e-FILTER, sponsored by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (www.inda.org), is sent monthly to subscribers within the global filtration business. It focuses on the latest news, new products, patents, legislative issues and commentary in the filtration industry. Check out the information at the end of this newsletter on how to subscribe or submit your company's information for inclusion.

This page contains the Complete Newsletter for the January 2001 issue, to receive the e-Filter Newsletter each month by e-mail, see the ordering information at the end of this page.

IN THIS ISSUE...

This issue of the INDA e-Filter Newsletter focuses on news and new product introductions from this week's FILTRATION 2000 Conference and Exposition, held November 28-30 in Philadelphia, PA. INDA, the sponsor of the event, reported that first-day registration exceeded 2,000 people and that total attendance for the three days of conferences and two-day trade show would far surpass projections.

• Purolator System Group Recognized By Toyota
• WIX Filters Continues Box Top Redemption Program With FFA
• WaterPik Secures $15 Million Private Equity Investment
• ANSI Approves Lab Ventilation Standard
• ASML to use Donaldson LithoGuard Filtration System
• Pall's Pathogen Inactivation Blood Product Clears Hurdle
• Nanophase Technologies Announces Capital Investment
• Aramark Makes a Splash With New Water Filtration System
• Needled Nonwovens A Big Player In Brazilian Filter Market
• System to Clean Dental Waterlines Cleared for Distribution
• Stanadyne Introduces 2-Micron Filter
• New Technology Surpasses HEPA Filtration
• Rhino Goes International
• Kuss Filtration Utilizes Sonobond For Fuel Filters
• Canadian Blood Services Renews Pall Contract
• Governor Honors Pennsylvania-American for Environmental Excellence
• Melt Spinning Conference Planned For Clemson
• WIX Filters Gives Away '55 Chevy to Contest Winner
• Cities Select Zenon For Water Treatment
• FDA Clears Use of HMI's Defender
• Osmonics Puts Owner Manuals Online
• Start-Up Complete For USFilter's Zimpro In Saudi Arabia
• Technical Distributors Go European
• Pall Medical Products Receive Top Ratings
• New Product: USFilter Strantrol System
• New Product: Mott Modular Gas Filter Mount
• Filter Patent Review
• That's All For This Month

PUROLATOR SYSTEM GROUP RECOGNIZED BY TOYOTA ArvinMeritor's Purolator Filtration Systems group has been recognized by Toyota Motor Sales with their 2000 Toyota Quality Alliance Award (TQA). The annual Quality Alliance Awards reaffirms Toyota's emphasis on choosing the right partners -- those with an Unwavering commitment to excellence in products, service and support. Toyota Motor Sales chooses award winners based upon balanced scorecard, which includes various criteria, such as world-class quality, delivery, warranty, purchasing, marketing, program management and technical development requirements. ArvinMeritor's original equipment Purolator product line has received this award for the second consecutive year.

WIX FILTERS CONTINUES BOX TOP REDEMPTION PROGRAM WITH FFA WIX Filters, a leading manufacturer and distributor of filtration products, will once again conduct its box-top redemption fund-raising program with the National FFA Organization. The 16-year-old program, which provides funding to local FFA chapters across the country, requires student chapter members to collect box tops from any WIX filters product box and redeem them for donations from WIX to fund their chapters' operations and activities. Wix Filtration Products, which will make available approximately $60,000 in donations to participating local FFA chapters this year, has donated more than $475,000 to FFA to date through this program and related efforts.

WATER PIK SECURES $15 MILLION PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENT Water Pik Technologies announced in early January that it has signed an agreement to sell $15 million of common stock to two investment funds managed by Special Value Investment Management, LLC, a private equity investment company. Under the agreement, the two funds will purchase 1,973,685 newly-issued shares of Water Pik Technologies, Inc. common stock at $7.60 per share under a private placement. The Company intends to use the additional capital to fund its new product plans and for further development of lower cost manufacturing capabilities.

ANSI APPROVES LAB VENTILATION STANDARD With the very considerable focus that exists on indoor air quality (IAQ) as it relates to office buildings, schools, homes and other sites, there is still a need to carefully consider the quality of air within another confined space---the research laboratory. Within the last few weeks a new standard has been approved for Laboratory Ventilation. This approval comes from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). This 3-year revision effort has been led by Dr. Lou Di Berardinis of MIT, an expert specialist in this field.

The new standard not only provides specifications for achieving laboratory safety, but also includes an audit form for users to determine whether compliance with the standard has been achieved. The standard provides complete details on laboratory chemical hoods as well as other laboratory containment devices such as gloveboxes, ductless fume hoods and special purpose hoods used in laboratories. For more information: D. Jeff Burton, www.eburton.com.

