based in Minnesota, has completed the acquisition of the assets of Surplus Management, Inc., doing business as WaterSurplus.
WaterSurplus delivers sustainable water treatment solutions throughout the United States focused on membrane separation systems, engineering and design services, media filtration systems, new equipment and rental unit manufacturing and sales, along with rapid-response PFAS removal solutions for “forever chemicals.” www.hawkinsinc.com
Australian Specialty Water Treatment Rental Company Has Become Part of Atlas Copco Group
Clearpro Construction Water Solutions Pty. Ltd., a specialty water treatment rental company, has become part of Atlas Copco Group.
Clearpro, located in Queensland, Australia, provides specialized mobile water treatment solutions for dewatering projects. The company primarily has customers within infrastructure construction, general industry and agriculture.
Clearpro has 12 employees who will join the Atlas Copco Group.
“By combining specialist water treatment knowledge, in-house design and packaging capability with on-site dewatering expertise, Clearpro is an appreciated supplier of temporary mobile water treatment solutions which we are happy to welcome to the Group,” said Andrew Walker, Business Area President Power Technique.
During 2024 the company had revenues of approximately 6M AUD.
The acquired company has become part of the specialty rental division within the Power Technique Business Area. www.atlascopcogroup.com
p From the signing of the joint development between Svante Technologies and Samsun E&A.
p From left to right, Sofien Bouzouita, Fibroline’s Innovation Manager, Jonathan George, President of Big Frog Innovation, Jérôme Ville, CEO of Fibroline, and Léa Monin, R&D Project Manager for Functional Textiles at Fibroline.
p CLEARPRO of Australia.
MANN+HUMMEL Expands Management Board
MANN+HUMMEL is strengthening its leadership structure and expanding its Management Board from two to three members. This decisive step reinforces the company’s strategic focus on sustainable growth, customer centricity, and the resilience of its global structures – in an increasingly dynamic geopolitical and economic environment.
The current Executive Board – consisting of CEO Kurk Wilks and CFO Emese Weissenbacher – will be expanded by introducing the new role of Chief Operating Officer. As part of the reorganization, Emese Weissenbacher – currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer – will take on the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Jurate Keblyte will join MANN+HUMMEL as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Weissenbacher. She has over 25 years of international leadership experience in financial transformation. As CFO, she will be responsible for Finance, IT, and Global Business & Technical Solutions, and will continue to drive MANN+HUMMEL’s transformation journey. www.mann-hummel.com
Leadership Transition in ParkerHannifin Filtration Group
Parker Hannifin Corporation, a global leader in motion and control technologies, announced that Robert W. Malone, Vice President and President – Filtration Group, will retire on August 31, 2025, after 12 years of dedicated service to the company.
Camfil Expands Local Presence in China
Camfil, a global leader in clean air solutions, announced two significant updates in its operations in mainland China: the opening of a new office in Shanghai and the completion of a large-scale solar panel installation at its manufacturing plant in Taicang.
At the Taicang facility, more than 2,000 rooftop photovoltaic panels have been installed. This system is expected to generate approximately 1.4 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually – covering nearly 30% of the plant’s total energy needs and reducing over 1,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. Combined with green electricity sourced from the grid, Taicang’s overall green power usage now stands at approximately 90%, marking a major achievement in Camfil’s global sustainability roadmap.
The new Shanghai office will serve as a strategic hub to support Camfil’s local teams and provide even stronger service to customers throughout mainland China. It enhances the company’s presence in one of its most important markets, enabling faster response times, localized expertise and closer customer partnerships. www.camfil.com
Parker’s Board of Directors has elected Matthew A. Jacobson, currently Vice President of Operations – Motion Systems Group, to succeed Malone as Vice President and President – Filtration Group, effective July 1, 2025.
Malone was elected as Vice President and President – Filtration Group in 2014. He joined Parker in 2013 as Vice President of Operations for the Filtration Group. Previously, he spent 15 years in the filtration industry in various leadership roles. He led Parker’s Filtration Group through a period of significant growth and transformation and was a strong advocate for The Win Strategy™ to optimize the performance of the Group. He
also led the successful integration of CLARCOR, which was acquired in 2017, and at the time was Parker’s largest acquisition, doubling the size of the Filtration Group. Malone will continue to serve as a Parker Vice President from July 1, 2025 through his retirement date, to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Jacobson has a long track record of successful operational leadership over his two decades at Parker. He joined the company in 2005 as Manufacturing Engineer for the Integrated Hydraulics Division. In 2007, he became Operations Manager and in 2008 Division Supply Chain Manager for the Hydraulic Cartridge Systems Division. He continued to progress through operational leadership roles as business unit manager and general manager across three different divisions within the Motion Systems Group. In 2020, he was named Group Vice President of Supply Chain for Motion Systems Group, and in 2021, was named to his current role as Vice President of Operations –Motion Systems Group.
Jacobson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University. He also has a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University. www.parker.com
p Jurate Keblyte
p Solar panel inauguration at Camfil Taicang plant. From left to right: Alan O’Connell, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Erik Markman, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors; Stefan Larsson, EVP Supply Chain; and Krishnan Karunagaran, VP Operations.
p Matthew A. Jacobson
Aquaporin Sells 500 CLEAR Membranes to China
Aquaporin announced they sold 500 Clear membranes to Beijing-based company Czrlo to help increase energy efficiency significantly at a municipal wastewater incineration plant and a coal chemical plant.
Clear is a series of brackish water reverse osmosis elements designed for industry, municipalities, and businesses. Crzlo has purchased Clear Classic, Clear Classic FR, and Clear Eco membranes to meet the needs of its customers.
The company, based in China, has already conducted testing of the energy-efficient membranes at a municipal waste incineration plant and a coal chemical plant. During the testing phase, the Aquaporin Inside Clear membranes delivered stable water quality, meeting stringent desalination requirements.
The Clear elements operate at a lower pressure than the previous membranes in use. This improved performance means the municipal waste incineration plant in Beijing has experienced an increase of more than 30% in compliant process water produced daily.
“Achieving commercial traction in China’s competitive membrane market demands more than mere presence – it requires strong technological and operational advantages. With our Aquaporin Inside Clear product line, we are earning the trust of industrial customers and consistently delivering the performance and reliability they depend on,” said Aquaporin chief executive officer Matt Boczkowski. aquaporin.com
Donaldson Appoints Richard Lewis Chief Operating Officer
DCLASSIFIED MINI MART
onaldson Company, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, announced the appointment of Richard Lewis as chief operating officer, effective August 1, 2025 (pictured). In his new role, Lewis will oversee the company’s three segments as well as its enterprise operations and supply chain, and corporate technology functions. “I am honored to step into the COO role and lead operations for the company’s diversified portfolio of businesses,” said Lewis. “I am eager to continue working with our strong leadership team to deliver our innovative solutions for customers around the globe and further our collective success.” www.donaldson.com
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