WELCOME to Volume 3, Issue1 of the INDA e-FILTER Newsletter.
This month marks the start of the third year of publication of e-FILTER, sponsored by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (www.inda.org). It is sent monthly to executives within the global filtration business and 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.
IN THIS ISSUE...
Chinese Filtration Meeting Scheduled For November
Needlepunch 2002 Scheduled For March In Greenville
FILTRATION DRAWS CROWDS DESPITE SOFT ECONOMY
Filtration 2001 was held at the Navy Pier in Chicago, IL, December 4-6 and even in a down economy the three-day International Exposition and Conference drew 1800 attendees and 122 exhibitors. In his opening remarks, Ted Wirtz, president of INDA, the organizer of the event, commented, "Despite the politics and economics, people need to do business. And they can get their needs met in one place at one time. It just makes good sense - Filtration is a one-stop shop."
To purchase the conference proceedings go to www.inda.org or contact Ann Pleasants at apleasants@inda.org.
Filtration 2002 will be held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, December 3-5, 2002. Call Marilyn Bellinger at (919) 233-1210, ext. 118; mbellinger@inda.org or Tracey Barefoot at ext. 129; tbarefoot@inda.org.
BEST BOOTHS RECOGNIZED AT FILTRATION 2001
Innovation and friendliness at booths at Filtration 2001 were rewarded with recognition as Best Booths by a panel of judges. The recipients were:
Best Large Booth (more than 200 sq. ft.)
1st Place; Biax-Fiberfilm/Innovent
2nd Place: Schmid Corp.
3rd Place: Chandler Machine
Best Small Booth
1st Place (tie): Struto, Gore Fibers
2nd Place (tie): Perforated Tubes, Conwed Plastics
JOHNS MANVILLE FORMS STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
Johns Manville announced during Filtration 2001 that it had formed a strategic alliance with Technology Transfer & Supply, Inc., Louisville, KY. Under the agreement, Technology Transfer & Supply, (Tek-Tranz) will provide sales and marketing expertise to a focused OEM market segment utilizing fiberglass filter media and specialty filter tubes produced by Johns Manville. This market encompasses a range of applications in liquid, air, gas and vapor filtration/separation. Johns Manville will retain direct sales and marketing responsibility in the HVAC industry.
H&V PURCHASES PRODUCT LINES FROM MEAD
Hollingsworth & Vose has purchased two key product lines from Mead Specialty Papers (Mead UK). The two lines are a saturated Engine Filtration Media and a portion of the Absorbent Papers product line currently supplied from Mead's Devon Valley Mill in Exeter, England. H&V will transfer the production of these products to its mills in the UK, Germany and Mexico.
BADEN AGREES TO PURCHASE PRODUCTION DYNAMICS
Baden Technologies has reached an agreement to buy 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of Production Dynamics Ltd., a private Canadian company, 50% of whose shares are owned by Richard Ball, the President and CEO of Baden. The purchase price for all of the shares of PDL is $20,000 payable in cash. PDL's business is the provision of services to satisfy the filtration needs of the petrochemical and environmental industries. This business is complementary to the current business of Baden.
GOVERNMENT FILES SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT NOTICE
From The Federal Register: In accordance with 28 CFR 50.7, notice is hereby given that a proposed Supplement to the Consent Decree in United States and State of New York, et al. v. City of New York, et al., Civil Action No. CV 97-2154 (Gershon J.) (Gold, M.J.), was lodged with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on December 12, 2001. In this action, the United States and the State of New York sought to court order requiring the City of New York to come into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300f, et seq., and the Surface Water Treatment Rule, a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, by installing filtration treatment for its Croton water supply system.
XTRANA & CUNO DEVELOPING MEMBRANES
Xtrana, Inc. and CUNO, Meriden, CT, have signed a joint development and license agreement to combine Xtrana's Xtra Bind proprietary nucleic acid extraction technologies with CUNO's nylon microporous membranes for improved nucleic-acid sample preparation. The new product, Xtra Bind Nylon-XBN membrane, will become the key component of a fully integrated sample preparation, amplification, and detection system to be developed and marketed by Xtrana. XBN membranes will also be made available through CUNO as an enabling nucleic acid sample preparation platform. XBN membranes will enable both the capture of microorganisms from samples through filtration (such as drinking water, bodily fluids, food homogenates and beverages) and the irreversible binding of nucleic acid released from these organisms following lysis.
MAIL HANDLING SYSTEM DEVELOPED TO REDUCE ANTHRAX EXPOSURE
A mail handling system to reduce anthrax exposure, called the "Safe Mail" air filtration system, is being manufactured by Custom Air Controls, Amsterdam, NY. An exhaust hood pulls air into a filter designed to capture the anthrax spores. The filter does not kill the anthrax spores, it simply contains them. The product sells for $1,495.
