Non aqueous pigment filtration 1

[DaveBrowns]

I work in a plastics manufacturing company which runs small custom jobs. These require quick machine turn around times, including colour and compound (flexible PVC) changes. I would like to implement a system for improving colour change times and would like to know if there are any efficient systems available for separation of pigments from phthalates such as DINP? I would like to recirculate oil (DINP) through the pigment process lines to remove the old colour, while filtering the pigment out of the DINP. The pigments are ground to a particle size of < 20 micron. By removing pigment from the process lines, introduction of the next colour will proceed much quicker. Separating the pigment and oil will also reduce the amount of waste generated.

 

[StoneCold]

I suppose you could use cartridge filters. I have had good luck with the string wound fiberglass filters for some other applications. I would think you could easily catch any particles larger than 1 micron with the filters. The good thing about a couple of 10" single can filters is that it is very cheap to try, so if it does not work you are not out much.

Good luck

StoneCold

 

[DaveBrowns]

Stone Cold: I was thinking the same thing. I contacted the Pall Corp for some advise and they don't think this is possible due to the high solids loading of the pigment. (I didn't mention the solids loading in my post of 70%) I saw a picture of an ink-jet ink filtration system and it is the size of a small house. I think the surface area required for the solids level would make this system impractical. I may still try it on a bench model.