Chemical Engineering June 2023 - 31

Feature Report
Filtration Considerations for
CPI Facilities
Numerous factors are taken into account when designing a filtration system, including
technical, logistical and safety considerations
Ulrich Latz and
Wim Callaert
Eaton's Filtration Division
F
IN BRIEF
CONTAMINATION ISSUES
QUALITY MATERIALS
ENVIRONMENTAL
SAFETY
OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS
BEST PRACTICES
CONCLUDING REMARKS
iltration is an essential step in the
production and processing of many
materials in the chemical process
industries (CPI). Beyond the efficacy
of the filtration solution itself, there are other
complexities that chemical engineering facility
operators should understand (Figure 1).
This article looks at some of the lesser-known
factors that make proper filtration in chemical
manufacturing and processing applications a
multifaceted challenge, but one that can be
solved with the right filtration technologies.
Contamination issues
Each chemical process presents unique
considerations for filtration, where the presence
of contaminants can interfere with sensitive
reactions, leading to decreased quality
of the desired output product. Particulatematter
removal for feedstocks and ancillary
fluid circulation are vital, because impurities
can also corrode and damage the internal
surfaces of process equipment, leading to
costly maintenance.
Imputities severely threaten operational
performance in interconnected chemical
processes, as inefficiencies in one area can
quickly propagate to others. Installing appropriate
filtration solutions at
key process points helps to
reduce these risks and curb
expenses while improving
end-product quality.
Whether by purifying feedstocks,
filtering process fluids
for reuse or for final purification,
chemical facilities
rely on many types of filtration
systems to accomplish
the desired separation. While
the design and operation
of these systems can vary
greatly, there are common
considerations for all filtration
systems that are important
to understand, as discussed
in following sections.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
JUNE 2023
Quality materials
Although filtration systems all strive to achieve
the same goal, quality materials are integral
for ensuring the best results (Figure 2).
Filters are typically made from various plastics,
polymers and fibers containing different
additives and surfactants. For the automotive
paints-and-coatings sector especially,
filtration products must be silicone free, including
materials of construction and the
full production process. " Silicone free " can
mean different things to different users; however,
regardless of whether it is a filter bag or
filter cartridge, the product must not contain
silicone or various other crater-forming substances.
In sufficient volumes these impurities
can cause finishes to " crater away " from
the contaminant, or they may cause paints
and coatings to lose adhesion.
The potential diffusion of leachable substances
into chemical processes is why it
is critical to ensure that the filter media are
free of impurities. Facility operators should
seek an assurance from their suppliers, who
can, in turn, offer complete traceability into
the filtration products, including lot numbers
and supplier sources. Furthermore, all
products should exhibit a globally consisShutterstock
FIGURE
1. Proper design and maintenance of filtration systems in chemical manufacturing
and processing operations are critical. So too are the use of quality products,
attention to operator safety and knowing when to lean on experts for assistance
31
http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
Chemical Engineering June 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering June 2023