Custom Air Controls has reportedly sold several dozen of the Safe Mail systems to customers in Washington, D.C., New York City and Colorado. Custom Air Controls specializes in air filter systems for hospitals to control infectious diseases. The 67-pound Safe Mail enclosure was adapted from the company's other air filtration systems.
BAXTER SETTLES WITH FAMILIES OF DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Baxter International last month said it agreed to pay a total of $2.89 million to the families of 10 Spanish patients who died after kidney dialysis treatment, using Baxter products that have been blamed for the deaths of more than 50 people worldwide. The announcement came three weeks after the company said it had identified a probable link between its Althane blood filters, or dialyzers, and certain patient deaths.
Each of the 10 families will receive 55 million pesetas, or about $289,000. Settlements in wrongful death cases in Spain usually range between 20 million and 60 million pesetas. In an interview with Reuters, Baxter chairman and chief executive Harry Kraemer said he did not expect future settlements related to the dialyzers substantially to exceed $289,000 per patient, even in the United States.
"We'll do whatever is fair,'' he said. Analysts said they expected Deerfield, Illinois-based Baxter to settle all outstanding cases as soon as possible.
Kraemer said he was not blaming Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing, the maker of the solution used to test the filters for leaks and seemed to penetrate the filters, apparently causing the deaths.
NEW PRODUCT: FILTRATION IN A FLATULENCE PAD
Using proprietary filtration technology to control a similar gas (Hydrogen Sulphide) in pulp and paper manufacturing facilities, filtration engineer Jim Huza and his wife Sharron have come up with a unique product they are calling the GasBGon flatulence filter-seat cushion ($19.95). It is available at www.gasbgon.com.
"The GasBGon cushion applies for all situations in which you would rather be safe ... than sorry," said Sharron, who developed the idea when taking an Internet marketing course as a class project using her husbands' expertise in the process. Understanding human nature, the Huzas have used a humorous approach to introduce three limited edition designer patterns, Musical Solo, Silent But Deadly and The Winner's Circle. "When an outburst occurs," Jim said, "most of us squirm and we pretend we smell nothing unusual. The less reputable among us blame it on the dog."
GasBGon cushions are designed as a discrete and effective solution associated with Blazing Seat Syndrome or second hand flatulence. It incorporates a sound dampening element followed by a replaceable activated carbon material with an equivalent surface area to that of a football field.
NEW PRODUCT: EXTENDED LIFE FILTER BAG
The new "Duragaf" high-performance filter bag from Hayward Industrial Products, Elizabeth, NJ, claims to last up to five times longer than an ordinary filter bag in many applications. Small diameter fibers increase porosity while maintaining a low differential pressure. The bags are manufactured from either extended life polypropylene needled felt or extended life polyester needled felt. For information: www.hayywardindustrial.com
NEW PRODUCT: FILTRATION BENCH FOR MAILROOMS
Donaldson has custom-engineered filtration technology that can reduce contaminant coming from the exterior of unopened mail. Donaldson's High Efficiency Downdraft Bench is designed to enhance the air quality of mailrooms during the mail sorting and handling process.
The filtration bench is an extension of Donaldson's existing Downdraft Bench filtration technology. The airflow within the bench has been optimized using Fluent, a computer airflow design tool. The design minimizes "dead air" space in the bench where bacteria can collect and grow. Second, the bench uses two-stage filtration technology to capture and contain contaminants. The first-stage utilizes the high-efficiency Powercore media with Ultra-Web II nanofiber technology. This is followed by a second-stage using HEPA filtration technology.
Unopened mail is loaded onto the tabletop of the bench where it can be sorted and examined. Loose contaminants are removed from the mail on the bench by the downdraft airflow. Contaminant is then trapped on either the Powercore or the HEPA filter. The filtration bench captures contaminant of 0.3 microns in diameter and larger onto the HEPA filter at 99.97% efficiency. The bench also has a bag-in, bag-out system for the removal and replacement of filters. This system encloses the filters in a plastic bag during both installation and removal and disposal.
P&G DONATES CCF TECHNOLOGY TO CLEMSON
Procter & Gamble has donated patents for its proprietary Capillary Channel Film and Fiber (CCF) Technology to Clemson University, including rights to 10 U.S. patents and 84 foreign and pending patents and all intellectual property from the technology's development. The P&G patents, when paired with existing Clemson patents, have the potential to make Clemson a leader in absorbent materials technology.
Among the target markets for the technology: Feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products and baby diapers as well as high-performance athletic apparel. The grooves could also trap allergens in air filtration systems or deliver antibiotics through a wound-care dressing.
