SPINTEK FILTRATION, INC.

Filtration Systems

SpinTek has been manufacturing proprietary industrial filtration systems and tubular membrane filtration modules for over 14 years. With expertise in membrane filtration system design and engineering of large custom filtration (media) equipment for mining filtration, SpinTek has hundreds of installations worldwide and is a market leader in providing solvent extraction (SX) filters and CoMatrix® filters for hydrometallurgical applications.

Manufacturer of robust industrial membrane systems, the rotating Speedy™ and ST-II Systems with ceramic or stainless steel membranes are suitable for harsh wastewater environments in industrial, nuclear or commercial applications. For University or Laboratory research, the new STC tabletop has a 1:1 scale-up ratio.   
 
Test Platform
The SpinTek Static Test Cell (STC) is a high-shear, high-capacity filtration system that provides valuable time and cost advantages in testing feed solutions and membrane filtration viability. The STC system provides more efficient assessment of membrane suitability for filtering a wide range of liquid products using small volumes of feed solution. 

Hydrometallurgy is the treatment of metal or separation of metal from ores and ore concentrates by liquid process, such as leaching, extraction, and precipitation.
  
Upcoming Product Releases

• Hot Caustic Recovery System
• Membrane Type Solvent Recovery System
• Sparkle Drinking Water Filters

New S Series Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes: Effective Treatment of Tough Waste Streams

Huntington Beach, CA-April 30-SpinTek Systems introduces its new 1-inch S Series Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes for filtering and concentrating difficult process and waste streams. The S Series ultrafilter concentrates latex and kaolin, oily wastewater, nuclear waste and many other tough-to-treat streams. The wide one 1-inch center channel allows SpinTek™ tubular membranes to handle feed streams with widely varying process compositions and characteristics.

In combination with the SpinTek Rotary Microfilter, SpinTek`s S Series tubular ultrafilters successfully and reliably concentrate oily wastewater to above 50 percent, precipitated heavy metals to 60 percent or greater and latex to greater than 50 percent. The S Series tubular ultrafiltration membranes are available in a wide variety of materials and pore sizes to handle most applications. Special hydrocarbon filtration, solvent resistive and high temperature tubular membranes are also available

• PVDF, PES, PS, PAN and ceramic membranes
• Pore sizes 5000 to 100,000 NMWC
• Tubes in 5, 10 and 10.5 foot lengths

SpinTek membranes can be used as part of a new SpinTek ultrafiltration system, replacements for existing plants and are available for OEM applications. When combined with other SpinTek membrane systems, such as the revolutionary ST-II Rotary Microfilter or the SpinTek ST-II spiral wound elements, they provide a complete process solution to handle most liquid/solid separations efficiently and cost-effectively.

New Tubular Membranes

Feed samples for particular applications can be tested in the SpinTek Laboratory to determine which system is best for individual applications. All SpinTek products are also available as pilot systems for on-site testing and evaluation.

The S Series Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes are now in stock and can be shipped for rapid delivery. OEM discounts are available upon request

Ceramic Ultrafilters and Membranes

SpinTek offers foul-resistant, high-shear filtration system for parts bath solutions

Speedy™ Rotating Ceramic Ultrafilter

High Productivity
Speedy™ by SpinTek solves filtration problems associated with high temperature, highly alkaline process streams and metal working fluids. This compact, high shear Rotating Ceramic Ultrafilter (RCU) significantly extends bath life in a typical metalworking or parts shop. Speedy features a rapidly spinning eleven-inch ceramic membrane disk to generate shear that is orders of magnitude greater than conventional UF systems. This powerful rotational shear prevents fouling and provides high, very stable system throughput. As a result, Speedy promotes longer bath life by effectively maintaining viable bath chemistries.

Low Maintenance
SpinTek`s high-shear, Rotating Ceramic Ultrafilter is proven superior in treating highly viscous waste streams that were previously considered untreatable. Its ceramic membrane is easily removed for quick cleaning and inspection — simply removes a few bolts and sponge off the ceramic membrane disk. The result is dramatically reduced downtime and maintenance costs, savings on bath solutions, and cleaner parts. Speedy requires minimal operator assistance and the small footprint saves space in facilities where floor space is at a premium.

