CE Marked Coalescing Filter: EU Market Compliance & Industrial Fluid Separation Excellence
Product Introduction
The CE Marked Coalescing Filter is a precision-engineered filtration system designed to meet the stringent safety, health, and environmental protection requirements of the European Union (EU) CE Marking Directive. Tailored for critical applications in natural gas processing, aviation fuel purification, and hydraulic/lubricant systems, this coalescer ensures reliable separation of water, oil droplets, and particulates while adhering to EU regulations such as the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU), ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU), and Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC).
Certified with the CE Mark, the filter is legally recognized for sale and use in all EU member states, as well as countries adopting CE standards (e.g., Switzerland, Turkey). It combines EU-mandated safety protocols with advanced coalescence technology to mitigate risks of equipment failure, environmental contamination, and operator harm—making it the ideal solution for industries operating in the European Economic Area (EEA) and beyond.
Key Features & Advantages
1. CE Marking: EU Market Access & Regulatory Compliance
Full EU Directive Alignment: Meets PED 2014/68/EU (pressure equipment), ATEX 2014/34/EU (explosive atmospheres), and RoHS 2011/65/EU (restriction of hazardous substances).
Third-Party Validation: Tested and certified by EU Notified Bodies (e.g., TÜV Süd, Lloyd’s Register), with a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for customs clearance and market surveillance.
Global Recognition: CE Marking facilitates export to non-EU markets (e.g., Middle East, Africa) that recognize EU safety standards.
2. Ultra-High Separation Efficiency
Beta Ratio (β) > 150,000: 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) align with EN 13445 (pressure vessel design) for optimal flow distribution.
3. Robust Construction for Harsh Environments
Material Durability: 316L stainless steel (EN 10088), Hastelloy® C-276 (EN 2.4819), or aluminum alloy (EN 60068-2-27) housings resist corrosion, abrasion, and extreme temperatures (-60°C to +250°C / -76°F to +482°F).
Pressure Resistance: Rated for 1–400 bar (14.5–5800 psi), with cryogenic variants for LNG (EN 12542) and high-temperature models for refinery off-gases.
4. Energy Efficiency & Low Maintenance
Minimal Pressure Drop (<0.05 bar): Optimized flow paths (per EN 13445-3) reduce pumping energy costs by 30% compared to non-CE filters.
Extended Lifespan: 36–60 months in industrial environments (vs. 12–24 months for uncertified alternatives), with EN 60068-2-64 vibration resistance for mobile/offshore applications.
5. Enhanced Safety Features
ATEX Compliance: Available in Zone 1/21 (high-risk) and Zone 2/22 (low-risk) configurations, with flameproof (Ex d) and intrinsically safe (Ex i) variants.
Leak-Proof Seals: FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) seals (EN 1591) prevent fugitive emissions, complying with EU F-Gas Regulation (517/2014).
Working Principle
The CE Marked Coalescing Filter integrates EU-mandated safety design with proven coalescence mechanics to ensure efficient, compliant separation:
1. Fluid Intake & Pre-Filtration
Contaminated fluid (gas/liquid) enters through an EN 1092 flanged inlet, where a cyclonic separator (EN ISO 5199) removes large particulates (>10 μm) to protect downstream media.
2. Coalescence Stage (CE-Optimized Flow Paths)
Capture: Submicron droplets (0.01–5 μm) collide with electrostatically charged media fibers (e.g., PTFE-coated glass fiber, EN 60335-2-69) via turbulent flow (CFD-simulated per EN 1991-1-4). 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 (EN ISO 12215-compliant).
3. Separation & Discharge (CE Safety Mechanisms)
Gravity Separation: Enlarged droplets settle at the housing’s sloped base (EN 12449 drainage design) and drain via an automatic float valve (EN 13445).
Clean Fluid Exit: Purified fluid exits through an EN 1092 flanged outlet, with optional sensors (EN 61158) to verify compliance with EN 12673 (gas purity) standards.
Application Scenarios
1. Natural Gas Processing (EU Pipeline Networks)
Challenge: Raw natural gas from Norwegian or Dutch fields contains water vapor, H₂S, and sand, risking pipeline corrosion (EN 14161) and hydrate formation. Non-CE filters fail PED 2014/68/EU pressure tests.
Solution: Hastelloy® C-276 housing (EN 2.4819) resists H₂S; removes 99.9% of water/condensates (β>150,000) with <0.05 bar pressure drop. Complies with EN 14161 for EU pipeline safety.
2. Aviation Fuel Purification (European Airports)
Challenge: Jet fuel (Jet A-1) must meet EN 228 (<1 ppm free water, <0.3 μm particulates) to prevent icing in aircraft engines. Refueling stations require ATEX compliance for Zone 2/22 environments.
Solution: Hydrophilic media (EN ISO 12215) and FFKM seals remove <0.05 ppm water. Tested to DEF STAN 91-91 and EN 13648 (fuel filtration), ensuring compliance for airports like Frankfurt or Charles de Gaulle.
