The ancient Greeks considered the circle to be an absolutely perfect geometrical figure. In the filtration technology this evidently still applies today, as the majority of industrial filter elements irrespective of whether they are dust filters, hydraulic filters, compressed air filters or liquid filters all exhibit a round cross-section.
When the research and development department of Donaldson® engaged in more exact and optimised design for dust filters elements they discovered that a round filter cross-section is only the second best solution. Computer supported flow simulations made it evident that oval filter cartridges provide a noticeable higher air flow capacity and exhibit longer lifetimes than the traditional round filter cartridges. The reason for this is the fact that the elliptic filter form provides a reduced profoundness in the pleats of the filter media, and allows for increased spacing between the pleats. Hence the airflow rate is higher and the plated walls are stable with regard to the distance to another – the best pre-conditions for low differential pressure, long lifetime and high dirt absorption capacity.
This gained knowledge was then applied to the new filter cartridge series with elliptical cross-section. The Ultra-Web® with its matured technology and distinguishing feature of a very good separation efficiency of 99,999% for 0,5 µm particles is used for the filter media. A nano-fiber layer on the media guarantees that even the smallest particle is precipitated by the filter surface. This leads to the creation of an evenly spread filter cake which can effectively and with minor energy input be cleaned.
The new filter cartridges are amongst others used in the new Downflo® Oval 1 dust filter. These filter systems are exceptionally compact and high in performance. The combination of oval filter cartridges and an optimised de-dusting system, of which the efficiency has been improved by 30%, allows an increased airflow rate of 10%. Consequently, in many cases the user can select a smaller housing and save costs or for the same construction size receive more performance.
With these characteristics the Downflo Oval 1 dust filter opens up a wide application spectrum which ranges from the pharmaceutical industry to metal processing (laser cutters, grinding, sand blasting, etc.) to the processing of abrasive materials. An efficient service takes care of the supervision of filter systems and if desired also the responsibility for exchanging the filter elements at an optimal point in time.
The experts have also accredited the innovative development and the efficiency of the new dust filter series. The British trade journal Filtration and Separation has voted the Downflo Oval 1 as product of the year in 2002.
Donaldson Filtration Asia Pacific is headquartered in Singapore. Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial and engine markets including in-plant air cleaning, compressed air and gas purification, power generation, specialty filtration, off-road equipment and trucks. Our 10,000 employees contribute to the company’s success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2004, Donaldson reported sales of more than $1.4 billion and grew earnings for the 15th consecutive year. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.
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