| A fast, easy, proven way to eliminate one form of waste and minimize others – while reducing the problems associated with waste.
In recent years, the focus of waste minimization has shifted from end-of-pipe pollution controls to minimizing waste at the source.
In fact, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Priority Hierarchy of Waste Management lists source reduction as the most desirable technique – and disposal as the least desirable.
The reasons for this shift are well documented. By minimizing waste at the source rather than trying to address it at the end, you provide a cleaner, safer environment; you save money – sometimes millions of dollars; and you reduce long-term risk and liability.
In addition, by filtering early in the process, the system cost of filtration goes down significantly. As process fluids progress further in the workflow, undesirable solids become more difficult to eliminate.
Simply put, generating less waste makes good business sense.
| “Filtration unit operations within chemical manufacturing facilities often are almost an afterthought. …Unfortunately, discounting the importance of filtration can lead to major negative impacts on a process’s profitability or even on a plant’s ability to meet its customers’ needs.” |
Calculating the Real Cost of Filtration
Chemical Processing, November, 2000 |
Of course, developing and implementing a total waste minimization program is a complex undertaking. That is why I suggest starting with a simple, proven, and often overlooked way to begin minimizing – or even eliminating – waste at the source.
How? By switching – whenever possible – from liquid filters that use disposable media (such as cartridges or bags) to liquid filters with media that can be cleaned in place (self-cleaning) and re-used, such as the Ronningen-Petter brand tubular and disc clean (DCF) filters.
In doing so, you will not only create an effective filtration solution – you will also derive an immediate and significant return on investment by eliminating the never-ending cycle of purchasing replacement media. In addition, cleanable media are less labor intensive, so labor costs are reduced as well.
While these benefits still hold true today, there is a whole new impetus: the pressure to minimize waste and reduce high disposal costs.
The bottom line? Cleanable media save you money when all system costs are considered. They also enhance worker safety by minimizing opportunities for exposure to hazardous process fluids. And a switch to cleanable media represents an immediate and positive step toward your broader waste minimization goal: It makes a statement to your customers, your employees, and your industry’s regulators that you are actively contributing toward a cleaner, healthier, safer environment.
My next article will delve into the nine measurable ways self-cleaning filters can eliminate waste, lower costs, and improve process/product quality. This will go into greater detail about the advantages that cleanable media deliver over disposable types. In addition, I will cite specific examples in which Ronningen-Petter brand liquid filters are already delivering major benefits.
-- by Ask Filter Man
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