Printable Meeting FlierJune Meeting Notice
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Frederick Tepper: Ultra High Efficiency Biological Depth Filter
Frederick Tepper
Argonide Corp
Abstract:
A pleated cartridge depth filter that utilizes nano alumina electropositive non-woven media was characterized for flow rate, particle holding capacity and filtration efficiency for virus, bacteria and suspended solids. The pore size of the media is 2 microns. Sub-micron particles are primarily retained by electroadhesive forces, owing to a high zeta potential (+50 mv @ pH 7) and a high density of adsorption sites. A dual layer version of the filter retained >6 LRV of MS2 and >7.5 LRV of E coli at a face velocity of 5 cm/min. Another version of the nano alumina filter containing powdered activated carbon (PAC) with a pore size of 3 microns had similar particle retention to the nano alumina filter.
The filter media was tested versus several other electropositive charged depth media and membranes. When challenged with A2 fine test dust at 100 and 250 NTU, the nano alumina and PAC filters were capable of reducing turbidity to less than 0.01 NTU (beta efficiency >25,000) until reaching a specified terminal pressure drop of 30 psi. One of the competitive filters leaked substantial amounts of test dust. Despite the fact that the nano alumina filter depends upon ion attraction, its adsorption efficiency for virus and test dust is minimally affected by pH over the range of 5 to 10 or when in the presence of high salinity (200 g/L NaCl). When tested against an electropositive membrane (0.1 micron pore rating) a single layer of the nano alumina had a virus capacity several times greater than the membrane. The more highly efficient two layer nano alumina had a flow rate that was substantially greater than the membranes or those depth media’s with pore sizes less than 1 micron. The nano alumina filter also retains high levels of particulates in polar solvents such as ethanol. Third party testing of nano alumina pleated cartridges at pH 9.5 and 65°C show >99.99% retention of 0.1 to 0.25 micron particles as compared to 65% retention for a competitive cartridge.
Dual layer nano alumina cartridges are very efficient at retaining a wide spectrum of particles, from micron to nanometer size, at minimal pressure drop and with significant particle capacity. They are suggested for SPE in preparative chromatographic separations, and as a drop-in replacement for lenticular filters that are widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers of other depth (lenticular) filters offer as many as nine different pore size ratings. The nano alumina avoids the uncertainty in selecting one pore size over another because of its ability to cover a very wide spectrum of applications. Other versions of nano alumina are configured to allow the use of conventional housings rather than being committed to a customized housing with its proprietary cartridge. Data are also presented on the use of nano alumina cartridge filters for protection of RO.
About the Speaker:
Frederick (Fred) Tepper currently is the President, Argonide Corp., Sanford, Fl. Since 1994 Mr. Tepper invested in nanotechnology. In 1996, he announced his retirement as the General Manager of the Instrument Division of Mine Safety Appliance Co. (MSA), of Pittsburgh and Vice President of MSA and founded Argonide, whose mission is to develop and commercialize nano materials. The work led to his invention of a novel water purification filter. Argonide has been awarded several SBIR contracts including ones from NASA (2 Phase II’s), EPA, USN, 2 Air Force and DARPA. Mr. Tepper was the Principal Investigator. In the 1970’s, Mr. Tepper led the team that developed the long life lithium (iodine) battery for pacemakers, that is still the gold standard to this day, extending pacemaker life from 1.5 to about 10 years.
Books and Reviews
• Alkali Metals and Their Compounds – Review in 15th Edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, 1974 and continuing to current edition
• J. W. Mausteller, F. Tepper and S. J. Rodgers – Alkali Metals Handling and System Operating Techniques, AEC Monograph, Gordon Breach, Publ. 1967
Publications - Mr. Tepper has published approximately 50 papers, has 9 U S patents and others pending. Since leaving MSA, his publications and patents have had a focus on filtration.
Details:
| Location: | D'ignazio's Towne House |
| Times: | 5:00 PM Executive Committee Meeting 5:45 PM Social "Hour" 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Presentation |
| Cost: | $30 |
| Dinner Choices: | Flounder Stuffed with Crab Grilled vegetable cannelloni Chicken Piccante |
NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND FACULTY: Full-time students with valid ID may attend dinner meetings at half-price. Faculty members at colleges and universities are urged to bring one or more students to the meeting. If they do, they also can attend at half-price.