Often when you look at gas, mining products, or renewable power, you don’t consider just how many levels of filtration and refinement the end product has gone through to reach consumer standard. From raw material through to purchase point, effective industrial filtration protects not only the consumer but also the company from turning out substandard or even dangerous products.
But what is industrial filtration? Which industries use filtration on a daily basis? What kinds of industrial filtration are there? Let’s discuss some of the finer points.
What is industrial filtration?
Industrial filtration is the system through which industries separate their products from the debris and residue from the means of production, as well as other waste products. Filtration also focuses on the refined end product and the effective removal and drying of waste for safe disposal.
Industrial filtration systems are not limited to one variant and can operate on a start-stop or continuous basis depending on the needs of the business.
Which industries use filtration?
Filtration is an essential part of many industries, including some you wouldn’t consider. Industries such as mining, liquid waste management, natural gas, food & beverage packaging, water, and renewable power generation all utilise filtration systems when generating their products.
What are the different types of industrial filtration?
Filters used in industry are usually named for the driving force behind their filtration properties. However, they may also be classed due to their mechanical and physical characteristics. Some of the examples of industrial filtration are:
Gravity filters
The most common form of industrial filter, gravity filters, utilise natural gravitational pull to separate solids from the liquid and filter out debris and sediment from products. By applying intense gravitational pressure, instruments like centrifuges producing 3000 gravitational forces are able to separate substances according to density and effectively remove waste from the finished product.
Pressure/vacuum filters
Fast becoming the preferred method of filtration in many industries, pressure or vacuum filters use incredible force to draw substances through a cloth or refining medium to separate them from any waste product that may have been picked up during manufacturing. Sludge separation, particularly in wastewater and mining management, is one of the essential parts of the production process.
Leaf filters
Named so for the thin metal sheets contained inside, leaf filters are the prime choice for edible oil and food industries. Containing vertical stacks of up to 60 leaves, use pressure to filter the liquid through delicate mesh and catch any debris contained within. The refined liquid is then passed through to a holding tank while the waste product is removed.
Rotary drum vacuum filters
Used in industries requiring constant rotation for filtration of high-viscosity slurries, rotary drum vacuum filters are one option for mining or renewable energy production. As the drum rotates, semi-vacuum pressure forces the slurry through a fine mesh net and creates deposits on the surface of the drum. These are then packaged for quick, easy disposal.
Learn More About Industrial Filtration for Your Business
There are many types of industrial filtration systems available – it’s just about finding one for your industry’s needs. At Interfil, we know just how critical safe and practical industrial filtration systems are to your company. With over 35 years of experience, we can help you find a filtration system to make your business the most efficient.
Contact our expert team today so we can help you make the smarter filtration choice for your company.
Read Also:
THE BENEFITS AND USES OF MULTI-STAGE CENTRIFUGAL BLOWERS
BENEFITS OF REGULAR FUEL TESTING WITH THE DIESELCRAFT FUEL BACTERIA DIP SLIDE