Problem:
A northeastern copper smelter needed to come into compliance of lower state emissions requirements. The current emissions level of 0.10 gr/ACF was being achieved with traditional filter media and at an operating temperature of 300o
 Due to the lower emissions limit and the sulfur by-product produced from the copper smelting, a special filter media would be needed. Midwesco® worked with the OEM to recommend a 16 oz. PPS filter media with an ePTFE membrane finish. PPS was chosen as the fibers can operate in a continuous temperature of 375°F (191oC) with an excursion to 400°F (204oC) before thermal degradation occurs. PPS fibers have excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. The PPS fiber characteristics coupled with the ePTFE membrane finish allowed for this copper smelter to achieve the emissions limit of 0.001 gr./ACF.
Shortly after the 1,024 filter bags were installed and commissioned, the filter bag material was wet due to moisture build-up within the baghouse. Despite the bags being wet, the filter bags did not lose any strength and have been operating at peak performance. After a few baghouse repairs were made to reduce the moisture (dewpoint), the baghouse is able to operate at 45,800 ACFM with a pressure drop of less than 6” w.g. |