For Immediate Release

A different version of QualiFlo® depth filtration media is now available--this version can be cleaned and re-used. Made of a proprietary combination of components and a special manufacturing process by BBA Filtration, the new version of QualiFlo offers gradient filtration for longer life, exceptional dirt holding capacity and low pressure drop. It can be easily pleated or used in other configurations. The original version of QualiFlo received the prestigious New Product Award in 1993 from the American Filtration and Separations Society.

"If you can reduce the amount you send to the landfill, it is certainly better for the environment," says Frank Baker, BBA Filtration Business Development Manager. "For example, one of the uses for QualiFlo has been as an automotive intake filtration media. The 100,000-mile intake filter has been a dream, but with our improved version of QualiFlo 'cleanable' media, it is now a reality. Out of the box, a new filter made with QualiFlo should last 30,000 miles or more, compared to conventional filters' 12,000 miles, but now it can be cleaned and used again."

QualiFlo has three distinct layers. One outer layer is a fully bonded, air-permeable, continuous filament, polyester web with filaments having a trilobal cross section; trilobal cross sections have been proven to be higher in air filtration efficiency than round filaments. The inner layer is a continuous filament, polyester web with smaller fiber diameters. The other outer layer is a fully bonded, air-permeable, high loft batt with a randomly dispersed blend of crimped polyester fibers.

QualiFlo's three layers are mechanically secured together by needling, and the needle holes are then closed through a patented process. A resin coating is used to ensure the integrity of the total composite and adjust its stiffness. This construction creates a media that is structurally strong, highly efficient for air filtration, and can be cleaned and re-used. In fact, the new version of QualiFlo is close to a gradient "metal" screen filter media in strength and durability.

As an automotive intake filtration media, QualiFlo has always lasted longer than the paper media conventionally used, in fact, up to four times longer. With its new structure, it can be washed and re-used. After cleaning, its life-span and efficiency are similar to what they were when it was new.

QualiFlo has several additional advantages over conventional paper media as an automotive air intake filtration media. It has a lower pressure drop than paper in a high moisture environment, and it offers depth or gradient filtration as opposed to surface filtration. With paper, particles build up on the surface, which means reduced efficiency and high pressure drop. With QualiFlo, pore size varies from top to bottom, and air is forced to follow a torturous path through the media. QualiFlo captures larger particles on its surface and smaller particles in its interior, which allows it to be more effective for a longer period of time.