Key Benefits

• Improves performance, significantly decreases downtime, and extends bath life
• Quick release clamp facilitates fast, easy opening of unit for membrane cleaning and maintenance
• Single disk ceramic membrane withstands heat, high pH
• Powerful rotational shear prevents fouling and provides high, very stable system throughput
• Available in multiple disk configurations
• Virtually foul-resistant with especially oily or sludgy streams
• Spinning eleven-inch ceramic disk generates shear that is orders of magnitude greater than conventional UF systems
• Concentrates waste and process streams previously considered untreatable
• Costs up to 75% less than competitive ultrafiltration technologies
• Small footprint eliminates floor space cramping

Highly Effective Membranes
SpinTek has spent nearly three decades in the research and development of its ceramic membranes and centrifugal systems. Formed from a fine, ceramic nanopowder, the SpinTek membranes better resist fouling from oily and sludgy materials. Combined with high shear that is orders of magnitude greater than conventional UF systems, Speedy`s ceramic membranes allow the system to process a wide variety of viscous solutions containing moderate to high solids.

Configuration
Speedy is available in a single disk configuration that is especially well-suited for operations with parts baths of 350 gallons or less. For larger volumes, Speedy is available in multiple disk configurations. The five-disk Speedy unit can process up to 1,500 gallons per day. Speedy`s low cost combined with savings from reduced maintenance and downtime brings a quick return on investment.

Ceramic™ Td Unique Ceramic Membrane by SpinTek

The SpinTek Td ceramic membrane offers a new tool for the separation of micro-sized solids from liquid, gas and air influent. The unique Td membrane starts as a 185 micron thick stainless steel substrate and then a thin (15 micron) nanopowder coating of ceramic Is bonded to the substrate. The ceramic coating has a smooth surface that resists fouling which occurs with conventional ``depth`` type ceramic membranes. The Td ceramic membrane is available in pore sizes as small as 0.07 microns and as large as 0.8 microns. The base ceramic of the Td membrane is titanium dioxide (TiO2) manufactured from nano-sized ceramic powders. This can be blended with either zirconia or with a composite of alumina and silica dioxide depending on the intended service.

Ceramic Membrane Sizes
The SpinTek Td ceramic membrane is available in square sheets 285 mm (11.2″) x 285 mm (11.2″). Larger sheets are available by precision welding standard Td sheets together. Standard circular and rectangular configurations are available and custom configurations can be laser cut to meet most needs. The Td ceramic membrane can also be rolled to a minimum dimension of 10 mm (3/8″) without damaging the membrane surface.

System Configurations
The Td ceramic membrane can be used in the SpinTek ST-II and Speedy rotary microfiltration applications. Our engineers can also custom design and fabricate specific membrane modules for most applications.

Key Benefits

• 0.07 to 0.8 micron pore sizes can be specified
• 100% membrane stability in highly alkaline and solvent environments
• Operationally stable to 300°C in air and up to 800°C in an inert or reducing atmosphere
• Smooth membrane surface resists fouling
• Tight mean pore diameter for precise filtration
• Excellent performance in oil/water separation applications
• Titanium substrate available
• Resistant to bacterial attack
• Can be sterilized with live steam

Membrane Filtration System and Tubular Ultrafiltration

ULTRA-SMALL FOOTPRINT MEMBRANE FILTRATION ANALYSIS SYSTEM

Static Test Cell (STC) Membrane Filtration System

Real-time Analysis
The SpinTek Static Test Cell (STC) is a high-shear, high-capacity membrane filtration system that provides valuable time and cost advantages in testing feed solutions and membrane filtration viability. The STC system provides more efficient assessment of membrane suitability for filtering a wide range of liquid products using small volumes of feed solution. The results from the STC can be used to design larger field demonstration systems or assist in the design of full-scale filtration products. In addition, the data developed from the STC system provides a low cost, simple method of screening feed solutions as candidates for membrane filtration.

Ultra-small Footprint
SpinTek`s advanced test platform consists of a membrane filtration system, instrumentation and a feed pump. These bench-scale sized systems collect membrane performance data on a wide variety of feed samples. Perfect for evaluating the suitability of micro, ultra, and nanofiltration membranes, the STC module accepts any flat sheet filtration membrane ``coupon`` that is available in 3″ x 4″ (75mm x 100mm) size. Each STC membrane test system includes one flat-sheet membrane test sample. The STC accepts polymeric or ceramic membranes. In addition any flat membrane sheet that can be cut into ``coupons`` can be used in the STC.

