In the dynamic and global filtration industry, news and information is breaking on a daily basis. International Filtration News is tracking stories relevant to our industry from air and gas filtration to liquid filtration and the various end-uses for filtration technology. Here we will post news stories relevant to filtration and its downstream applications on an ongoing basis. Please check back for regular updates. If you have news that you feel should be added to this summary report, please email it to Ken Norberg: ken@filtnews.com
Most recent update: April 25, 2022
New joint IWA-SWA Singapore Young Water Professionals Chapter
The International Water Association (IWA) and the Singapore Water Association (SWA) are pleased to welcome creation of the newly established joint IWA-SWA Singapore Young Water Professionals Chapter. The chapter will offer many opportunities dedicated to young water professionals based in Singapore, a leading country in the field of WASH advancements.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IWA and SWA has been signed in April 2022 to enhance areas of synergy between the respective organizational visions and purposes. Through this MoU, the two organizations seek to connect their respective networks and identify joint actions to enable improved water management.
Source: IWA
Donaldson Company Releases Fiscal Year 2021 Sustainability Report
Donaldson Company, Inc., a leading worldwide manufacturer of innovative filtration products and solutions, has published its fiscal year 2021 Sustainability Report. The report details the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact, engaging and empowering its people, and maintaining strong corporate governance.
Highlights from the FY21 sustainability report include:
Product Sustainability: Donaldson began a project to integrate environmental sustainability into product development processes, including an assessment tool that evaluates environmental impacts associated with each stage of a product’s lifecycle.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: The company made notable progress on its near-term GHG emissions intensity goal. In FY21, Donaldson’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity (mtCO2e/hours worked) declined by 11% compared to FY19 (base year).
Safety: The company expanded its environmental, health and safety (EHS) team to more than 70 full- and part-time EHS leaders globally.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Donaldson hired an experienced leader for a newly created Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion role, continuing its investment in its DEI infrastructure.
Community Impact: The Donaldson Foundation donated $1.2 million to benefit communities through educational initiatives, and employee-driven philanthropic efforts continued.
Sustainability Assessment: Achieved Bronze status for sustainability management from EcoVadis, a respected sustainability ratings provider.
Suppliers: A Supplier Code of Conduct and Sustainability Policy was updated to include sustainability expectations, including solid waste, air quality, water management, GHG emissions and pollution.
Source: Donaldson Co.
DuPont Wins Four 2022 Edison Awards, Highlighting Innovative Technologies
DuPont announced that four of its innovative, breakthrough technologies were recognized with the prestigious 2022 Edison Award. Selected from hundreds of nominees, DuPont received three Gold, and one Silver award in several categories. Named after Thomas Alva Edison, the Edison Awards have recognized and honored some of the most innovative new products, services, and business leaders in the world since 1987.
The company received Gold for FilmTec™ Dry Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) membrane, BETATECH™ thermal interface materials and Delrin® Renewable Attributed acetal homopolymer, and Silver for The New, Low GWP Froth-Pak™ Spray Foam.
Source: DuPont
DuPont™ OxyMem™ Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) technology helps expand capacity in China
The operators of one of the main wastewater treatment plants in the Gansu province, China, have deployed state-of-the-art Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) technology, to assist efforts to improve the water quality of the Yellow River, while expanding capacity to support the economic growth of this thriving industrial hub.
DuPont™ OxyMem™ MABR modules have been installed at the plant to help treat additional process capacity and help ensure the plant is equipped to manage growing demand from the rapidly expanding population of the Gansu province. Effluent discharged into the nearby Yellow River will now comply with GB18918-2002 Class 1-A standards, providing a significant boost to efforts to improve water quality.
The DuPont™ OxyMem™ MABR system will help intensify the wastewater treatment process at the activated sludge plant, providing significant efficiency improvements in oxygen transfer. The OxyMem™ MABR technology requires ~75% less energy than conventional treatment methods. The ‘drop-in’ technology was integrated live into the treatment process without any interruption. Its reduced footprint is invaluable for this project because of the space constraints in the plant. As a result of this forward-looking investment, the wastewater treatment plant can now benefit from an increase in biological treatment capacity while maintaining overall effluent quality.
Source: DuPont
Camfil Air Filtration new resource for commercial bakeries
Production processes in commercial bakeries can generate high volumes of particulate or molecular pollutants, so maintaining air quality is needed to protect food from contamination and minimize health risks for workers. This is best achieved by using appropriate air filtration and ventilation.
The Camfil CamCleaner is an ideal air cleaner to remove particulates and bioaerosol contaminants from commercial bakeries. It is a modular system that can fit into most bakery production areas, especially locations where direct source capture might be difficult. The CamCleaner unit is typically installed suspended from the ceiling. It is especially useful in areas that have a high load of dust or fumes and high aerosol particulate concentrations.
