PFi launches advanced titanium industrial filter

Diversified automation and manufacturing company Products for Industry (PFi) has launched an Australian-first titanium membrane filter (pictured) suitable for use in a wide range of industries.

The Darra, Brisbane machine automation products, systems and solutions provider has won its first export orders for the new filter into the UK spirits market.

Developed by Gilbert Erskine, of Adelaide’s Advanced Metallurgical Solutions and local universities, PFi is installing specialised furnaces at its Darra plant to produce the titanium membrane filtration range.

PFi CEO Gavin Dunwoodie said the filter was made by furnacing titanium powder onto the internal surface of an array of tiny cigarette like tubes.

Dunwoodie told @AuManufacturing: “It takes a fair bit of expertise to build.

“The applications are enormous, from abattoirs and dairy factories through to municipal authorities, the product will offer results that no other filtration products can repeat, including the life cycle of the membrane.”

Dunwoodie said the advantages of utilising titanium were well understood, however utilisation within infiltration applications was not.

The company was excited to be able to commercialise the process.

“We have already employed five new staff across design and equipment build and we are expecting another 15 to start fairly quickly.

“The product dovetails well into our existing manufacturing and capability and our reputation for building quality will open global supply chains which is also very exciting.”

Products For Industry was founded in 2005, and has since completed over 200 turn-key safety system projects, mechanical and electrical installation jobs, robotics turn-key systems, automation projects, and the design and build of custom machinery.

PFi recently moved into its new 11,000 square metre Darra factory focusing on food and beverage automation, aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing projects.

Dunwoodie said: “Australia has a tremendous opportunity to exploit low interest rates, government stimulus and currency advantage to win competitive advantage on a global scale.

“Domestic markets will recover and openings for credible Australian manufacturing supply chains will develop.”

Picture: PFi

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