Key Benefits

• Small footprint allows operation in cramped laboratory environments.
• Ceramic membranes offer exceptional performance in high temperature, high pH and caustic feed streams.
• Easy to clean.
• Easily removable membrane
• High shear for increased flow rates, faster test with less fouling
• Accepts a wide variety of membranes
• Affordable, low cost system
• Allows assessment of waste streams previously considered untreatable.
• STC results can be used to assist in designing larger systems cost effectively.
• Single vendor growth path.

The SpinTek Advantage
SpinTek is an industry leader in the research, development and manufacture of ceramic membranes and high shear filtration systems. SpinTek`s advanced filtration systems resist fouling from oily, sludgy, caustic and highly concentrated feed streams. The STC test platform was developed exclusively for laboratories—whether university, private industry or government labs—involved in analyzing membrane filtration viability and feed stream analysis. The STC system`s low cost, efficiency and versatility in testing a variety of membranes and streams brings a new level of performance and time savings to the test process. Contact SpinTek to learn more about STC and their membrane filtration system design.

Membrane Innovation
To improve filtration efficiency in the STC system, SpinTek developed a new ceramic membrane with a pore size range from 0.07 to 0.5 microns for the filtration of high-temperature and/or chemically aggressive solutions. The membrane has a thin titanium dioxide/alumina/silica dioxide layer on top of a stainless steel substrate. The top membrane coating is 15 microns thick while the lower substrate is 250 microns. The very small size of the nanopowder ceramic produces a smooth-to-the-touch surface that resist the trapping of contaminants within the pores of the membrane.

STC process and instrumentation
Below is a process and instrument diagram (P&ID) of the STC bench-top testing equipment. The process solutions are pumped from the feed tank to the STC membrane system. A variable speed pump is used to control the flow to the system. A backpressure control valve is used to maintain a constant pressure on the membrane system.

Advanced Tubular Ultrafilters

Wide Center Channel Decreases Fouling With High Solids Streams

Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes from SpinTek™ provide excellent capabilities for filtering and concentrating difficult process and waste streams. The tubular filters feature a wide center channel design, and can handle high concentrations of suspended solids with ease, allowing the passage of even large solids without plugging your system. The ability to handle feed streams with widely varying compositions and characteristics makes these reliable, long-lasting tube membranes excellent replacements in nearly any existing in-plant system. SpinTek tube membranes concentrate latex and kaolin, oily wastewater, nuclear waste, and many other hard-to-handle streams.

Low Maintenance
In addition to their ability to concentrate difficult waste and process streams, SpinTek`s Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes feature excellent low-maintenance properties. They are designed to the most rigorous standards of performance, offering superior membrane composition with exacting tolerances. SpinTek`s optional Spongeball Cleaning System for automatic or manual operation can be added to facilitate fast, easy cleaning and inhibit the build-up of deposits that degrade system performance. So in addition to savings in concentrate disposal, you`ll achieve dramatically reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
 
Key Benefits

• Tubular filters have a wide center channel - which better handles feed streams with large solids and high levels of suspended soils without clogging
• Excellent, cost-effective replacement tubes fit nearly any existing in-plant systems
• Direct replacement of Koch™ Products

Lower you`re Replacement Costs
SpinTek Tubular Ultrafiltration Membranes are available in industry-standard diameters and lengths, providing a direct replacement for nearly an existing system, regardless of manufacturer. SpinTek also works in close alliance with OEMs seeking superior membrane technology for industrial filtration applications. Special Hydrocarbon filtration, solvent resistive and high temperature tubular membranes are available in PVDF with pore sizes from 70,000 to 100,000 NMWC.

Find a Better Solution
SpinTek Filtration provides a complete line of membrane systems including rotary disk and tubular membranes, and spiral wound systems for chemical, nuclear, oily-water, and wastewater separations. SpinTek`s custom-designed, integrated systems have proven their ability to process and concentrate solids up to 60 percent, with less maintenance and downtime in critical applications. Because reduced capital expenditure is crucial to profitability in today`s competitive economy, SpinTek is dedicated to providing the highest quality at the most reasonable cost.