WIX FILTRATION NAMED PARTS DEPOT VENDOR OF THE YEAR
Wix Filtration Products, a part of Dana Corporation's Automotive Aftermarket Group, has received the prestigious 2001 Vendor of the Year award from Parts Depot, the second year in a row it has received this recognition. Parts Depot presented the honor at its recent annual sales conference. The award is in recognition of Wix's service to Parts Depot locations from Virginia to Florida.
PURADYN SIGNS AFTERMARKET DEAL WITH MACK TRUCKS
puraDYN Filter Technologies has entered into a joint venture with Mack Trucks Inc. to offer puraDYN's by-pass oil filtration systems as an aftermarket option through participating Mack truck dealers in the U.S. "This strategic alliance will enable Mack Trucks to meet their customers' needs for protecting the environment, since the use of puraDYN's system means tremendous reduction in oil purchase and disposal," said puraDYN CEO Richard C. Ford. "We also know it will save their customers money and downtime, since they will be making a simple filter change rather than draining their oil during periodic maintenance."
DONALDSON SIGNS FUEL CELL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT
Donaldson recently signed a major development contract with a Japanese automobile manufacturer to apply fuel cell-filtration science to fuel cell-powered automobiles, helping accelerate their commercialization. The first commercialized fuel cell vehicles will begin appearing in 2003. Donaldson FC3 products filter intake air and mitigate acoustics in fuel cells. The Donaldson FC3 business has more than 25 non-disclosure agreements with fuel cell manufacturers in Europe, North America and Japan.
FILTER MANUFACTURING PLANT IS OK TO CLOSE
An Oklahoma City filter manufacturing company that recently won the Oklahoma Quality Award for Excellence has been targeted as part of a corporate restructuring plan that calls for the closing of about 30 plants across the country. Dana Corp. announced last month plans to move its Oklahoma City WIX Filtration manufacturing and distribution operations to Gastonia, NC.
A corporate spokesman said the plant is one of many marked for closing or consolidation by next year and that the changes are part of a global restructuring plan that will terminate 15% of its work force and close 30 facilities. The restructuring plan was unveiled in October after the company suffered an $8 million third-quarter loss.
EMERGENCY FILTRATION RECEIVES NEW PATENT
Emergency Filtration Products recently announced the granting of another patent on its 2H filtration technology. According to Douglas Beplate, president and CTO of EFP: "This is a fundamental patent which allows EFP to safely extend its technology's reach to additional applications and industries. The company can now enter markets such as transportation, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), clean rooms and other airway management systems."
Beplate also indicated that additional patents are forthcoming which will further strengthen the company's technology platform. Products protected by this patent will perform the same basic function as EFP's current products: the removal of virus, bacteria and chemicals from environments and airflow systems, which may contain harmful elements. The company believes its ability to cost effectively remove particles as small as 0.027 microns from the air gives it a distinct advantage over competitors.
OSMONICS TO CLOSE SYRACUSE OPERATIONS
Osmonics recently revealed plans to close its Syracuse, NY facility by the end of the second quarter 2002 in continuing efforts to rationalize product lines and to reduce excess manufacturing capacity. The major product line, home reverse osmosis membrane elements, will be relocated to its facility within Osmonics' headquarters located in Minnetonka, MN.
BIOSHIELD IS PART OF GROUND ZERO EFFORT
BioShield Technologies is part of a joint project with TRIDIM Filter Corporation, Pinnacle Environmental, Annabec and Ondeo Nalco working together to eliminate the problems created in and around buildings that were affected as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center.
BioShield was approached by companies that are doing the cleaning and restoration of buildings around the World Trade Center. The existence of bacteria, mold, mildew, and pollution in buildings can be prevented by cleaning and applying a protective antimicrobial, thus, preventing cross-contamination. Current cleaning and protective application is being focused on upper levels and elevator shafts.
IWG RECEIVES ORDER FOR AIRCRAFT WATER TREATMENT
International Water-Guard Industries has received a $270,000 (Cdn) order for its NPS-A3 aircraft potable water treatment units from Bombardier Aerospace. The equipment will be installed on Bombardier's long-range Global Express business jets.
The NPS-A3 units will be installed as part of the aircraft's potable water system, and will ensure that passengers and crew are protected from waterborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Harmful micro-organisms that may be present in the water are destroyed by ultraviolet light, which scrambles the genetic code in their DNA and renders them unable to reproduce, and therefore harmless.
KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS TO ACQUIRE EARTH SPRINGS WATER
Knowledge Networks has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Earth Springs Water Co, Ambridge, PA, a reverse osmosis bottling facility with production capacity of over 27 million gallons of purified water per year. The 27,000 square foot facility opened in March 2001 and first year start-up revenues will approach $1 million.
