REACH Compliant Coalescing Filter: Sustainable Separation for a Regulated World
Product Introduction
The REACH Compliant Coalescing Filter is a cutting-edge filtration system engineered to meet the stringent requirements of the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation (EC 1907/2006). Designed for critical applications in natural gas processing, aviation fuel purification, and hydraulic/lubricant systems, this coalescer eliminates or restricts the use of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)—including carcinogens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—while delivering unparalleled separation efficiency.
Certified to REACH Annex XIV (Authorization List) and Annex XVII (Restriction List), the filter ensures compliance with EU chemical safety standards, global supply chain transparency (via SCIP notifications), and corporate sustainability goals. It is the ideal solution for industries operating in the European Economic Area (EEA), Asia (e.g., China REACH), and North America (aligning with TSCA), where regulatory scrutiny of hazardous substances is intensifying.
Key Features & Advantages
1. REACH Compliance: Zero SVHCs & Full Transparency
SVHC Exclusion: Contains no REACH-listed SVHCs (e.g., lead, phthalates, bisphenol A) above the 0.1% weight-by-weight threshold, with full material declarations (IMDS, IPC-1752A) for supply chain traceability.
SCIP Database Integration: Automatically generates SCIP notifications (Article 33) for EU Waste Framework Directive compliance, enabling end-users to track hazardous substance content.
Eco-Design: Uses recyclable 316L stainless steel, bio-based media (e.g., cellulose acetate), and solvent-free adhesives to minimize environmental impact.
2. Ultra-High Separation Efficiency
Beta Ratio (β) > 250,000: Removes 99.999% of droplets ≥0.01 μm, including submicron water in aviation fuel, hydrocarbon condensates in natural gas, and emulsified oil in hydraulic oil.
Multi-Stage Customization: Pre-coalescers (bulk separation) and fine coalescers (ultrafine polishing) optimize flow distribution per ISO 16889 (hydraulic fluid cleanliness) and EN 12673 (gas purification).
3. Robust Construction for Harsh Environments
Material Durability: 316L stainless steel (EN 10088), Hastelloy® C-276 (EN 2.4819), or PTFE-lined aluminum alloy (REACH-compliant) housings resist corrosion, abrasion, and extreme temperatures (-70°C to +300°C / -94°F to +572°F).
Pressure Resistance: Rated for 1–600 bar (14.5–8700 psi), with cryogenic variants for LNG (EN 12542) and high-temperature models for refinery off-gases.
4. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
Minimal Pressure Drop (<0.03 bar): Optimized flow paths (per ISO 5167) reduce pumping energy costs by 40% compared to non-REACH filters.
Extended Lifespan: 48–72 months in industrial environments (vs. 12–24 months for conventional filters), with ASTM G155 xenon arc testing for UV resistance.
5. Global Certifications Beyond REACH
Compliance: RoHS 2011/65/EU, ATEX 2014/34/EU (explosive atmospheres), API 618 (gas compressors), ASTM D1655 (aviation fuel), and ISO 4406 (hydraulic cleanliness).
Working Principle
The REACH Compliant Coalescing Filter integrates eco-friendly materials with proven coalescence mechanics to achieve sustainable, efficient separation:
1. Fluid Intake & Pre-Filtration
Contaminated fluid (gas/liquid) enters through a REACH-compliant flanged inlet (316L stainless steel, no SVHC-coated fasteners), where a cyclonic separator removes large particulates (>10 μm) to protect downstream media.
2. Coalescence Stage (REACH-Optimized Media)
Capture: Submicron droplets (0.01–5 μm) collide with electrostatically charged bio-based fibers (e.g., cellulose acetate, free of phthalates) via turbulent flow (CFD-simulated per ISO 10628). Electrostatic attraction and van der Waals forces maximize collision efficiency.
Merging: Droplets merge into larger aggregates (50–1000 μm) as they navigate the media’s tortuous pathways, aided by hydrophobic/hydrophilic coatings (REACH Annex XVII-compliant).
3. Separation & Discharge (Eco-Safe Mechanisms)
Gravity Separation: Enlarged droplets settle at the housing’s sloped base (drainage design compliant with ISO 16001) and drain via a lead-free float valve.
Clean Fluid Exit: Purified fluid exits through a REACH-compliant outlet, with optional sensors (ISO 15839) to verify compliance with ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity) standards.
Application Scenarios
1. Natural Gas Processing (SVHC-Free Dehydration)
Challenge: Raw natural gas from EU shale fields contains water vapor, H₂S, and benzene (a REACH SVHC), risking pipeline corrosion (EN 14161) and groundwater contamination. Non-REACH filters may leach SVHCs into the environment.
Solution: Hastelloy® C-276 housing (REACH-compliant) resists H₂S; bio-based media removes 99.9% of water/benzene (β>250,000) with <0.03 bar pressure drop. Complies with EU Methane Strategy by reducing fugitive emissions.
2. Aviation Fuel Purification (REACH-Compliant Fuel Handling)
Challenge: Jet fuel (Jet A-1) must meet ASTM D1655 (<1 ppm free water) to prevent icing, while airports enforce REACH for equipment in passenger terminals (avoiding SVHCs like DEHP).
Solution: Hydrophilic bio-fibers (phthalate-free) remove <0.05 ppm water. FFKM seals (no SVHC plasticizers) prevent leaks in refueling systems (e.g., Frankfurt Airport).
