Movers & Shakers February 2025: Camfil Unveils Opakfil ES+


Camfil's Opakfil ES+
Camfil's Opakfil ES+

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: February 17, 2025

Veralto Enters Agreement to Purchase AQUAFIDES

Veralto Corporation, a global leader in essential water and product quality solutions dedicated to Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™, announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Austria-based Ultraviolet (UV) treatment company AQUAFIDES for approximately $20 million. This transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.

AQUAFIDES designs, manufactures and supports high-quality UV treatment systems that meet the stringent requirements for drinking water, treat wastewater for reuse and provide high purity water for a variety of industrial applications, including food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

“AQUAFIDES enhances Trojan Technologies’ ability to serve European customers with strong local support and excellent service while also expanding our UV treatment portfolio with high-quality, efficient, fit-for-purpose systems,” said Melissa Aquino, Senior Vice President of Water Quality at Veralto. “We look forward to welcoming the AQUAFIDES team to Veralto and unlocking new growth opportunities together.”

“AQUAFIDES and Trojan Technologies share complementary technologies with similar cultures inspired by the mission of bringing clean water to communities who depend on it,” said Friedrich Stadler and Wolfgang Ecker, Founders at AQUAFIDES. “We are excited to join Veralto and share in their purpose of Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™.”

www.veralto.com

Camfil Unveils Opakfil ES+: Enhanced Design, Enhanced performance

Camfil, a global leader in clean air solutions, announced the launch of the Opakfil ES+, the latest innovation in compact V-Bank air filters. Designed to meet the growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable HVAC solutions, the Opakfil ES+ offers superior performance, extended operational life, and significant environmental benefits.

Camfil's Opakfil ES+
Camfil’s Opakfil ES+

Building upon the success of the original Opakfil ES, the Opakfil ES+ features an increased filter depth, resulting in a larger amount of filtration media. This enhancement leads to a higher dust holding capacity, allowing the filter to last up to 50% longer in HVAC systems. The extended lifespan not only reduces maintenance frequency but also minimises waste and labor costs, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

Energy efficiency is at the core of the Opakfil ES+ design. The filter achieves a 62% reduction in energy consumption compared to the industry average and a 24% reduction compared to other A/A+ rated compact filters. This remarkable performance is attributed to its low pressure drop and aerodynamic radial design, which optimise airflow and reduce energy usage.

The Opakfil ES+ is available in ePM1 and ePM2.5 efficiencies, in accordance with ISO 16890 standards, ensuring high indoor air quality across various applications. Its moulded frame, constructed from recycled plastic, underscores Camfil’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.

www.camfil.com

Toray Signs Agreement with Korea Water

Kim Byung-ki, director of the K-water Research Institute of the Korea Water Resources Corporation (right), and Kang Chang-won, director of the Toray Advanced Material Filter Division, are taking a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony of a business agreement to promote the wastewater reuse industry and research field on the 11th. [High-tech material]
Kim Byung-ki, director of the K-water Research Institute of the Korea Water Resources Corporation (right), and Kang Chang-won, director of the Toray Advanced Material Filter Division, at the signing ceremony of a business agreement to promote the wastewater reuse industry and research field on the 11th.

Toray Advanced Materials and the Korea Water Resources Corporation recently signed a business agreement to promote the wastewater reuse industry and research field.

With this agreement, the two companies decided to cooperate, including joint research, throughout wastewater reuse technology.

Specifically, the two companies will cooperate on a technology to concentrate concentrated water generated in the process of reuse of wastewater to the extreme through ion exchange membranes. It also collaborates on elemental technologies that save energy and recover useful resources. Through this, it is expected to realize “free wastewater treatment” by discharging all residue into concentrated solid sludge without generating wastewater and recycling clean water.

www.toray.com

Grundfos Starts Construction of New Global Headquarters

The new Grundfos headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark.
The new Grundfos headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark.

Grundfos has signed a contract with the construction company MT Højgaard for the building of a new global headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark.

The new headquarters will serve as a hub for Grundfos’ activities, equipped with their own energy-efficient solutions and designed to inspire creativity and collaboration. This project reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and roots in Bjerringbro. The building is located on Poul Due Jensens Vej near the Poul Due Jensen Academy and the Grundfos Center.

“Our headquarters will be an excellent setting for a modern workspace. We are meeting the highest sustainability standards, and the building will represent our relentless pursuit of quality featuring our own smart technologies to minimize environmental impact and optimize performance,” explains Mikael Geday, CFO at Grundfos and continues:

“Together with existing Grundfos buildings we are creating a campus for colleagues to work, learn and grow. In the design phase we have taken inputs from employees across many functions to create the best possible workspace, and we will continue this collaboration throughout the building phase,” Geday said.

The new global headquarters are scheduled to be ready by mid-2027 allowing for the first employees to move in in Q3 2027.

lgwww.grundfos.com

LG Introduces PuriCare AeroHit, a Compact Home Solution for Cleaner Air

LG Electronics has introduced the LG PuriCare™ AeroHit, an advanced air care solution designed to seamlessly integrate into any living space while delivering superb indoor air quality. Boasting advanced purification capabilities, convenient features and a modern, minimalist aesthetic, the AeroHit brings both comfort and style at home.

LG's PuriCare AeroHit for cleaner air at home.
LG’s PuriCare AeroHit for cleaner air at home.

