Cost is a significant issue when it comes to the selection of an industrial filtration system.

Historically, the choice has been between higher operating costs vs a higher capital equipment investment.

Or otherwise stated, it is between a short-term investment and a long-term investment.

In engineering design terms, the choice is between bag or cartridge filters vs self-cleaning filters.

However, due to the new environmental regulations--and the costs associated with waste disposal--this will change significantly over the next five years. Most importantly, this is in all industries, so be prepared...

For many applications, the use of disposable bags or cartridges is the filtration method of choice. Why? Because the elements are relatively inexpensive to buy, and thought of as convenient to use.

The biggest problem with short-term investment--otherwise known as bags or cartridge filters--is that they have to be disposed of. Depending on the laws and nature of the waste, the cost of the disposal can be exorbitant.

Bags and cartridges hidden costs:

• amount of product lost with the with the waste stream
• down-time for bag change out
• hazardous waste disposal charges
• additional safety equipment for employees

One of the advantages of a capital equipment investment (self-cleaning filters) is that the automation that can be set to clean on a pre-determined schedule, or clean on demand when necessary.

How they work:
Self-cleaning filters are controlled by the pressure differential between inlet and outlet headers as contaminants collects on the filter screens. The screens automatically clean themselves when the pressure reaches a predetermined level.

In addition, this can assist when the waste is isolated and then recycled for several more uses; or when the waste is sold to another company for their use.

Due to the nature of disposable bags and cartridges, recycle-ability is not an option.

The new self-cleaning filters on the market today can now filter from 1/4" down to 15 microns, and the costs have come down significantly.

While the move over to the other side can be intimidating, it is worth investigating. You might be pleasantly surprised...

--by Ask Filter Man

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