Rotary Membrane System

SpinTek ST-II and ST-II 25 Rotary Membrane System

Centrifugal Membrane Filtration System
A next generation rotary membrane system is now available from SpinTek Systems for filtration and fractionation of high fouling and viscous feed solutions. The patented rotary membrane device provides a high shear force to prevent membrane fouling with a wide variety of feed solutions containing moderate to high solids levels. The ST-II is available in small laboratory sized units up to full production sized models for the food, beverage, and chemical industries. Successful operation has been performed in 90%+ recovery of protein from cheese whey, submicron filtration of lube oil, non-settleable solids concentration above 6,400 cP and fine chemical dewatering to above 40% solids. Systems are available with flow rates from 1 lph to over 50 gpm with operating pressure to 150 psig. The ST-II can use polymeric membranes, ceramic membranes and metallic membranes in various pore sizes and can also be configured to utilize any commercially available flat sheet membrane.

Description of Technology
SpinTek has developed a new generation high speed rotating membrane filtration system for laboratory and industrial filtration applications. The new SpinTek ST-II utilizes membrane disks that are rotated at variable speeds up to 20m/s to achieve an antifouling force enabling membranes to solve problems not possible before with conventional membrane systems. The new ST-II offers high and stable membrane flux allowing long term operation between cleaning, the ability to concentrate material up to 6,400 cP and also to very effectively fractionate closely sized material. The ST-II is capable of this operation due to its unique design of spinning the membrane configured disks near a stationary element. This concept provides a very high relative velocity and shear between the membrane and the feed water effectively minimizing membrane fouling. This translates to high filtrate flow rates. The energy to control fouling is transferred directly to the membrane surface where it is most effective. The ST-II does not require large and expensive recirculation pumps to attempt to minimize fouling as with conventional static membrane systems. The ST-II is capable of effectively controlling the boundary layer which causes fouling and reduction of permeation flow--power is transferred directly to the membrane surface for highest efficiency. The ST-II has a unique rotating membrane disk design that eliminates the need for artificial turbulent promoters that can plug with solids and lower system performance. The ST-II can be operated as a microfilter, ultrafilter or nanofilter.

Effect Caused by Rotating Disks
Two major effects are created by the dynamic spinning action of the new SpinTek ST-II system. The high shear allows for concentration and dewatering of solids in some cases above 40%. It also keeps the membrane surface clean so that permeation of material below the cut off size of the membrane can occur. This is especially useful in such applications as bacterial filtration of food or chemical solutions, and protein separation from fermentation broths. Specific examples of ST-II successes are vanilla extract bacterial filtration without color loss, latex recovery up to 50%, hydrated aluminum concentration to 40%, yeast concentration above 35%, biodigester sludge concentration and blood plasma fractionation.

Field Tests
Laboratory sized pilot units are available with 0.5 ft2 of membrane area and larger pilots up to 25 square feet are also available. Both types of field test units can be configured with a wide range of polymeric membranes including TFC, PVDF, polysulfone and others plus a selected supply of ceramic membranes. Most membranes are available in pore sizes ranging from 200 NMWC up to 3 microns. Virtually any type of custom membrane developed by materials researchers can also be configured into the ST-II laboratory pilot. Field test data for many applications are available from SpinTek. Pilot units are available in both standard and explosion proof ratings.

Laboratory and Production Uses
Small lab size units are available as well as production sized units of with up to 150 square feet of membrane surface. The systems are capable of processing small volumes up to 50 gpm of permeate flow rate. All stainless steel construction, explosion proof and sanitary versions are available. Piping, instrumentation and controls can be configured to meet any plant specifications and requirements.

Advantages over Conventional Membrane Filtration Systems
The rotation of the membranes allows for the energy to be applied directly to the membrane surface where it is needed to reduce fouling and the boundary layer. Efficiency is not lost by utilizing large, high pressure pumps to recirculate mass amounts of feed solution through the system to reduce fouling. It is typical for traditional cross flow membrane filters to recirculate over 98% of the feed stream, whereby the SpinTek ST-II requires less than 50% recirculation which is used for mixing. The ST-II, due to the high rotor speed, is capable of controlling the boundary layer to effectively cause fractionation. Membrane filtration is now possible for fractionation of similarly sized particles. An example is defatting of cheese whey. Conventional static membrane systems build up a layer of solids and fat on the membrane surface which impedes the passage of pure protein through the membrane by up to 65%. The ST-II prevents this material build up on the membrane and allows passage of over 95% of the protein at the same time withholding 90%+ of the fat. Membrane filtration systems have been plagued in the past with severe membrane fouling, concentration limitations, low fluxes and device plugging. The ST-II can operate without prefilters.

