Think Systems, Not Elements
As the need for high-performance filtration increases, savvy customers are increasingly looking at total system performance. Here’s a look at best practices for achieving optimal filtration results:
As technology advances, there’s a greater need for higher performance filters. Consider gas turbines, for instance. They’re used worldwide in a range of applications and conditions. Each one poses a number of challenges unique to each environment and requiring a unique solution.
We’ve researched how to get the best filtration results, even when an enormous amount of air passes through a gas turbine. What did we find? You can buy the best filter on the market, but if you install it in a poorly designed system, it won’t perform nearly as well as a better system even with the worst filter.
Companies must think in terms of filter systems, not just filter elements. The challenge is differentiating between the best systems and filters and then taking a comprehensive approach.
In a shaky economy and with looming environmental regulations, companies have been forced to change how they operate. There’s less money to spend on capital investments, so their focus has turned to protecting their equipment. They can no longer afford to tie up working capital on inventory, so they’re placing smaller orders more frequently and demanding faster response times. And, perhaps most significantly, there’s been a changing workforce.
Fewer and fewer companies have filtration experts on staff and instead rely on vendors to provide that capability. Frequently, however, vendors also may focus solely on the cost of the system.
What matters most is the total cost of operations.
Proper design of the filtration system structure and inlet ducting is as important as the selection of the filters themselves. Companies need to think about the best ways to incorporate proper system design and filter selection, in addition to meeting stringent environmental regulations and extending the life of a filter system. Step back and take a comprehensive look at the overall filter system to determine which efforts drive the greatest measurable value.
Comparing price is important, of course, but customers should also compare actual performance and case studies. The way to truly maximize performance is to maximize filtration productivity. Shaving a nickel off a particular filter element is great, but understanding how your vendors can help improve your products and processes is more important.
In short, be sure to consider how they can help you build a better business over time.