3. Hydraulic Systems (Green Machinery Protection)
Challenge: Water ingress forms emulsions in hydraulic oil, accelerating pump wear. EU mining/construction equipment requires REACH-compliant components (no SVHCs like cadmium).
Solution: Breaks emulsions, reduces water to <10 ppm, and extends oil life by 80%. PTFE-lined aluminum housing (cadmium-free) resists corrosion in offshore wind farms (e.g., North Sea).
Technical Data
Parameter | Specification |
|---|
Model | REACH-CF600-EF (Eco-Friendly), REACH-CF600-HT (High-Temperature) |
Fluid Type | Natural gas, aviation fuel, hydraulic oil, sour gas condensates, LNG |
Operating Pressure | 1–600 bar (14.5–8700 psi) [ISO 4126 safety standards] |
Temperature Range | -70°C to +300°C (-94°F to +572°F); cryogenic variant: -196°C (LNG) |
Flow Rate | 200–300,000 Nm³/h (gas); 100–15,000 GPM (liquid) |
Beta Ratio (β) | β≥250,000 @ 0.01 μm; β≥500,000 @ 0.1 μm |
Removal Efficiency | 99.999% for 0.01–1 μm droplets; 99.9999% for >1 μm |
Pressure Drop | <0.03 bar @ rated flow (ISO 5167 optimized) |
Material Compatibility | 316L SS (EN 10088, REACH-compliant), Hastelloy® C-276 (EN 2.4819), bio-based fibers, FFKM seals |
Certifications | REACH (EC 1907/2006), RoHS, ATEX 2014/34/EU, API 618, ASTM D1655, ISO 8573-1 |
Maintenance Guidelines
1. REACH-Mandated Routine Inspections
Visual Checks: Monthly inspection for seal wear (using SVHC-free tools) and corrosion (per ASTM D610). Verify no SVHC leaching via surface sampling (ISO 17075).
Differential Pressure (ΔP): Monitor weekly using ISO 5167-calibrated gauges; replace media if ΔP exceeds 0.1 bar (initial ΔP: 0.02–0.05 bar).
2. Media Replacement (REACH-Approved Procedures)
Use OEM-certified REACH-compliant media (bio-based fibers, no SVHCs) to maintain β-ratio and eco-safety.
Replace entire cartridge assemblies (per ISO 16001) to avoid flow imbalances in multi-stage systems.
3. Cleaning Protocols
Gas Service: Flush with dry nitrogen (ISO 8573-1 purity) to remove condensates. Avoid solvents listed in REACH Annex XVII.
Liquid Service: Soak in biodegradable detergent (pH 7–9, REACH-compliant) for 30 minutes; rinse with deionized water.
4. Troubleshooting (REACH Best Practices)
Leaks: Retorque flange bolts with SVHC-free tools; replace seals with REACH-compliant FFKM.
Efficiency Drop: Check for media compaction (avoid over-tightening) or chemical incompatibility (cross-reference with REACH SVHC list).
8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “REACH Compliant” mean for a coalescing filter?
It means the filter contains no REACH-listed SVHCs above 0.1% weight-by-weight, with full material transparency (IMDS/SCIP notifications) to ensure compliance with EU chemical safety regulations.
2. How does REACH compliance differ from RoHS?
RoHS restricts six hazardous substances (e.g., lead, cadmium) in electronics; REACH regulates ~220 SVHCs across all industries, focusing on authorization/restriction of chemicals in articles.
3. Can it handle benzene-contaminated natural gas?
Yes. Bio-based media (REACH-compliant) removes 99.9% of benzene (a SVHC) and water (β>250,000) with <0.03 bar pressure drop, complying with EU Groundwater Directive.
4. Is it suitable for aviation fuel at EU airports?
Absolutely. Meets ASTM D1655 (<1 ppm water) and REACH for passenger-terminal equipment (no phthalates/DEHP). Tested to EN 13648 (fuel filtration) for airports like Amsterdam Schiphol.
5. What is the maximum pressure rating?
600 bar (8700 psi) for the REACH-CF600-EF model, with hydrostatic testing (1.5x MAWP = 900 bar) per ISO 4126.
6. How often should maintenance be performed?
Inspect ΔP weekly, replace media every 24–36 months (or when ΔP >0.1 bar), and conduct annual REACH compliance audits (SCIP updates).
7. Does it use biodegradable materials?
Yes. Media options include cellulose acetate (plant-based), and the 316L stainless steel housing is 100% recyclable. Adhesives are solvent-free and REACH Annex XVII-compliant.
8. What is the ROI for industrial users?
Reduces waste disposal costs by 50%, extends equipment life by 70%, and avoids REACH non-compliance fines (up to €50M)—payback in 12–18 months.
Conclusion
The REACH Compliant Coalescing Filter sets a new benchmark for sustainable industrial separation, merging regulatory compliance with unmatched performance. By eliminating SVHCs, optimizing energy efficiency, and ensuring full material transparency, it protects both your operations and the planet—from purifying natural gas in EU pipelines to safeguarding aviation fuel at global airports.
In an era of tightening chemical regulations and stakeholder demand for sustainability, this coalescer is more than a filter: it’s a strategic investment in resilience, reputation, and responsible growth.
Ready to upgrade to a REACH-compliant, eco-friendly solution? Contact our sustainability team today for a custom design.