ASML TO USE DONALDSON LITHOGUARD FILTRATION SYSTEM Donaldson Company Semiconductor Group announced late last month that ASM Lithography Holding has placed an order for its second-generation LithoGuard Filtration System totaling nearly $1 million. ASML is a world leader in advanced lithography systems that are essential to the fabrication of integrated circuits. LithoGuard protects the photolithography optics and processes in lithography systems by providing chemically filtered, clean air. The ASML order is the largest, single order in the semiconductor group's history.

PALL'S PATHOGEN INACTIVATION BLOOD PRODUCT CLEARS HURDLE A new pathogen inactivation technology that potentially can safeguard the blood supply from bacterial and viral contaminants will move forward to the next phase of testing based on the successful completion of the Phase I clinical trial of INACTINE Pathogen Inactivation Technology. The program moved through a Phase I clinical trial during the year and has progressed to a Phase II clinical trial.

Study results demonstrating that INACTINE-treated red blood cells can be stored for 28 days and retain their viability following reinfusion were presented today by James P. AuBuchon, MD, Professor and Acting Chairman, Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in San Francisco, CA. Pall Corporation is collaborating with V.I. Technologies, Inc. to be the first company to commercialize pathogen inactivation technology for red cells, the most frequently transfused blood component. The market potential for pathogen inactivated cellular blood components is $3.8 billion per year.

NANOPHASE TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES CAPITAL INVESTMENT Nanophase Technologies Corporation, a producer of in nanomaterials and nanoengineered products, plans to make significant investments in its two facilities in late 2000 and through 2001 to meet demand for its products. The company plans to invest approximately $2 million in its Burr Ridge, IL nanopowders facility, which is expected to increase specific product capability and capacity by 136% to approximately 1 million pounds annually. Nanophase also expects to invest approximately $5 million in its new Romeoville, IL facility to install a nanocoating manufacturing area using the company's patented and proprietary technology, and a pilot manufacturing line to produce commercial quantities of dispersions and formulations for current and forecasted customer applications. The company's believes that its ability to produce nanocrystalline particles of controlled size and shape is important in the fabrication of gas filtration membranes with controlled porosity.

ARAMARK MAKES A SPLASH WITH NEW WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM With increasing concern about contamination and demand for purified water at an all-time high, Aramark recently introduced the only water filtration system that offers 99% lead reduction and bacteria control, and eliminates harmful sediments like dirt, rust and many parasitic organisms. The system, AquaMark, meets the federal standard for filters that remove odor, chlorine and particles, and for filters that offer the highest protection from lead and cysts. The system has been awarded the Gold Seal from the Water Quality Association for exceeding industry standards for performance, capacity and integrity.

NEEDLED NONWOVENS A BIG PLAYER IN BRAZILIAN FILTER MARKET There are currently eight companies producing needled filters for the filtration market in Brazil, according to a report published in the December 2000 issue of Nonwovens Industry. The demand for these needled filters has seen little growth in the last three years and different fibers continue to be experimented with in the search for a better solution. Beyond polypropylene and polyester, carbon and, aramide and P-84 with different finishings are being used in filtration. Filter bags and oil filtration are among the markets being targeted by producers in that country.

SYSTEM TO CLEAN DENTAL WATERLINES CLEARED FOR DISTRIBUTION A new filtration system intended to provide improved water quality and reduce bacterial contamination in dental unit waterlines has been cleared by regulatory authorities and may now be marketed to the professional dental community. The VistaClear Dental Waterline Treatment System developed by Vista Research Group was created to help reduce high levels of organisms that have been found to accumulate and create biofilms in dental waterlines.

STANADYNE INTRODUCES 2-MICRON FILTER Stanadyne Automotive has begun production of a new 2-micron diesel fuel filter/water separator element that was developed to meet growing customer demand for ever cleaner diesel fuel. Designed for use as a final filter with Stanadyne's Fuel Manager diesel fuel filtration system, the 2-micron filter is independently rated at 99.99 percent efficiency. By comparison, while a 5-micron filter will remove water and particles as small as 2 microns, the 2-micron filter is nearly 8 percent more efficient at the 2-micron level. Overall, the new filter element removes nearly 100 percent of all particles, versus 92 percent of all particles for a 5-micron filter element.

NEW TECHNOLOGY SURPASSES HEPA FILTRATION HealthWay Products, an air quality technology company, recently introduced the next generation in air cleaning technology. The patented air sterilizing technology surpasses HEPA filters by killing 100% of airborne viruses and 94% to 100% of airborne mold, fungi and bacteria. HealthWay's filtration system also exceeds HEPA filters by removing 99.99% of particles 0.3 microns in size.

RHINO GOES INTERNATIONAL Rhino Ecosystems, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada, recently signed its largest international distributor for the sale of the patented Rhino line of Wet Waste Interceptors to the Republic of South Korea. This distributor agreement assigns to Kint and Associates Inc. the exclusive right to market all current and future Rhino Ecosystems products to the Republic of South Korea and totals $1 million in annual purchases from Rhino.

