Applications

Surface treatments that project abrasive particles at high speed onto the surface to be treated. Typically used as preparation for subsequent applications of protective coatings or as a cleanup of contaminants or other residues. The specific processes are e.g.:

• shot blasting
• (micro-)peening
• bush hammering

The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• abrasives and removed substances: type, hardness, grain size, impact speed
• possible presence of contaminants: oils, fats, humidity, etc.
• possible presence of electrostatic charges

Process of applying powders to the surface of pieces to make them resistant to various external agents. By inducing electrostatic charges, the powder is directed towards the piece, reducing the particles suspended in the air to a minimum. The coating powders vary considerably according to the results to be obtained. They are generally based on epoxy, acrylic, polyester, polyurethane or nylon. Filtration must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• air with medium-low dust load of medium-fine particle size
• presence of electric and electrostatic charges, risk of fire/explosion
• based on the paint: possible presence of special additives that modify the adherence to the surfaces; nanotreatments; water repellency; acrylic fillers etc.

Metal cutting technologies based on different operating principles. Laser cutting uses a very intense beam of light to cut the material, the plasma creates an arc between the electrode and the treated piece creating a flow of plasma at temperatures even over 20,000°C. Oxyfuel, on the other hand, uses an acetylene flame and a jet of pure oxygen. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• air with greasy/oily fumes, chemical compounds created by residues of degreasers, lubricants and paints melted at high temperatures
• dust with rather fine (laser) or medium (plasma/oxy-cut) particle size
• retained impurities that are irritating (ozone, hydrocarbons, phosgene), toxic and carcinogenic (e.g. lead, cadmium, fluorides, nickel)
• risk of fire

Process that creates connections between metal pieces by heat and/or pressure, with or without the addition of another filler metal. The smelting area must be protected from oxidation phenomena, and the molten metal must be purified of slag. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• Air with greasy/oily fumes, high temperature toxic vapors and gases, chemical compounds created by residues of degreasers, lubricants and paints melted at high temperatures
• Dust with fine particle size
• Retained impurities that are irritating, toxic and carcinogenic (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, chromium VI and nickel)
• High risk of fire/explosion (presence of greasy/oily particles and high temperature sparks)

Deburring: eliminates burrs from molded or extruded pieces by sandblasting or mechanical tools of various kinds. Grinding: process of forming materials, usually on glass and metals, in which rotary tools are mostly used. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• air with medium-high dust load of medium-fine particle size
• possibility of dust with high temperature debris

Based on the pieces worked, presence of:

• chemical compounds of various kinds – possibly irritating and/or harmful
• electrostatic charges (especially with plastic materials)

In addition, when grinding:

• presence of residues of grease, oil, humidity or pickling substances

Surface finishing processes in which rotary tools with specific discs are usually used according to the surface structure to be obtained. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• air with low dust load of medium to fine particle size
• possibility of dust with high kinetic energy and electrostatic charges
• presence of fibers from the polishing discs
• presence of waxes, greases, oils or other lubricants

Metallization groups various applications for the deposition of a thin film of metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics and composite materials on a support material. Filtration must take into account the following specific parameters:

• dust with highly variable composition, concentration and specific weight
• very fine particle size and variable technical characteristics based on the specific formulation (hardness/abrasiveness, surface adhesion, etc.)
• presence of fumes with variable chemical composition, acids or alkalines, with toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, etc.
• dust still "activated" upon impact on the filter
• possible risk of explosion

Used for the autonomous production of electricity. Large quantities of air are needed to converge in the combustion chamber and problems of various kinds can arise if it does not have the pre-established composition of particulate matter and humidity, all with serious effects on the turbine's performance and management costs. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• positioning of the turbine and the air inlet (rural, industrial, coastal area, etc.)
• turbulent air flows and high pass-through velocity
• type, granulometry, composition and humidity of the dusts strongly differ during the operation of the filter

Various types of mechanical tools are used in the cutting and processing of natural stone, marble and ceramics, often using water as a cutting or cooling medium. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• air with medium-high dust load
• particle size ranging from fine to large, as to the tools used
• possibility of wet and carcinogenic dust, or mixed with chemical composites of various kinds (especially resins, but also exploiting the presence of water as a reagent)
• possibility of explosion

Thermoplastics group together a wide range of polymers that have similar basic characteristics. These are then modified to acquire specific characteristics according to the technical requirements of the finished product. Filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• dust with highly variable granulometry and specific weight
• variable technical characteristics based on the specific formulation (abrasiveness, electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, etc.)
• presence of fumes of variable composition, including toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic chemical substances
• possible risk of explosion
• any requirement for FDA compliance or other regulations

Used in a multitude of applications, to transfer powdery products without dispersion from the point of withdrawal to a container, molding unit, dosing unit or packaging unit. Other applications are transfer to production machines or in dry lubrication. The filtration of these processes must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• very variable particle size, often very fine and self-lubricating (risk of migration) or food grade
• possibility of chemically aggressive (strongly acidic or alkaline) or moisture-reactive dust
• presence of toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic chemicals, etc.
• high risk of agglomeration and gelling
• possible risk of explosion

Specific equipment for dry vacuuming of solids, liquids, sludge and dust of various origins according to specific needs (rubble, debris, sand, asbestos, blast furnace dust, etc.). Once the contaminants have accumulated, the vehicle transfers them directly to disposal. The filter media used must therefore ensure that:

• it retains the type of contaminant, safeguarding the machine operator
• it keeps the suction volume at optimum level while working
• it remains at the same time regenerable for future uses

Silo venting takes place during filling; the air comes out without dragging the product. Filtration also takes place in the reverse direction - during emptying - to protect the product from external contamination. Filtration must therefore take into account the following specific parameters:

• product contained: type, granulometry, filling and withdrawal speed, food/pharmaceutical grade, etc.
• possible presence of contaminants, especially humidity (formation of condensation)
• possible presence of electrostatic charges

Application of (solvent or) water-based paint on artifacts of various kinds. The filter media must guarantee:

• to capture the part of the remaining solids ("overspray")
• to capture the gaseous part ("VOC")

Systems used in many different industrial processes, in the fields of chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food, metallurgical, plastic and many others. The filtration must therefore take into account the following specific parameters

• safe air/gas purification as needed
• compatibility with the needs of durability and functionality
• compatibility with the production environment eg food, chemical-pharmaceutical and electronic

Liquid filtration covers a vast field of very different applications. The filtration must therefore take into account the following specific parameters

• Fluid viscosity
• Particle size and concentration of the contaminant (if dusty) or density (if liquid)
• Chemical composition, temperature, ph, etc.
• Risk of possible interaction with filter materials
• Any requirement for FDA compliance or other regulations