Abstract
Demands for higher quality materials, reduced manufacturing costs and environmentally clean processes are forcing industry to move away from traditional methods of separation and purification, such as distillation and pasteurization, towards the use of filtration. Currently utilized filter systems are capable of offering low energy, more efficient and environmentally friendly operations. Unfortunately, the widespread use of high-performance filtration is restricted by the lack of suitable filter media materials. Such media must offer: low cost; durability; chemical resistance, particularly to acids and alkalis; resistance to high temperatures, for both operation and sterilization purposes; no particulation (i.e., release of filter media particles into the filtrate stream); mechanical strength to cope with pressure swings; separation efficiency, particularly for particles in the 0.1 to 100 microns range; and biocompatibility for certain applications such as the filtration of blood. Although the prior art provides many types of materials which remove, filter, or capture gases and particulate materials, these filters do not offer the efficiency, performance, and durability demanded by new, high-performance applications. Mechanical methods of filtration typically operate by physical exclusion.
Technical Details
The invention introduces a novel method for whisker formation on metallic fibers and substrates to greatly increase the total surface area of a metal alloy fiber or substrate medium. Catalytic coatings can then be easily and efficiently adhered to said substrates, providing dual benefits for filtration and catalytic activity. The fine whiskers greatly increase the total surface area of the fiber or alloy substrate medium to improve filtration efficiency, especially in terms of small particle removal. In addition, the whiskered fiber or substrate medium is a good host for the catalysts, which are useful in applications such as, hot gas cleaning and catalytic converters. Due to the existence of the fine whiskers, the adherence of the catalyst is greatly strengthened, which is useful in harsh environments where thermal shock or strong vibration is an issue.
Benefit
Inexpensive to produceResistant to chemical and high temperaturesNot subject to particulationHigh in mechanical strengthSuperior separation efficiencyBiocompatibleMarket Application
Cleaning exhaust gasesPower plantsPetrochemical and chemical plantsAutomobile catalytic convertersFiltration systems using a particulate filterPolymer filtrationCatalyst recovery burnersIndustrial gas filtrationLiquid filtrationCatalyst and implant supports
Brochure