The Rhino Wet Waste Interceptor is an environmentally safe product designed to remove wet waste solids from plumbing systems, and up to 90% of the fats, oils and greases from the waste water stream being discharged through commercial, industrial and residential sinks. The wet waste solids are trapped at source in an easily removable disposable filtration membrane, which allows the residual water to flow down the drain.

KUSS FILTRATION UTILIZES SONOBOND FOR FUEL FILTERS The SeamMaster textile assembly system from Sonobond Ultrasonics has been purchased by Kuss Filtration in its assembly of the fuel filters it manufactures at its Findlay, Ohio plant. Kuss uses the ultrasonic equipment to cut custom shapes out of a ribbon of filter media as it passes through the machine. With a configuration similar to a traditional sewing machine, the SeamMaster runs in a continuous mode, cutting the material at speeds up to 120 feet per minute.

CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES RENEWS PALL CONTRACT Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has signed a two-year, multi-million dollar contract with Pall Corporation for blood filtration products. CBS collects close to 800,000 units of blood each year and it operates the blood supply system in all Canadian provinces and territories outside of Quebec. All blood collections in Canada are filtered to remove contaminating donor white cells (leukocytes) prior to transfusion. Health Canada began requiring leukocyte reduction in June of 1999.

Pall Corporation reported fiscal 2000 sales of its blood filtration products in excess of $210 million, a 14.5% increase, in local currency, over 1999. Continued adoption of routine blood filtration with full implementation, throughout North America, Western Europe and Japan is expected by 2004. The world market for blood filters is estimated at $1.2 billion. Canada is one of 10 countries, and the first in North America, to mandate routine blood filtration. The Canadian decision to filter its entire blood supply was based on the weight of clinical evidence as the means to prevent or reduce known transfusion complications.

GOVERNOR HONORS PENNSYLVANIA-AMERICAN Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge recently recognized Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC) for its commitment to protecting the environment. Pennsylvania-American submitted one of only 43 projects from across the state that was selected to receive a 2000 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for its Water Treatment Residual Program Statewide, Pennsylvania-American has successfully implemented alternative residuals management practices at 21 of its 32 water treatment facilities and is currently working on an additional three facilities. As a result of the program, PAWC beneficially uses approximately 57 percent of its dewatered residue for land application uses.

MELT SPINNING CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR CLEMSON Clemson University will once again sponsor the Fundamentals of Melt Spinning Technology and Engineering Update January 9-10 in the university's Madren Conference Center. Topics will include melt spinning of thermoplastic polymers, troubleshooting, selection of spin pack filter media and powdered melt filtration. For more information: odceregl@clemson.edu.

WIX FILTERS GIVES AWAY '55 CHEVY TO CONTEST WINNER WIX Filters, a manufacturer and distributor of filtration products, recently presented a restored 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air to Springfield, Mo.-based O'Reilly Auto Parts in recognition of the chain's participation in WIX Filter's annual toy collectible sales contest. The contest winner was determined through a random drawing of auto parts stores taking part in the holiday-season sale of WIX Filters' toy collectible cars.

CITIES SELECT ZENON FOR WATER TREATMENT Municipal Councils Across North America Select Zenon For Water Treatment Communities in Alberta, Oregon, New Hampshire and Texas have all selected Zenon's ZeeWeed membrane technology as the preferred solution to providing their residents with clean water. These projects total approximately $20 million for drinking water and wastewater plants expected to be built in 2001.

Unlike conventional methods of filtration that use chlorine to kill or inactivate certain contaminants, membranes provide superior water quality by filtering out unwanted particles. ZeeWeed membranes, in addition to removing water-borne bacteria and viruses, also remove parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia, which are resistant to chlorine and remain active in the water stream.

FDA CLEARS USE OF HMI'S DEFENDER HMI Industries, a manufacturer of the Filter Queen brand of indoor air filtration appliances has been cleared by the FDA to market the Defender Room Air Cleaner as a Class II medical device. The Defender was found to have efficiency ratings better than HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), the industry standard. The decision allows HMI to commercially market the Defender Room Air Cleaner for medical uses and the Class II Defender will be available to consumers in the near future.

OSMONICS PUTS OWNER MANUALS ONLINE The Osmonics Household Water Group recently put that the Autotrol brand control valve owner manuals online at www.osmonics.com. The digital manuals are available in the Adobe Acrobat PDF format, which prints easily and works on all computer platforms. The current Autotrol brand control valve manuals include the 255 series, Performa series, ReadySoft system and Magnum Cv controls.