“A series of CamCleaner units can be strategically placed in a bakery production area to create the best air pattern and substantially reduce airborne particulates,” Steve Smith, CamCleaner Segment Manager at Camfil USA explained. “The clean air from one unit pushes the contaminated air to the inlet of the next unit, based on the required number of air changes per hour.”
CamCleaners are available in two sizes of air delivery, 2000 cfm and 4000 cfm, and each unit can provide multiple stages of air filtration. Configuration of air filtration can include a prefilter, a secondary or final filter, and/or a HEPA or molecular filter as the final stage.
Available filters include pleated prefilters in the MERV 8A to MERV 9A range to capture heavy contaminant loads, secondary filters that could include MERVE 13A through MERV 16A, molecular filters to control irritants, VOCs and odors, and HEPA filters to protect highly sensitive areas where cross-contamination is a concern. The system can return the clean air back into the bakery facility near its source, or it can be directed elsewhere in the facility to help improve positive air pressure.
Implementing an air quality program in commercial baking facilities by using appropriate air filtration and ventilation is the best way to protect workers and food products and to comply with regulatory standards.
Source: Camfil
Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s new filtration solution supports the growing market of electric vehicles
Air intake provides the oxygen to the fuel cell. Outside air can be polluted by various gases, including hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and ammonia (NH3), which are known poisons of the fuel cell catalyst. Based on a new proprietary multi-layer dry technology platform and customized adsorbent blends, Ahlstrom-Munksjö FiltEV® Fuel Cell Air Intake media delivers exceptional adsorption properties on all these gaseous pollutants to reach always more challenging cathode air quality requirements.
Outside air is also polluted by a high number of particles that can enter the fuel cell, fouling the channels and the proton exchange membrane. Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s FiltEV® Fuel Cell Air Intake media integrates high particulate efficiency layers, which deliver HEPA level performance, removing up to 99.95% of the smallest particles.
In 2021, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has also expanded its testing capacity as part of the company strategy to invest and grow in the industrial filtration and electric vehicle markets. A new test bench to evaluate gas adsorption performance was installed at the R&D center of the company in France. The investment was completed to assist strategic, high-priority R&D projects to develop next-generation molecular filters for fuel cell air intake filters, premium cabin, and clean room environments.
Source: Ahsltrom-Munksjö
Mann+Hummel launches HEPA filter media for vehicles
Mann+Hummel announced that the first vehicles with Mann+Hummel HEPA filter systems will be launched on the market this year. These offer the best possible protection against air pollution in the vehicle.
“The term ‘HEPA’ stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. The term is not protected, which is why you have to be particularly careful here. The addition ‘*according to EN 1822 and ISO 29463’ reveals whether the filter actually meets the high demands of European and international standards. Our filters meet these requirements,” explained Christoph Krautner, manager R&D Cabin Air Filter – Particle filtration at Mann+Hummel.
Depending on the HEPA class, at least 99.95% of particles are reliably removed from the air, including harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, even ultrafine particles (smaller than 0.1 μm). This means that for every 10,000 particles that enter the filter, only up to five particles can pass through the media. “Of particular note here is the performance of HEPA media in the filtration of ultrafine particles such as tire and brake abrasion, and soot. These ultrafine particles are dangerous. Due to their small size, they are capable of transporting toxic compounds to the most vulnerable regions of the body,” adds Krautner.
Source: Mann+Hummel
Industry leading IWA Awards set to return at World Water Congress & Exhibition
The International Water Association (IWA) confirmed that industry leading IWA Awards are set to return at the World Water Congress & Exhibition in Copenhagen, 11-15 September 2022. The global event will see five days of critical discussions and activities that will help shape our water future.
Nominations are currently open for the 2022 edition of the prestigious IWA Awards program.
In announcing the news, Kizito Masinde, IWA Global Events & Awards Director added that “IWA is committed to recognizing the special contributions and achievements of its members and of water sector professionals around the world, and the invaluable contribution they all make to key innovations in water science and management. The IWA Awards program provides a platform to celebrate those who shape the direction of the sector, featuring in particular the IWA Global Water Award”.
The IWA Awards draw attention to the broad range of excellence, leadership and innovation that IWA members and network participants bring to both our Association and the industry at large.
Source: IWA
Dyson announces air-purifying headphones that filter pollution
Dyson has created a world first with its latest launch, Dyson Zone – a pair of noise cancelling, high fidelity over-ear headphones which deliver immersive sound to the ears, plus purified airflow to the nose and mouth.
