Chemical Engineering June 2023 - 34

Shutterstock
FIGURE 4. Consider an industrial filtration system wherever there is possibility for contamination on
process lines. Upstream filtration can help to minimize operational costs by protecting more expensive
downstream filters
frictional losses.
Pressure. Likewise, where operating
pressures are too low, the flowrate
of the fluid will decrease, and the
filtration system may not be able to
effectively remove impurities. Conversely,
if
the pressure is too high,
then the fluid's velocity will increase
significantly, leading to a process
that is too fast and can damage system
components. For these reasons,
some filtration systems are designed
with regulators to adjust pressures to
desired levels.
Environmental impact. One important
trend linked to industrial filtration
processes is reducing environmental
impact and cost risk by minimizing
chemical and water waste generation.
Properly engineered filtration systems
can play a key role in assuring that
wherever disposable filters need to
be used, the filter is sized optimally to
fit the batch size, or, in other cases,
that automated filters generate minimal
backwash volume and/or purged
waste concentrate.
While these are routine challenges,
it is impossible to predict all the complexities
that can impact chemical
manufacturing and processing operations.
For this reason, companies
are advised to consult with specialists
who have solved the same challenges
many times before and can
troubleshoot problems, anticipate
facility needs and advise a correct
solution from the start.
Best practices
Additional best practices for industrial
filtration can be broadly applied
34
to all CPI facility challenges and include
the following:
Considerations for quality in, quality
out. Filtration should take place
before and after a chemical manufacturing
process has been completed,
requiring filters at liquid entry and exit
points (for instance, at loading stations
before liquids are transferred to
tankers and again as trucks unload).
Any time chemicals are transferred,
filtration should be employed on
each end to guarantee the quality of
the product (Figure 4).
Furthermore, filtration systems
should be in strict compliance with
industry codes and standards. This
ensures that the system is working
properly and will pose little risk
when it is installed and with minimal
disruption to the environment (thus
also helping to reduce the risk of
contamination; Figure 4). It should
also be configured in such a way
that future maintenance can be carried
out easily.
Considerations for operator
safety. For liquid filtration systems,
such as bag and cartridge filter
housings, that need to be opened
and
closed for
consumable
replacement,
operator safety and ergonomics
need to be factored in.
The height at which a filter housing
needs to be opened and where the
consumable needs to be extracted
from is a typical example. For instance,
where filter housings are
normally positioned in a vertical
setup, an inclined or even horizontal
position may dramatically reduce
the working height.
The method of opening and closing
the filter unit can make a difference
as well. Where traditional units
are often equipped with multiple
bolts, more operator-friendly, quickopening-and-closing
systems can
be chosen to access consumables
in seconds as opposed to minutes of
difficult manual labor (Figure 5). Note
that units should be equipped with a
proper safety system that blocks the
quick-opening mechanism while the
housing is under pressure.
High-capacity filters, offering extra
filtration surface in the same filter
housing, can also minimize needed
maintenance cycles and as such, reduce
operator exposure to potential
hazardous environments.
Finally, ample space must be
provided for operators and maintenance
personnel to access and
maneuver around the filtration unit
in such a way that minimizes exposure
to other safety hazards within
the environment.
Concluding remarks
In terms of revenue, the global industrial
filtration market was estimated
to be worth $33.5 billion in 2022 and
is poised to reach $45.2 billion by
2027, growing at a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% [1].
The market is presently driven by a
host of factors like those discussed
here, including government enacted
environmental regulations, more
stringent requirements for safe environments
and the increasing need
for process reliability. These factors
are driving demand for high-integrity,
high-performing filtration solutions.
Great care must be taken when
implementing filtration systems in
CPI facilities. Engaging an expert to
design the filtration system is a wise
investment. An expert designer will
be knowledgeable about the technical
aspects of the filtration solution,
can customize the setup to the
facility's specific requirements and
can minimize the risks associated
with inadequate filtration measures.
They will also be up to date on the
latest industry standards and technologies
and can suggest the most
effective approaches. Additionally,
they will ensure that the design falls
within all industry requirements and
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
JUNE 2023

http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM

Chemical Engineering June 2023

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