Types of Membranes

• Polymeric membranes--hydrophilic and hydrophobic, low protein binding, solvent resistive
• Ceramic membranes
• Metallic membranes

Pore sizes are available from 200 NMWC up to 3 microns

Solvent Extraction Filters

SX Filters a Hydrometallurgy Product

Increase your copper solvent extraction efficiency while lowering cost.
The SpinTek SX filters are specifically designed to provide excellent organic removal and filtered electrolyte for the solvent extraction market. The filters are ruggedly designed and built to operate in the difficult environments of solvent extraction plants.

The SpinTek SX filters are free standing, self-contained units available in a variety of standard sizes with individual unit flow rates of up to 660 gpm (150 m3/hr). Multiple units can provide for much higher flow rates. All vessels, media, piping, instruments and controls are provided for a completely automatic and operational filtration system.

Controls and Instruments
The SX filters are automatically controlled in service, organic recovery and backwash with a PLC in a NEMA 4X housing to protect it from the environment. Custom controllers can be engineered and built to any specification for single unit or multiple unit control.

Standard instrumentation includes two stainless steel pressure gauges with seals. A vortex flow meter, automatic flow controller, delta pressure switch and organic recovery switch, all of 316L SS, are also standard.

Piping and Valves
Standard valves for the SX filters are 316 SS butterfly with air operators. Two 316 SS sample valves are included for monitoring the system`s performance and a 316 SS safety pressure relief valve provides system protection.
Piping is manufactured of 316 SS or Drisco HDPE fusion welded and can be heat traced to prevent crystallization.

Media Filtration
The SX filters provide for excellent removal of organic and suspended solids from the electrolyte system. The SX filters use two separate layers of media for coalescing and for filtration. The upper media layer provides for organic removal down to 2 ppm while the second media layer provides electrolyte filtration down to 10 microns.

Pressure Vessels and Skid
The SX filter pressure vessels are constructed of 316L SS, built to the stringent ASME and NB requirements and stamped. Normal pressure vessel rating is 50 psig with higher ratings available.

Manways, tank supports and windows are standard for this filtration system and are also constructed of 316L SS. All vessel connections are standard ANSI flanges.

The SX filters are mounted on carbon steel skids that have been blasted to SSP-10 and coated with both epoxy and polyurethane for extra corrosion protection.

Vessel Internals
Vessel internals for inlet flow, backwash and service outlet are all constructed of 316L SS. In addition, the air and service outlet internals have 316L SS screens for media containment.

Custom Features
The SX filters can be built to a wide variety of specifications. Typical options include custom controllers, alternate piping and vessel materials, such as Hastelloy, specific welding specifications and many others, to meet the demanding requirements of clients and specifying engineering firms for their industrial filtration needs.

Standard Features

• Fine electrolyte filtration down to 10 microns
• Organic removal down to 2 ppm
• Single unit flow rates up to 660 gpm (150 m3/hr)
• Automatic operation
• Stainless steel ASME code pressure vessels
• HDPE
• Full instrumentation
• Custom modifications available

Comatrix and Matrix Towers

CoMatrix™ Tower: Excellent Organic Recovery, Plus 5X Flow Rate of Standard SX Filters

The SpinTek CoMatrix™ system is specifically designed to provide excellent organic recovery and electrolyte filtering for the solvent extraction(SX) market. The system is designed to operate at five times the flow rate of traditional SX filters.

This filtration system translates to a 65% cost reduction and reduced backwash volumes of 70%.

The CoMatrix™ systems are free standing, self-contained units available in a variety of standard sizes with individual unit flow rates of up to 3,300 gpm (750 m3/hr). Multiple units can provide for much higher flow rates. All vessels, media, piping, instruments and controls are provided for a completely automatic and operational filtration system.

Controls and Instruments
The CoMatrix™ SX filtration system is automatically controlled in service, organic recovery and backwash with a PLC in a NEMA 4X housing to protect it from the environment. Custom controllers can be engineered and built to any specification for single unit or multiple unit control.

