Sintering specialist spreads applications
18 May 2001
Porvair Technology, a company specialising in the application of porous materials, has introduced several new developments across its ranges of filtration media.
For chemical process filtration the Wrexham-based manufacturer now has a standard range of its Sinterflo porous stainless steel candle filters. 'Our Sinterflo candles have previously been primarily custom-made,' says filtration market manager Roy Rigby, 'but increasing demand, particularly from the chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries, has meant that we have had to make the candles easier to order.'
The standard elements are now available in a wide variety of sizes and fittings. They are isostatically formed, with no seam weld. Specific application areas include steam, catalysts recovery, compressed air, hot gas, aggressive liquids, and high temperature and pressure applications.
A more specialist application area is the target for the launch of a stainless steel powder media for capsule filters used in the manufacture of polyester film. Rigby again: 'It has taken us two years of research and development and careful powder selection to create this new Sinterflo media. The improved media uniformity and permeability results in longer on-stream life, while the improvement in strength means that these regenerable filters will not need to be replaced so often.'
As well as its sintered metal products, Porvair also produces a range of plastics materials made from Vyon. This has now gained approval for contact with potable water from the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). 'This WRAS approval is a major breakthrough and opens up many new markets to us,' says Simon Clark, Porvair's market manager for environmental solutions.
'Vyon has chemical resistance, narrow pore size distribution and is extremely durable. It is self supporting and mouldable to almost any dimensional shape. For water filtration manufacturers it is particularly attractive as a support media for activated carbon and ion exchange resins.'
