Recent Inquiry - Sterilize A Fitler

This week I have been extremely busy but was able to work with a new customer on a 3-stage filter.  After I provided the quote, customer realized that he needed to sterilize the 3rd stage filter.  Wanting to assist, I found the procedure in the owners manual but the information was limited.  I couldn't give him an incomplete answer.  With a lot of research, I was able to determine he needed to isolate the 3rd stage filter and sterilize with steam with a reverse flow direction through the filter.

I have the best customer's, they make me think and learn!



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Removing Steam Condensate

In my 16 years with in the compressed air industry, I never thought I would have to deal with steam other than with a steam turbine.  As the Parker|Balston Product Manager I had to now learn about something new, Steam Filtration.

Without going into great detail, I have learned there are two different types of steam, Wet Steam and Dry Steam.  When a boiler generates steam it heats up the water creating bubbles, these bubbles rise up and breakthrough the service pulling water droplets into the steam.  The steam is now partially wet.  (Note: this is not the case if a super-heater is used to create super-heated Steam)  

Steam dryness has affect on the total amount of transferable energy contained within the steam which affects the heating efficiency and quality.  The higher the the saturation, the less efficient.  

Wet Steam also can have an affect on how steam is filtered.  With wet steam the water molecules can condense within the filter housing, the water collects preventing the filter element from removing impurities.  With most steam filter manufacturers the recommend a drain trap before and after the filter in hopes to keep the water from collecting within the filter housing.

Parker|Balston has sold the issue of water collecting within the filter housings by designing a steam filter that will remove condensed water. Steam first enters the housing and moves into an expansion chamber, where much of the condensate is removed from the steam by the abrupt change in flow direction and velocity.  The  steam then flow upward in the housing, through the Filter cartridge, and downward to the exit port.  The water draining from filter cartridges and expansion chamber is then removed from the filter housing through a automatic condensate drain. 

Hygiene for compressed air tubing

We are all concerned about microbial contamination. In order to prevent microbial contamination we install "Sterile Filtration".  But is sterile filtration the only thing we need?  Sterile Filtration is a good start.  However, a good preventative measure is using antimicrobial tubing.  Antimicrobial tubing is used to resist degradation from mildew.  A preventative measure is always better.  

Antimicrobial tubing usually is expensive because it is treated with silver additives.  Parker|Balston has an alternative, Parflex Series EA.  Parlex Series EA tubing uses a antimicrobial additive that is fully compounded into the tubing to protect the inner and outer surfaces from degradation, foul odors, microorganisms and discoloration.  Retarding degradation can reduce system maintenance costs and keep production lines up and running longer.

Parker|Balston offers "Parflex Series EA Tubing", an alternative from "traditional expensive tubing" that uses silver additives.  Parker|Balston uses a antimicrobial additive that is fully compounded into the tubing to protect both the inner and outer surfaces from degradation.  Tubing is often used in water systems, food and beverage, health and beauty, or any where microbes that can cause a great problem.  Basically, anyone regulated by the FDA.

How It works:

Drop-in replacement for Atlas Copco Z Air-Ends (Elements)

Atlas Copco has done an excellent job locking in their customers to their service. For years customers have not had a source for air-end (elements). and other components for their oil-free machines. In fear of failure and unexpected costs, customers have locked themselves into 5 to 10 years all inclusive service contracts.

Now there is an alternative solution.  Fluid Flow is now able to provide parts and superior service for Atlas Copco ZR and ZT oil-free machines from 75 horsepower and up.  All major components are in stock in Charlotte, NC.

Fluid Flow is able to provide a better value to our customers.  The overall costs is lower, equal performance and quality and a longer warranty.

SQF Compliance with Compressed Air

There are a lot of cases of people getting sick from contaminated food from food manufacturing plants.  Just Google "Food Contamination in Food Processing Plants". 

So why are people getting sick?

One contributing factor is the compressed air.  Although the food industry has been installing oil-free air compressors and meeting ISO Classification 8573.1 for compressed air, this is no longer good enough.  Companies like Walmart are requiring their supplies to now meet the SQF Code. For compressed air this is section 11.5.7.  See Table:

Not sure if you are compliant.  Balston|Park can help.  We can assist you with the right tools that can verify if the compressed air is compliant.

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