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From the food we eat to the water we drink to the oil that powers our cars, most substances we use require some form of filtration. As raw materials are converted to usable goods, solids must be separated from liquids; wastes set aside; and reusable materials recycled.
As economies grow and populations expand, a few industries are fueling the industrial filtration market. Given growing demands, these industries must adapt with increasingly efficient tools—namely centrifuges.
Here are a few of the most prominent ways these industries use filtration devices to produce the goods on which the global economy relies.
The Industries Behind the Growth of Industrial Filtration
1. Water Treatment
Because so many industries rely on water and must comply with water quality standards, water treatment is one of the most prominent filtration applications. Typically, water treatment involves four major processes: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.
During coagulation, positively charged chemicals are added to water to neutralize dirt and other particles, which then bind together to form a substance called floc. In turn, the heavy floc settles at the bottom of the water supply in sedimentation.
The floc doesn’t include all of the water’s impurities, however. The clear water remaining on top of the sediment must pass through a filtration process, which may include various screens and centrifuges that remove sand, dust, bacteria and viruses.
2. Chemicals
From disinfectants to fertilizers, nearly every modern chemical requires some type of filtration during its production. The specific process varies by chemical type and manufacturer, but in most cases, particle filtration is a key step. To ensure a clean product, impurities must be removed from both raw ingredients and mixed solutions. Likewise, final products are typically filtered—often with a centrifuging process—to comply with regulations and prevent contamination.
3. Pharmaceuticals
Common over-the-counter drugs and life-saving medications alike must pass rigorous quality control tests. These tests detect bacteria, viruses, dust and a host of other particulates that must be removed using a collection of filtration techniques.
In general, these techniques are similar to those used in chemical manufacturing. Particles are centrifuged, filtered and set aside from both raw materials and finished products. Given that these products are intended for human consumption, though, the standards are higher and margins for error smaller.
4. Biotechnology
Biological processes are harnessed to sustainably produce a wide range of goods, including food, medicine and fuels. Examples include the production of antibiotics from living organisms; the use of enzymes in neutralizing toxic wastes; and the engineering of crops with “built-in” pesticides. In each of these applications, desired products must be separated from mixtures of biological matter, growth media and liquid.
5. Food Processing
The food and beverage industry leverages some of the most widely recognized filtration processes. These processes include the separation of milkfat from dairy products; centrifuging crystallized sugar; and washing, separating and dewatering grains in breweries and distilleries. As populations grow and demand for specific food items increases, filtration techniques must become even more efficient.
Optimizing Industrial Filtration with Switzer
While each of these industries features different processes, products and filtration requirements, they share a few common needs: separation efficiency, reduced waste and resistance to wear and tear. By investing in highly efficient centrifuges that are built to last, manufacturers can grow sustainably and gain a competitive edge.
Switzer’s combination of design and manufacturing services can help you meet these needs. We leverage innovation and expertise to design high-precision metal filters and screens that can then be scaled and manufactured to your exact specifications. Our process not only ensures that your centrifuges will excel in their environment, but also that you have the most efficient route to scale to production.
Contact us today to learn how Switzer can help with your industrial centrifuge project.