Earth Springs' plant has two fully automated production lines capable of filling 16.9 oz., 20 oz., one liter and one gallon bottles. Both lines can be operated simultaneously with production capacity exceeding 100 gallons per minute.
PALL RATED A TOP B2B WEB SITE FOR 5TH STRAIGHT YEAR
Pall is on the list of best business-to-business web sites for the fifth consecutive year, according to a report published in BtoB Magazine, which reviewed 800 web sites to come up with its "best of" list. Pall has been on The Net Marketing 200 list every year since its inception in 1997. The Pall site is described as a, "great source of information" for the filtration business.
PURADYN NOW LISTED ON AMEX
puraDYN Filter Technologies last month began trading on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFT. puraDYN manufactures and markets a patented By-Pass Oil Filtration System that has been certified as a pollution preventing technology by the California EPA. Industry sources estimate that the size of this market is in excess of $20 billion.
AQUACELL SUPPORTING PURIFIC WITH MARKETING/AD CAMPAIGN
AquaCell Technologies has scheduled an extensive media campaign for its 30-minute infomercial on the Purific Water Cooler. The infomercial began airing December 13 on 50 stations in major markets for 60 consecutive days -- a total of 3,000 spots -- reaching more than 18 million households a day on both cable and broadcast channels. The media schedule is available on AquaCell's Web site at www.aquacell.com.
FILTER MEETINGS UPDATE
CHINESE FILTRATION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER
Opportunities in the filtration market in China will be the focus of the 2nd China International Filtration Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for November 20-22, 2002 in Shanghai, China. The first China International Conference and Exhibition in 2000 attracted 85 companies and 3,000 trade visitors. For information: www.chinanonwovens.com; info@cnta.org
NEEDLEPUNCH 2002 SCHEDULED FOR MARCH IN GREENVILLE
The biennial Needlepunch 2002 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown in Greenville, SC, March 19-21 in Greenville, SC. The program will include an "Ask the Experts" Panel, Table-top Displays for networking opportunities and, more importantly, the following areas will be covered by knowledgeable leaders in the Needlepunch industry:
New products and niche markets
Innovative fibers and fiber blends
Machinery and needle advancements
Increasing line efficiency
Improving quality of fabrics
Special sessions on Automotive, Filtration Geotextiles and a Needlepunch Short Course.
Also featured at Needlepunch 2002 will be John Rich, from U.S. Trust, who will deliver the Keynote Address. Mr. Rich will enlighten attendees about how businesses are coping in today's uncertain economy and how your company can succeed in this ever fluctuating market.
FILTER PATENTS
Process For Removing Hydrocarbons From A Liquid Mixture With a Regenerable Filter
Abstract: There is provided a process for removing hydrocarbons from hydrophilic solutions in which the adsorbent is regenerated in situ. A solution containing at least one hydrocarbon impurity is passed through a resin bed and the hydrocarbon is retained by the resin. The solution passes from the resin bed substantially reduced of hydrocarbons. The filtration bed containing the resin is regenerated in situ by passing a second liquid therethrough such that the hydrocarbon is removed in the second liquid stream and the resin is available for reuse.
Pub. No.: EP 1161291; Appl. Data: EP 00913910 2000 03 13. Applicant: MPR Services, Inc.
Method of making a seal
Assignee -- USF Filtration & Separations Group, Inc.
Abstract: An improved seal and method of making is disclosed for sealing a filter element to a filter mounting. The improved seal comprises a bonding pad formed from a sintered matrix of randomly oriented metallic fiber. The bonding pad is disposed between the filter element and the filter mounting. A mechanical fastener coacts between the filter element and the filter mounting for compressing the bonding pad to provide a seal between the filter element and the filter mounting. The bonding pad may be heated to create a frangible seal.
Patent Number: 6329625; Issue Date: 12/12/01. Inventors: Quick, Nathaniel R.; Malanga, Robert; Smolowitz, Matthew M.
Air filtration device
Assignee -- Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
Abstract: An air filtration device for intake of atmospheric air, removal of contaminants from the atmospheric air, expulsion of filtered air, includes a housing configured for application directly to an electrical outlet and provides air intake from the front surface of the housing and air expulsion from the side of the housing to utilize a wall surface to disperse the filtered air. An indicator is provided to communicate that a filter should be changed, and a filter orientation system is provided to allow proper orientation of the filter with respect to air flow.
Patent Number: 6328791; Issue Date: 12/12/01. Inventors: Pillion, Lawrence M.; Cruz, Anthony V.; Ragland, Matt R.
THAT'S ALL, FOR THIS MONTH …
To subscribe to the INDA E-FILTER newsletter and have e-mail notifications announcing new additions, please click "Ordering Form" below.
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.
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