START-UP COMPLETE FOR USFILTER'S ZIMPRO IN SAUDI ARABIA USFilter recently completed the construction and start-up of a Zimpro wet air oxidation system to treat spent caustic for the YANPET ethylene expansion project in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The ethylene plant is part of a major expansion by Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical (YANPET), a joint venture of Saudi Basic Industries and Mobil. Wet air oxidation is being used to treat the spent caustic generated from the ethylene cracking process. In this application, sulfides and other contaminants in the spent caustic are treated to allow discharge to the ethylene plant's biological treatment facility. Zimpro Products has supplied 24 wet air oxidation systems for spent caustic treatment within the past 10 years. The modular, skid-mounted system is designed and manufactured by USFilter's Zimpro Products in Rothschild, Wis.

TECHNICAL DISTRIBUTORS GO EUROPEAN Brammer plc and the Freudenberg Group have agreed to take a decisive step towards a stronger pan-European orientation. On January 1, Brammer, located in Altrincham, England, acquired a 51% share in the Freudenberg THF Business Group. In 2003, Brammer will have the option of taking over further shares, whereby the Freudenberg Group will, in turn, have the opportunity of converting its shares to Brammer shares.

PALL MEDICAL PRODUCTS RECEIVE TOP RATINGS Pall Medical's new Aquasafe products for the dental community recently received top ratings from "The Dental Advisor" and Dental Products Report. The Aquasafe Dental Waterline Filtration System was given a 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating and named one of "three items you have to have" by "The Dental Advisor" in Dental Economics January, 2001 edition. The Aquasafe Water Test Kit was named in the Top 100 new products for 2000 by "Dental Products Report."

NEW PRODUCT: USFILTER STRANTROL SYSTEM USFilter's Stranco Products recently introduced its Strantrol System7 Mechanical Room Control System (MRC), a new generation control system for aquatic facilities that operates as a complete mechanical room manager. The System7 MRC automatically controls the operation of all mechanical, electrical and water chemistry control devices used in the conditioning and treatment of a facility's water.

NEW PRODUCT: MOTT MODULAR GAS FILTER MOUNT Mott Corporation is now offering a 1-1/8-inch footprint C-Seal modular mount gas filter along with its existing standard component designs of Integrated Gas System Filters (IGS). Available flow rates and materials of construction for this smaller footprint are equal to those of the 1-1/2-inch C-Seal and W-Seal products. The 25 percent reduction in size compared to the 1-1/2-inch filter yields a decrease in weight, as well as a shorter overall length of the stick.

FILTER PATENT REVIEW Particle Separation Method And Apparatus: No. 6,071,422; Dennis Hlavinka and Frank Corbin, assignors to Cobe Laboratories, Inc., Lakewood, CO. Filed 5/26/98. Issued 6/6/00. An apparatus and method have been patented for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. A saturated fluidized bed of first particles forms within the fluid chamber and obstructs flow of second particles through the chamber. Additive substances alter sedimentation velocity of the first particles to modify the filtration characteristics of the saturated fluidized bed.

High Density Nonwoven Filter Media: No. 6,090,731; Pike; Richard Daniel Pike, Kurtis Lee Brown and Peter Wyndham, assignors to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., Neenah, WI. Filed 8/ 5/98. Issued 7/18/00. Recently patented is an invention providing a sheet filter medium having autogenously bonded uncrimped conjugate fibers that contain a polyolefin and another thermal plastic polymer with different melting points. The filter medium has a density between about 0.07 grams per cubic centimeter and about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter . The invention additionally provides a three dimensionally thermoformed filter medium that has a density between about 0.07 grams per cubic centimeter and about 0.5 grams per cubic centimeter .

Particle Filter In The Form Of A Pleated Non-Woven Layer: No. 6,110,250; Reinhard Jung, assignor to Irema-Filter GmbH, Postbauer-Pavelsbach, Germany. Filed 2/25/99. Issued 8/29/00. The patented invention relates to a filter arrangement including a pleated nonwoven layer for use as a motor vehicle interior filter. The nonwoven layer is in the form of a single-layer, self supporting micro-spunbonded fabric, the weight per unit area is between 70 gpsm and 200 gpsm, preferably between 110 gpsm and 150gpsm, the thickness thereof being between 0.7 and 1.5 mm, and the fiber thickness being between 2 and 20 mum with an average fiber thickness of 3 to 5 mum.

THAT'S ALL, FOR THIS MONTH … To subscribe to the monthly e-FILTER Newsletter, contact Cindy Garcia at INDA, 1300 Crescent Green, Suite 135, Cary, NC 27511; 919-233-120; cgarcia@inda.org

Any company with news for the INDA e-FILTER Newsletter, or any individual with something they want to say to the industry, should send an email to Michael Jacobsen, INDA Director of Publications, at mjacobsen@inda.org or mail to 22 Paterson Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432; 201-612-6601; Fax 201-612-6677.

The next INDA e-Filter Newsletter will be sent to you February 1, 2001.

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