1998 AFS Chair - Ken Rubow

Dr. Rubow is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Mott Corporation. Dr. Rubow joined Mott in 1995 where he spent his first 7 years as VP of Engineering and R&D. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1981 and where he continued, until 1995, to conduct extensive research in the areas of particle technology, aerosol science, air quality and human exposure monitoring. He has more than 150 publications in these fields and holds four patents covering filtration products. In 2002 he received the Wells Shoemaker Leadership and Service Award from AFS and in 2005 the L. H. Mott Innovation Award from the Mott Corp.

He has been an active member of AFS since its inception. Past society positions held include: AFS Chair (1998-1999); member of the Board of Directors (1991-1996; 2001-2004, 2005-); Co-Chair (1998) AFS Annual Technical Conference and Expo; Co-Chair (1994) AFS Air Filtration Conference; Chair (1991) AFS Annual Technical Conference; and has chaired the Program, Publication, Nomination, and Long Range Planning Committees and additionally served on the Marketing, Education, Finance, Awards and Testing Committees.

Why did you join the AFS and filtration industry?

I has been actively involved in field of filtration for more than 35 years as I started my first research project at Donaldson Co. in 1971. My interest initially stemmed from an interest in environmental air quality that evolved into a quest to increase my fundamental understanding of particle filtration that then led to a drive to develop novel and/or improved filtration products.

I joined The Filtration Society in 1975 and subsequently the AFS at its inception because of my keen desire to support the advancement of this technical field, to contribute to the technical exchange, to educate others, to keep abreast of advancements in the field, and to contribute to a society that fosters the dissemination of technical information.

What changes have had the most impact on the filtration industry?

While there are innumerable drivers of change, I believe 2 drivers provided the primary influence. First governmental regulations for protection of the environment and worker health and safety created increasing demands for filtration products of all types. Secondly, improvements in our fundamental understanding of filtration properties have lead engineers to develop filtration media and design filtration products with improved performance properties, e.g., greater efficiency, lower pressure drop, longer life, lower purchase and operating costs, etc.

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

Three drivers will create ever increasing demands for improved filtration products. First, demands will continue to be driven by new and/or more stringent governmental regulations (e.g., the new diesel engine emissions regs.). Secondly, increasing worldwide public awareness of environmental pollution (e.g., air and water) and need for control of gaseous emissions (greenhouse gases) coupled with increased energy demands will all drive both industrial and consumer demands for new or improved filtration products. Lastly, industries’ needs to operate in a more cost-effective mode will drive the need for filtration products with improved performance at lower costs.