LifeTec™ Liquid Filters for a Natural Resource

Karl Sickau, Director of Lebensgut Quelle, and developer of the bottling plant describes how the water is obtained: “By flowing through the special flow forms, the water is converted back into its natural form. It is low in sodium, suitable for a low-salt diet, and has a pleasantly neutral taste. We are convinced that we can obtain very vitalizing, healthy water, which has a positive effect on the body’s acid-alkaline balance.“

The growing numbers of customers who buy Lebensgut water are clearly also convinced. One particularly convinced consumer of this oxygen-containing, alkaline water is the largest organic bakery in Germany - and possibly in Europe - Herzberger in Fulda. Thanks to the high oxygen content, bread becomes looser and more voluminous, tastes better, and stays fresh for longer.

Solution

The new Donaldson LifeTec depth and membrane filter elements for pre, fine and sterilization filtration, which are used by Lebensgut Quelle ­and have also been used increasingly by other European companies in the drinks industry in recent months ­differ significantly from previous filter designs, due to their considerably more stable PP filter element cage, the diamond-shaped sections of which not only optimize the static, but also improve flow conditions.

With the new clean room production (Fig. 1), which was developed last year in Donaldson's Research & Development and Manufacturing Plant in Germany for several million euros, a fast, extensively digitized and customer-specific production process is possible, which permits large batches and 1-item lots. 

Karl Sickau is not dependent on 48-hour delivery, as he always has two sets of liquid filters on hand. However, many users have already noted the importance of fast order processing, irrespective of the filter media, the desired retention rate, and the connections of the different filter housing types. The new 'single piece flow' clean-room production makes this possible.

Results

For 9 years, Lebensgut Quelle has successfully worked with liquid filters made by Donaldson. Karl Sickau says (Fig. 2): “Because we have always been satisfied with the performance of the cartridge filters, we were one of the first companies to test the new LifeTec filter as it came off the clean room production line in Haan, Germany. We are very satisfied with its performance."

"The high stability of the filter cage of the 30-inch elements is remarkable. We are now more certain than ever that by inserting the filter elements into the multiple filter housing (Fig. 3) and due to the daily sterilization cycles with hot steam, no damage can occur. The filtration performance and filter integrity are so impressive that we only replace the filters after over 100 sterilization cycles. That saves us time and money.“

Why Donaldson?

Food and beverage production safety regulations are constantly evolving to address commercial and consumer demands. Organizations subject to regulatory reviews or audits are under even greater scrutiny to understand and comply with the latest certifications and requirements. Donaldson’s LifeTec line of process filters use materials suitable for direct and indirect food contact according to the Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, and European Community 1935/2004.

As a recognized leading provider of filtration solutions for sterile air, gas, liquids and steam used in the food and beverage industry, Donaldson is committed to helping its customers protect their operation and reputation with an extensive product portfolio, advanced filtration technology, and unrivaled customer support.