- Shipping ePTFE Hydrophilic Membrane Without the Costly Step of Pre-Wetting Helps Prevent Bacteria from Growing During Storage
- Membrane Remains Hydrophilic After Exposure to Steam Autoclave Cycles, Corrosive Chemicals
KANSAS CITY, MO.---Feb. 1, 2011---Filter manufacturers can eliminate the expensive, time-consuming process of pre-wetting cartridge filters before sending them to customers, thanks to a patent-pending Aspire hydrophilic ePTFE membrane that GE (NYSE: GE) introduced today.
The elimination of pre-wetting with alcohol means manufacturers' customers also can avoid concerns about the resulting risks of bacterial contamination. GE Energy's Aspire hydrophilic ePTFE membrane meets the same criteria for bacteria retention, flow rate and chemical resistance as hydrophobic ePTFE membranes while supporting extremely low extractables and lasting hydrophilic characteristics.
"This innovation can reduce up to 40 percent of a customer's cost per cartridge," said Chris Keller---senior product manager for GE Energy Services. "There's no longer a need to pre-wet the membrane to flow water across it. End users will receive a membrane that can hold up during liquid microfiltration even after exposure to steam autoclave cycles, certain corrosive chemicals and other severe conditions. The new membrane also helps reduce the environmental impact of the alcohol waste stream."
Testing shows the new hydrophilic membranes were instantly wet with water after three autoclave cycles at 130 degrees Celsius. They also maintained water wettability and water flow after 24-hour exposure to chemicals such as 0.1N hydrochloric acid, 0.1N sodium hydroxide, dimethylformamide, acetone, isopropanol and water that's 40 degrees Celsius.
"This is an exciting breakthrough," said Bill Laidlaw, global product manager---filtration for GE Power & Water. "We have always had to pre-wet just to test the cartridge, but now, if we can ship it dry, we'll have a product that's better for our customers and for us."
To learn more about the new hydrophilic ePTFE membranes, please visit
www.ge-energy.com/membrane.
About GE Energy
GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified infrastructure, finance and media company taking on the world's toughest challenges. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, health care solutions and television programming, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy---GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas---work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.
Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
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Gina DeRossi
Soteryx Corporation
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