Standard instrumentation includes two stainless steel pressure gauges with seals. A vortex flow meter, automatic flow controller, delta pressure switch and organic recovery switch, all of 316L SS, are also standard.

Piping and Valves
Standard valves for the CoMatrix™ are 316 SS butterfly with air operators. Three 316 SS sample valves are included for monitoring the system`s performance and a 316 SS safety pressure relief valve provides system protection.

Piping is manufactured of 316 SS or Drisco HDPE fusion welded, and can be heat traced to prevent crystallization.

Media and Matrix Plates
The matrix plates are fabricated of PVC and perform excellent coalescing and recovery of the organic.

The CoMatrix™ uses two separate layers of media for final organic coalescing and filtration down to 10 microns. The layers consist of both granite and anthracite media with a specially designed packing system for greater flow through the large filters.

Pressure Vessels and Skid
The CoMatrix™ pressure vessels are constructed of 316L SS, built to the stringent ASME and NB requirements and stamped. Normal pressure vessel rating is 50 psig with higher ratings available.

Manways, tank supports and windows are standard and are also constructed of 316L SS. All vessel connections are standard ANSI flanges.

The CoMatrix™ filtration system is mounted on a carbon steel skid that has been blasted to SSPC-10 and coated with both epoxy and polyurethane for extra corrosion protection.

Vessel Internals
Vessel internals for inlet flow, backwash and service outlet are all constructed of 316L SS. In addition, the backwash, air and service outlet internals have 316L SS screens for media containment.

Custom Features
The CoMatrix™ system can be built to a wide variety of specifications. Typical options include custom controllers, alternate piping and vessel materials, such as Hastelloy, specific welding specifications, and many others, to meet the demanding requirements of clients and specifying engineering firms.

Standard Features

• Easily recovered organic
• Five times the flow rate of SX filters
• Single unit flow rates up to 3,300 GPM (750 m3/hr)
• Fine electrolyte filtration down to 10 microns
• Organic removal down to 2 PPM
• 65% less capital cost than SX filters
• 70% less backwash required than SX filters
• Lower installation cost

Matrix™ Tower for 75% Organic Recovery from Aqueous

Standard Features

• Easily recovered organic
• No air introduction
• Reliable performance
• Hydrophobic Matrix plates for coalescing
• No moving parts
• Simple, safe operation

Matrix Tower for Organic Coalescing
The SpinTek Matrix™ Tower is specifically designed to provide excellent organic recovery of up to 75% from the electrolyte or raffinate stream of solvent extraction plants without air injection. The recovery of organic improves the operating efficiency of the plant and greatly reduces the backwash frequency of the dual media filters prior to electro winning.

The Matrix Towers are free standing, self-contained filtration units available in a variety of standard sizes with individual flow rates of up to 2,000 gpm (454 m3/hr) with multiple units accommodating higher flow rates. All vessels, packing and organic sensing probes are provided for a completely automatic system.

How the Filtration System Operates
The Matrix Tower has no moving parts, unlike other filtration systems. Aqueous enters through the bottom of the Matrix Tower and flows upward through SpinTek`s hydrophobic non-clogging Matrix media packing. The Matrix media packing provides a vast surface area for the organic in the aqueous stream to coalesce or ``stick`` to and collect. Additional organic will ``stick`` to the organic already on the plates to form larger droplets that will then break free and begin to float. These large organic droplets formed in the Matrix Tower are released from the packing to flow along with the aqueous moving upward through the packing.

Once the aqueous flow passes through the media packing it takes a reverse turn and flows down through the outer shell of the Matrix Tower. The lighter coalesced organic will continue in a upwardly direction and collect in the top of the tower. Here the concentrated organic is collected and automatically discharged from the tower for reuse in the plant, completing the filtration cycle.

Stable Trouble Free Operation
The Matrix Tower works well regardless of the level of incoming organic in the aqueous stream. Other filtration systems which rely on air flotation must be constantly adjusted to maintain satisfactory removal efficiencies. Air flotation of organic also causes potential personnel and environmental hazards by gassing off diluent into the air. By contrast, the Matrix Tower is a completely sealed filtration system. This safety measure assures the prevention of hydrocarbons escaping into the atmosphere.