Mining Safety and Health Administration accepts
High-Temperature Exhaust Filter from Donaldson Company

New disposable filter for mining applications meets key MSHA guidelines for diesel particulate matter emissions

MINNEAPOLIS - May 4 - Donaldson Company Inc. today announced that the U.S. Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has accepted* the company's new, patent pending, disposable exhaust filter for use on non-permissible mining equipment. The new filter enables mine operators nationwide to meet key emission standards for diesel particulate matter (DPM) - standards that went into effect in July 2002 for permissible equipment and July 2003 for non-permissible equipment.

MSHA's emissions regulations are designed to limit miners' exposure to DPM emissions. In developing the new disposable filter for mining applications, Donaldson Company worked with mine operators to make a filter that would withstand the unique operating environments inherent in mining applications, while also meeting key DPM standards developed by MSHA.

In the mining industry today, many permissible applications use standard cellulose filters combined with water scrubbers to lower the temperature of exhaust. While such methods serve to reduce DPM emissions, the water involved in the process often contaminates cellulose media and can reduce filter life to approximately eight hours. Additionally, cellulose media can be ineffective at the high temperatures commonly found in non-permissible applications. To overcome such problems, Donaldson designed its new disposable exhaust filter to successfully operate in exhaust systems at temperatures of up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit and meet MSHA testing requirements for filter efficiency and suitability for mining applications.

"MSHA acceptance of the Donaldson mining exhaust filter represents the culmination of a significant engineering effort within Donaldson," said Fred Schmidt, director of sales, Donaldson Company. "Our ability to retrofit a proven filter to existing mining equipment helps mine operators meet their cost and performance targets, while also improving worker safety and attaining the MSHA's DPM standard. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Donaldson's disposable exhaust filter fills an unmet need in the market. The water-resistant media performs extremely well in water-cooled permissible applications, eliminating the need for water de-misters. The filter also performs well for uncooled non-permissible applications with normal operating temperatures below 600 degrees Fahrenheit. However, exhaust applications above 600 degrees Fahrenheit may be better suited for catalyzed diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

*Meets U.S. Labor Department, Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) permissible and non-permissible (cooled and non-cooled) application criteria.

About Donaldson Company
Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial and engine markets including dust collection, power generation, specialty filtration, compressed air purification, off-road equipment, industrial compressors, and the on-road markets for heavy trucks and light vehicles. More than 9,000 employees contribute to the company's success at 34 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2003, Donaldson reported sales of more than $1.2 billion and achieved its 14th consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.

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