Filtration is a central process in many industrial plants. However, the scale of execution varies from plant to plant. There are several filtration methods used in industries ranging from surface filtration to depth filtration and ultrafiltration. Each filtration method has its application, advantages and disadvantages. Filtration equipment employ different principles to achieve separation of filtrates from residues. Here are several ways businesses benefit from industrial filtration equipment.
Reuse and Recycling
One of the most challenging parts of running industrial processes is the management of waste products. Owing to the volume, the cost implication and environmental liability of waste production, efficient solutions for waste management are not only beneficial but necessary. Filtration systems are designed to facilitate recycling of waste and reuse of contaminated industrial products. For example, coolants and lubricants used in many industrial operations undergo magnetic filtration to clear out metallic contaminants. As a result, the operational life of the products is extended and damage to the moving parts is limited. Recycling also has financial benefits. Reuse of consumables saves on operational costs. Moreover, recycling can be cheaper than disposing waste. Although a lot of investment is needed to set up filtration systems, the return on investment is realised quickly.
Facilitation of Industrial Processes
Numerous industrial processes rely on efficient filtration systems. In oil industries, filtration systems are used to yield refined oil that is free of contaminants. Oil filtration guarantees the purity and safety of oil products. Moreover, filtration processes improve the efficiency of industrial operations. Filtration of lubricants and coolants prevents damage to industrial machines and improves efficiency by effectively reducing friction and unnecessary heat losses. As a result, maintenance needs are kept to a minimum and the operational life of industrial machines is extended.
Compliance With the Law
Due to tight regulations surrounding waste disposal, industrial filtration is necessary in some plants. Waste water can be disposed of into the sewer system. However, the water must meet specific criteria stipulated by law before disposal. The reason for the tight regulation lies in the design of sewer treatment plants. The plants operate specific treatment systems that are only effective for wastewater with particular characteristics. As a result, industrial plants must conduct in house filtration of waste products before disposal into the sewer system. There are also laws that guide the disposal of waste products not destined for the sewer system. Although the laws vary depending on the type of waste, filtration is often a requirement where liquid waste is produced.
Quality Control
Industrial processes yield waste products at different levels. Nonetheless, some products cannot fall short of pure quality and this warrants thorough filtration processes. Beverage production plants ensure their products are free of contaminants. This is in line with health and regulations. Filtration forms a major part in their quality control process. Other food processing plants have the same thorough filtration units to ensure their products are safe for consumption. Water filtration is done at domestic and industrial levels to improve the quality drinking water. Filtration improves smell and smell while clearing out hard minerals. Chemical plants also use filtration to control the quality of their products. Considering chemical reactions yield contaminants, it follows that filtration must be incorporated in quality control to yield the best products.
Automation
Modern filtration equipment are fully automated and streamline industrial processes. Traditional filtration systems are a bottleneck in the production process. Production lines have to be halted to clean out residues and service filtration units. As a result, opportunity costs increase and limit profit margins. Modern industrial filtration systems have self-cleaning functions and minimal maintenance needs. They carry out efficient filtration with minimal cost implications. Advanced industrial filtration allows factories to automate their production lines and enhance output.
There are numerous benefits accrued from running industrial filtration systems. The filtration equipment are currently part and parcel of industrial functions making them a necessary investment.