Filter media change improves finishing performance

Changing from conventional paper filters to an alternative media has dramatically improved filtration performance and reduced costs for specialist aircraft finisher.

Changing from conventional paper filters to Dralle CPA media supplied by Hodge Clemco has dramatically improved filtration performance and reduced costs for specialist aircraft finisher Sprayavia International.

Sprayavia finishes a wide variety of military and commercial aircraft at its premises in Norfolk, using a range of high-performance coatings formulated specifically for the aerospace industry.

In order to reduce filter media costs and improve filtration performance, the company asked Hodge Clemco to propose alternatives to the traditional paper filters then in use.

Hodge Clemco recommended single-stage Dralle CPA filters as a cost-effective way of achieving the high holding capacity and low pressure drop required.

The material consists of multi-layer multi-density polyester which achieves a holding capacity nearly three times greater than standard paper media and reduces run-off by 90 per cent.

Efficiency is 99.53 per cent with paint droplets of 3 microns and above, compared with a figure of 97.12 per cent when paper media are used.

Initial pressure drop is only 0.04in at 150ft/min, against 0.14in with paper.

The Dralle media was initially installed in fixed and mobile extractors in one of the finishing bays at Sprayavia, measuring some 50m x 50m.

Following successful use of the material in this bay for two years, the company installed it in a second bay of a similar size earlier this year.

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