Mantec Expertise Proves Decisive Again
Mantec Technical Ceramics, working in conjunction with fellow group company Xtract Filtration Systems, is capping off a highly encouraging Q1 with the signing of an order worth around £300,000 with one of the world’s leading precious metals companies.
The products on order – all of which are scheduled for delivery by the end of Q2 – will form part of a massive £250 million capital project and operational overhaul underway at the client’s extensive facility in Europe. Mantec has supplied this processing centre previously, and was chosen again as it has a proven track record in high-performance ceramic membranes that can handle complex material mixes efficiently, sustainably and with great throughputs.
Mantec sales director Tim Evans said: “We were in on the ground some while ago, assisting with assessing exactly what would be needed and what the ideal configuration would be. This project demonstrates not only the compatibility of our advanced technical ceramics knowledge and manufacturing expertise, but also our ability to undertake design, prototyping, testing, and contract feasibility studies. We will deliver custom-made solutions that will be integrated into one of the largest process redesigns in the industry.”
Mantec has been contracted to supply a number of specialised filter housings, some manufactured in polypropylene and others in PTFE-lined carbon steel. The company will also manufacture and supply its proprietary Star-Sep™ ceramic membranes, fitted within the housings, that will facilitate the effective crossflow filtration process at the heart of the new facility.
Star-Sep™ Ceramic Membranes
Star-Sep™ membranes deliver efficient crossflow microfiltration. The star-shaped channels increase the filtration area by 20% when compared with the area of circular channels of the same diameter. This results in fewer membranes per housing and a smaller overall footprint. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the star channel is 30% less, which lowers the required volumetric flow compared with a circular channel of the same diameter, resulting in a reduction of the pumping energy requirement. The cost effectiveness of the process is therefore substantially improved.
PTFE lining of some housings is essential as they need to be highly chemically resistant and able to demonstrate excellent performance and stability in what is an aggressive environment, often involving extremely corrosive materials. Star-Sep™ ceramic membranes are also durable in this respect. Additionally, PTFE linings have a low friction coefficient and demonstrate good thermal stability and high tensile strength. Mantec’s custom systems and housings can be used in a wide variety of industrial solid-liquid separation applications.
