ActionLaser Case study – Water filtration

ActionLaser’s Solution for Dirty Water Filtration Applications

A Unique, Stronger, Optimised Filtration Solution

Clean Filtration Technology (CFT), a pioneering startup in Silicon Valley, developed a breakthrough filtration technology. Later acquired by Dow Chemical, CFT’s unique and patented filtration system featured cross-flow-filtration with integrated with continuous contact cleaning, targeting applications in challenging environments such as municipal sludge, industrial wastewater processing and energy.
The Problem: After experimenting with ‘off the shelf’ filtration screens adapted from the sugar processing industry. CFT faced challenges with operational lifespan and viability of the soft chrome-nickel screens, hindering commercialisation. They required tougher, longer-lasting slotted screens in the heart of the filter, capable of withstanding aggressive operating conditions.

Brief:CFT identified ActionLaser as the partner to develop robust stainless steel screens for their application. Key screen requirements included strength, longevity, optimal slot design for enhanced performance, and compatibility with the manufacturing process for their filtration devices.

The Process:ActionLaser partnered with CFT and later Dow Chemical over four years, collaborating on numerous projects to develop tailored screen solutions. ActionLasers’s expertise in laser drilling stainless steel was pivotal, offering insights into screen attachment, slot orientation for brush cleaning systems, and optimisation of fabrication processes.
Joint Research & Development projects with Dow Chemical’s PhD staff explored cutting-edge scanning technology to precisely measure filtration slot parameters, achieving unprecedented accuracy and performance standards.

The Solution: ActionLaser invested in the development of new state-of-the-art laser technology capable of drilling ultra-narrow slots (as small as 30 µm) with high open area – the first in the world to pioneer this – exceeding Dow Chemical’s stringent specifications.
Over two years, ActionLaser iteratively refined screen designs, enabling efficient manufacturing and superior filter system performance. The resulting CFT filtration unit was successfully launched globally, supporting Dow Chemical’s position in the filtration market with an extended lifespan product.

Outcome and Benefits: Initial tests confirmed that ActionLaser’s chrome-coated stainless screens met and exceeded CFT’s durability and performance requirements. The newly developed filters were licensed to a third party and continue to be sold worldwide.

Conclusion: The successful collaboration between CFT/Dow and ActionLaser advanced technological boundaries in filtration. ActionLaser’s proactive adoption of new technology ensured that client requirements were met and products achieved leading performance standards. Despite CFT’s change of ownership, the quality and performance of the laser drilled screens support the filtration products and ensure that the solution remains a valuable technical offer to end customers.

For further information, or to discuss your business needs contact:

W: www.actionlaser.com

E: [email protected]