The LG PuriCare AeroHit delivers fresher, safer air at home with its Aero Series H Filter – a multi-layer “360-degress” filtration system that effectively reduces dust particles, odors, viruses and allergens while also absorbing various airborne pollutants. In addition, its Particulate Matter (PM) 1.0 sensor* detects ultrafine dust as small as 0.01 micrometers, enabling real-time air quality monitoring. The AeroHit automatically adjusts its purification performance to maintain optimal indoor conditions.

Setting itself apart from conventional air purifiers, the AeroHit features an ultra-slim, space-saving design that would fit effortlessly into even the smallest rooms. Its muted matte finish complements a variety of interior styles, while the integrated LED display provides intuitive control and air-quality updates. Along with the standard model, LG is launching the PuriCare AeroHit Pet, designed specifically for pet-friendly households.

www.lgnewsroom.com

Filter King LLC Opens Filter Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in Las Vegas

Filter King LLC, specializing in high-quality HVAC and furnace filters, announced the opening of its new manufacturing and distribution center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new facility, which includes production, warehousing, and distribution capabilities, will enhance the company’s ability to rapidly supply air filters across the Southwest and West Coast, including key markets in California.

Filter King logo

With its established presence as the number one filter producer in Florida, Filter King has successfully expanded its footprint throughout the Southeastern United States, supplying products to homeowners, HVAC service providers, condominiums, hotels, schools, hospitals, and various commercial sectors. The Nevada expansion comes after several years of rapid growth for the company, which has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 83% since 2021. In 2024, the company’s revenue surged by 118%.

“We’ve established ourselves as the ‘go-to’ manufacturer of standard and custom-sized filters in the Southeast, and now we’re setting our sights on dominating the California and greater Southwest U.S. market,” said Filter King Founder and CEO Rick Hoskins. “The timing is right, and Nevada is the ideal location to support this expansion. Our investment in plant upgrades, equipment, inventory, and process optimization is expected to create approximately 120 new jobs by 2027, with significant opportunities for future growth.”

The new Las Vegas facility will benefit from the area’s skilled labor force and its proximity to major air and ground shipping infrastructure, ensuring that Filter King can quickly meet demand and deliver products efficiently to customers throughout the region.

www.filterking.com

ANDRITZ Acquires LDX Solutions

WESP and RTO systems at a Pellet Plant in Hamlet, NC, USA. Photo LDX Solutions
WESP and RTO systems at a Pellet Plant in Hamlet, NC, USA. Photo LDX Solutions

International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired LDX Solutions, a leading provider of emission reduction technologies and related services in the North American industrial market, with annual revenues of about $100 million.

This acquisition further strengthens ANDRITZ’s offering of environmental technologies and its presence in the growing North American market.

Comprising the strong legacy brands of Dustex®, Geoenergy® and Western Pneumatics, LDX Solutions offers a wide range of technologies and engineered solutions for a cleaner environment. The company’s wet electrostatic precipitators (WESP) and regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO) will further complement ANDRITZ’s comprehensive clean air technologies portfolio. With a team of 250 experts, decades of experience, and an installed base of more than 2,000 systems, LDX Solutions also enhances the service offering for ANDRITZ customers throughout North America.

www.andritz.com

Toray Develops High-Efficiency Membrane Doubling Filtration Performance

Toray Industries, Inc., announced that it has developed a high-efficiency separation membrane module for biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This module delivers more than double the filtration performance of conventional counterparts by reducing clogging. It should also lift biopharmaceutical yields to more than 90% and enhance purification.

The company will initially supply prototypes to diverse customers to evaluate in purification processes for producing gene therapy drugs with a view to swift commercialization.

Separation membrane module structure
Separation membrane module structure

Recent years have seen the pharmaceutical market shift from conventional small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals. Gene therapies and other treatment modalities are also coming to market in what seems to be an ongoing trend. A prime downside is the high manufacturing costs for these biopharmaceuticals, which are driving up medical expenses.

Gene therapy drugs are made with cultured cells. Purification entails using a depth filter to remove cell fragments from the culture medium, after which an ultrafiltration membrane removes impurities like proteins. Depth filter clogging or gene therapy drug adhesion to the ultrafiltration membrane can cause active ingredient losses, leading to higher costs.

Toray’s new separation membrane module comprises a depth filter incorporating multiple types of non-woven fabric and a hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane.

www.toray.com

Kurita Announces Merger with Avista Technologies, Inc.

Kurita America, part of the Kurita Group, a leading global provider of water treatment solutions, announced its pending merger with sister company, Avista Technologies, Inc. (Avista). This merger will officially take effect on April 1, 2025. Avista, headquartered in San Marcos, California, specializes in membrane treatment solutions and process support for reverse osmosis systems, microfiltration/ultrafiltration and multimedia filtration.

Avista Technologies has established itself as a key player in the membrane treatment industry with a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Their expertise in membrane treatment will seamlessly integrate with Kurita America’s comprehensive water solutions.

The merger between Kurita America and Avista Technologies is a strategic move aimed at combining their strengths to better serve industrial and municipal markets. By leveraging Kurita America’s extensive water treatment solutions and Avista’s specialized knowledge in membrane treatment, the merged entity will offer an expanded portfolio of solutions. This collaboration promises to bring innovative technologies and a fresh approach to the market.

www.kuritaamerica.com

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