Advancements & Opportunities – Filtration Machinery and Equipment

Tuesday, October 10
11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Speakers

Kent Williamson

Head of Product Development & Quality, Ahlstrom

Expanding Wetlaid Filtration Media Performance Through Innovation

Kent Williamson

Head of Product Development & Quality, Ahlstrom

Kent Williamson is Head of Product Development for Ahlstrom, Americas. He has over 30 years of experience in the global filtration market with extensive development and customer focus in mobile engine and industrial applications.

Kent has spent his entire career with Ahlstrom in various positions in Quality, TCS and Product Development with specific focus on fibers, chemistry and processes related to a wide array of filtration media products.

Kent has a BS degree in Pulp and Paper Engineering from North Carolina State University and currently resides in Nashville, TN.

Expanding Wetlaid Filtration Media Performance Through Innovation

Wetlaid technology has played a major role in the production of filtration media for many years. Due to its versatility, this technology has sometimes been challenged with competition. However, it continues to evolve and improve, therefore allowing the production of unique and more sustainable products.

Capitalizing on the latest asset investments coupled with new and more sustainable raw materials, Wetlaid will continue to play a prominent role into the future, continuing to serve the needs of the global filtration industry. The advances in the wetlaid will enhance the capability to create new innovations and products which purify and protect.

Lothar Kaierle

VP Sales Nonwovens, American Truetzschler, Inc.

How Really Good Filter Media is Made

Lothar Kaierle

VP Sales Nonwovens, American Truetzschler, Inc.

Lothar Kaierle currently serves as the Vice-President of Sales/Nonwoven at American Truetzschler in Charlotte, NC. Mr. Kaierle began his career in the nonwoven industry in 2005 as the After Sales Manager for the Neumag Carding Division of Oerlikon, Inc. Mr. Kaierle has a Master Technician Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical College in Aichach.

How Really Good Filter Media is Made

Nonwoven filter media are indispensable materials that keep both life and economy running. Think of face masks, think of tea bags and coffee pads, think of air conditioning systems in the car or at home. But also think of hot gas filtration in cement kiln and waste incineration plants or cooling lubricant filtration in grinding processes.

Every filtration application is different and relies on a specific manufacturing process. In this presentation we’ll focus on needle-punched, through-air bonded high-loft and hydroentangled filter media. We’ll give an overview of the machinery required and solutions offered by Trützschler Nonwovens. Our focus is on the first steps of the process chain and explain why fiber preparation, carding and web forming are crucial for manufacturing top-quality, fiber-based filter media.

Jay Roth

Director of Sales, Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.

When Does Automation Make Sense?

Jay Roth

Director of Sales, Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.

Jay currently serves as Director of Sales for Elsner Engineering Works, Inc. with over 25 years of service to the company. He has a strong engineering background with degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology and a bachelor’s degree from Drexel University. A second-generation employee of Elsner, Jay worked through the ranks of the company with his first role being in the machine shop. Attending school at night while working full time for Elsner during the day, Jay was able to work his way into the engineering department. After more than 10 years as a machine designer, combining mechanical and electrical skills, Jay moved into the sales arena when the opportunity arose. Jay currently oversees the Elsner Sales team and works to support the corporation’s strategic initiatives.

When Does Automation Make Sense?

The decision to implement automation into the industrial process is essential and often guided on the principles of lean manufacturing: safety, quality, delivery, and cost. We must take each principle and use them to consider if it is the appropriate time to automate manufacturing processes.

Safety is paramount and we must identify tasks prone to repetitive motion and fatigue. Automation can help prevent injuries caused by distracted workers.

Quality is maintained through craftsmanship however technology can enhance consistency. Robotic precision can automate tasks such as glue bead placement, reducing manual labor.

Delivery expectation and labor shortages impeded timelines. Automation offers a solution. Machines do not need sick days or are concerned about the weather, which can ensure predictable production cycles.

Cost extends beyond wages. While machine costs may be daunting, the concept of lights out manufacturing can significantly reduce human related expenses.

As machine designers, engineers and builders, our collaboration with our customers and their workforce is essential. Addressing bottlenecks, enhancing quality, reducing costs, and improving job satisfaction guide the creation of our machinery.