The headphones have sensors that detect how fast the wearer is moving, automatically adjusting the airflow between three intensity levels to ensure they deliver up to 5 liters of clean air a second, the equivalent breathing rate of a jog. An air quality sensor in the left ear cup monitors real-time pollution levels sending the data to an app on your phone and telling you when to replace the filters, which should last for about 12 months of use in Europe or less in more polluted environments.
Eaton optimizes and expands filter media with activated carbon
Eaton is optimizing and expanding its range of filter media containing activated carbon. The upgraded BECO CARBON™ depth filter sheets offer particularly high adsorption properties for the demanding filtration of liquids. With their strong decolorization abilities and adsorptive removal of undesired by-products, along with taste, odor and color correction, they are ideally suited for use in the fine chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage and biotechnology industries. The range is continuously being expanded and currently includes stacked disc cartridges and small disposable capsules in addition to depth filter sheets. The product program thus covers the requirements from laboratory to production scale.
BECO CARBON depth filter sheets are available in the versions ACF 02 with an activated carbon content of 1,000 g/m² (macroporous) and ACF 07.10 with 420 g/m² activated carbon content (meso/macroporous). They are available in all common filter sizes and formats.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö successfully completes its investment in a new glass microfiber media line in Turin
Initially announced in January 2020, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed its investment and started production for additional capacity in both filtration and energy storage materials at its plant in Turin, Italy. By successfully expanding manufacturing facilities, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is making a strong commitment to customers in both the High-Performance Filtration and Energy Storage markets.
The new machine at the Turin plant is a state-of-the-art line specifically designed to produce glass microfiber media. The line will serve applications where glass microfiber media is required, supporting Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s growth initiatives in industrial filtration as well as in Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), a key component in Lead Acid Batteries. In addition, the new line will also be able to deliver online saturated filter media, supporting the increasing global demand for filtration media.
This investment follows on from the restart of one of the saturators in the Turin plant, enabling Ahlstrom-Munksjö to deliver additional capacity and effectively support customer demands for high-performance filtration media.
Source: Ahlstrom-Munksjö
H&V selects Josh Ayer for its next CEO as Val Hollingsworth steps down after 24 years
After a multi-year succession process, H&V’s Board of Directors has chosen H&V Chief Operations Officer Josh Ayer as the company’s new CEO. Ayer will succeed Val Hollingsworth, who is stepping out of the role of CEO after 24 years – and after 42 years with the company. Hollingsworth will continue as Chair of H&V’s Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to be able to turn to Josh to lead H&V in our next chapter of growth and development,” Hollingsworth said. “He has been an outstanding leader in his years at H&V and will do a great job as CEO. H&V has had several non-Hollingsworth family CEOs in its long history, and we are proud that there are seventh-generation members of our family working for H&V. We know that Josh will continue to operate the company with the same values, long-term view and family-oriented culture that H&V is built on. The H&V Board and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.”
Ayer joined H&V in 2009 as Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific Region, following 10 years at General Electric. He helped lead the development and growth of H&V’s business in Asia. In 2015, Ayer became President of the Engine and Industrial Filtration Division, and in 2020, he took the role of Vice President and Managing Director of H&V’s Americas Region. He will officially become CEO as of H&V’s annual Shareholders Meeting on April 5, 2022.
Source: Hollingsworth & Vose
Monique Buch appointed as Lenzing’s Vice President of Global Nonwovens Business
Lenzing Group announced the appointment of Monique Buch as the new Vice President Global Nonwovens Business, effective March 1, 2022. This strategic appointment underscores Lenzing’s unwavering commitment to drive the future development of the nonwovens industry, strengthen its leadership role, and create a zero-carbon future for the industry.
In her new role, Monique will spearhead the strategic development and growth of Lenzing’s nonwovens business, while delivering value to its current customer base and growing into new segments through the development of sustainable, innovative and pioneering fiber solutions. Furthermore, Monique will be responsible for driving the implementation of a variety of strategic priorities to foster the development of the VEOCEL™ brand while delivering its brand promise for customers and partners across the value chain.
From March 01, 2022, onwards, Jürgen Eizinger will take on the role of Senior Commercial Director, EU/AM/MEA. Leveraging his core competence and experience in sales and marketing of nonwovens across Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, Jürgen will oversee the delivery of customer excellence and drive commercial success in the key markets of the nonwovens business. He will also focus on strengthening partnerships within the industry to progress the sustainability agenda, through his position as board member of EDANA and his recent appointment as board member of INDA.
In his 27 years with Lenzing, Heinrich Jakob has been pivotal in driving the transformation of the nonwovens business into a truly global portfolio that contributes greatly to Lenzing’s overall business growth. Heinrich will start his well-deserved retirement in October 2022. The Managing Board of Lenzing Group would like to sincerely thank him for his exceptional achievements at Lenzing.
Source: Lenzing Group
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