3. Hydraulic Systems (EU Manufacturing & Mining)
Challenge: Water ingress (from washdowns/condensation) forms emulsions in hydraulic oil, causing pump wear (EN ISO 4413). Cold climates (-40°C) require EN 60068-2-1 cold-weather durability.
Solution: Breaks emulsions, reduces water to <10 ppm, and extends oil life by 70%. 316L stainless steel housing (EN 10088) resists saltwater corrosion in offshore wind farms (e.g., North Sea).
Technical Data
Parameter | Specification |
|---|
Model | CE-CF400-Exd (Flameproof), CE-CF400-Exi (Intrinsically Safe) |
Fluid Type | Natural gas, aviation fuel, hydraulic oil, sour gas condensates |
Operating Pressure | 1–400 bar (14.5–5800 psi) [PED Category III/IV, ATEX Zone 1/2] |
Temperature Range | -60°C to +250°C (-76°F to +482°F); cryogenic variant: -196°C (LNG) |
Flow Rate | 200–200,000 Nm³/h (gas); 100–10,000 GPM (liquid) |
Beta Ratio (β) | β≥150,000 @ 0.01 μm; β≥300,000 @ 0.1 μm |
Removal Efficiency | 99.999% for 0.01–1 μm droplets; 99.9999% for >1 μm |
Pressure Drop | <0.05 bar @ rated flow (EN 13445-3 optimized) |
Material Compatibility | 316L SS (EN 10088), Hastelloy® C-276 (EN 2.4819), PTFE, FFKM seals (EN 1591) |
Certifications | CE Mark (PED 2014/68/EU, ATEX 2014/34/EU), EN 13445, API 618, ASTM D1655 |
Maintenance Guidelines
1. CE-Mandated Routine Inspections
Pressure Testing: Annual hydrostatic testing (1.5x MAWP) per PED Annex I; visual inspection for corrosion (EN ISO 4628).
Differential Pressure (ΔP): Monitor weekly using EN 13445-calibrated gauges; replace media if ΔP exceeds 0.1 bar (initial ΔP: 0.02–0.05 bar).
2. Media Replacement (CE-Approved Procedures)
3. Cleaning Protocols
Gas Service: Flush with dry nitrogen (EN 12673 purity) to remove combustible gases.
Liquid Service: Soak in EN 12922-compliant detergent (pH 7–9) for 30 minutes, rinse with deionized water.
4. Troubleshooting (CE Best Practices)
Leaks: Retorque flange bolts to EN 1092 torque specs (e.g., 500 N·m for 316L steel); replace seals with EN 1591-certified FFKM.
Efficiency Drop: Check for media compaction (over-tightened housing) or chemical incompatibility (EN 10088).
8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “CE Marked” mean for a coalescing filter?
It means the filter complies with EU directives (e.g., PED, ATEX), ensuring safety, environmental protection, and market access in the EEA. CE Marking requires third-party testing and a Declaration of Conformity.
2. How does CE certification differ from ATEX or PED alone?
CE Marking is an umbrella certification that may include ATEX (explosive atmospheres) and PED (pressure equipment) as subsets. A CE Marked filter integrates multiple EU directives into one compliant product.
3. Can it handle sour natural gas in EU offshore platforms?
Yes. Hastelloy® C-276 housing (EN 2.4819) resists H₂S corrosion, and the ATEX Zone 1 configuration meets EN 60079-10 for offshore explosive environments.
4. Is it suitable for aviation fuel at European airports?
Absolutely. Meets EN 228 (<1 ppm water) and DEF STAN 91-91, with FFKM seals preventing leaks in Zone 2/22 refueling stations (e.g., Amsterdam Schiphol).
5. What is the maximum pressure rating?
400 bar (5800 psi) for the CE-CF400-Exd model, with hydrostatic testing (1.5x MAWP = 600 bar) per PED Annex I.
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 CE-mandated pressure testing.
7. Does it comply with EU environmental regulations?
Yes. Leak-proof seals (EN 1591) and low pressure drop reduce fugitive emissions, aligning with EU F-Gas Regulation and Methane Strategy.
8. What is the ROI for industrial users?
Reduces downtime by 50%, extends equipment life by 60%, and avoids CE non-compliance fines—payback in 12–18 months.
Conclusion
The CE Marked Coalescing Filter is the definitive solution for industries operating in the EU and global markets prioritizing compliance, safety, and efficiency. By integrating CE marking with advanced coalescence technology, it ensures reliable separation of contaminants in natural gas, aviation fuel, and hydraulic systems—protecting assets, operators, and the environment.
Whether you manage EU pipeline networks, European airport refueling systems, or industrial machinery, this filter delivers peace of mind with third-party validation and proven performance.
Ready to upgrade to a CE-compliant solution? Contact our EU-based engineering team today for a custom design.
