1993 AFS Chair - Lew Osterhoudt

Lew Oesterhoudt was the AFS Chair in 1993-1994.  He has recently retaken an AFS leadership role as current Marketing Committee Chair.

Since 1974, I’ve spent the majority of my career in various areas of water treatment.  I’ve spent over 15 years with Keystone Filter – a filter cartridge manufacturer.  I’ve also worked in ion exchange, specifically as it relates to ultra-pure water treatment.  Additionally I spent some time working on water disinfection technologies, focusing specifically on using iodine for water disinfection.  This had many interesting applications, including livestock growing and helping third world countries with water disinfection.  Lastly I spent some time working on arsenic removal technologies, and developed an economical point of use treatment system that I presented to the government of Bangladesh as part of an effort to help that poor country that is being ravaged by arsenic poisoning on a massive scale.

Why did you join the AFS and filtration industry?

I joined the old UK based Filtration Society back in 1974 when I began working in a little cartridge manufacturer named Keystone Filter.  Back then the energy and enthusiasm of Wells Shoemaker and Harry Sandstedt sparked an interest in getting involved in this society that has long been a valuable source of information and a format for the presentation of new developments in the filtration and separation industries.

What changes (technology, economic, governmental, environmental etc) have had the most impact on the filtration industry?

Technology has always had a major impact, as new developments provide the framework for more efficient processes.  Examples include better membrane materials and more recently the focus on nanofibers provides the opportunity for more efficient removal of smaller particles and microbiologicals.  The demand for higher purity water is extending to the potable water market, as concerns deepen about the biosecurity of our water supply.  Governmental and environmental influences change with the political wind direction, and in recent times the almost total disregard for the environment will have considerable impact as the worsening air and water quality will once again become a major political issue.

Where do you see the filtration industry in 5-10 years?

More water and air contaminants will become issues, and the industry will respond to these needs as they come up.  Probably the most significant trend that should continue is the massive consolidation that has occurred and can be expected to continue.  This will continue to change the face of the industry as fewer companies compete on a larger scale