Filtration companies are invited to participate in a new offering at FiltCon, the annual conference of the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS). For FiltCon 2024, Latest & Greatest Product Preview will be a new live session on the Expo floor during which companies will demonstrate their newest products. One day will focus on solid/liquid filtration product previews, and the other days will focus on air/gas filtration product previews.

Product demos offer an enhanced method to market products in front of a targeted audience.  Presenters will conduct live, interactive demonstrations to show how a product works and how it benefits attendees. 

GESSNER, a trailblazer in the world of filtration technology, has consistently provided cutting-edge and high-performing solutions for diverse industries. Among their innovations is the Naltex^TM extruded sleeves. These sleeves are uniquely engineered components utilized for the outer casing of filter elements. They are crafted from high-performance materials that deliver superior endurance against varying environmental conditions and are available in diameters ranging from 1”-8”.

The sleeves' material exhibits remarkable resilience, promoting the durability and efficiency of the filter elements. The material's robust nature allows it to resist diverse environmental conditions, making it versatile across numerous applications. They have been widely adopted across various sectors in need of media protection. They have demonstrated their efficiency in industries ranging from food and beverages to industrial applications, ensuring reliable pleat protection.

The American Filtration and Separations Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Rigoberto Advincula of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Mr. Trey Hamblet of Industrial Info Resources and Dr. Imad Khalek of the Southwest Research Institute will serve as plenary speakers at FiltCon 2024, which will take place April 8-10 in Houston.

On April 8, Dr. Rigoberto Advincula will speak on the topic “Additive Manufacturing and Membranes for High Performance.” Dr. Advincula is a Governor’s Chair Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a Group Leader at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Science and Engineering Division (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Chemistry Division (ACS), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Netzsch NATAS 2023 Fellow. Read more about Dr. Advincula here.

The first group of filtration professionals has earned the AFS Certified Professional (AFSCP) designation, having taken all required courses, met professional criteria and passed the AFSCP exam.

We are proud to announce the first class of AFS Certified Professionals:

The American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS) proudly announces the newly elected members of the AFS Scientific Committee: Vice-chair: Achim Dittler, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Nagendra Anantharamaiah, Hollingsworth & Vose; Mehdi Azimian, Math2Market, GmbH; Garrett Bergquist, Steri Technologies; Da-Ren Chen, Virginia Commonwealth University; Sudhakar Jaganathan, Hollingsworth & Vose; Wenping Li, Agrilectric Research; Hari Nemmara, Filtration Technology Corporation; Shagufta Patel, Parker Hannifin; Wilson Poon, WL Gore; Marc Schmidt, AAF Europe; Sneha Swaminathan, Hollingsworth & Vose; Delli Ganesh Venkateshan, Cummins Filtration; Sina H. Yousefi, AAF International.

These esteemed filtration professionals will join the existing members: Scientific Committee Chair: Godwin Severa, University of Hawaii; Saravanan Andan, Berry Global; Peter Cartwright, Cartwright Consulting; George Chase, University of Akron (Retired); Emrah Demirci, Loughborough University; Tinoush Dinn, BASF; Vincent EDERY, IFTS; Thad Ptak, TJ Ptak & Associates; Eunkyoung Shim, NC State University; Hooman Tafreshi, NC State University; and Andreas Wiegmann, Math2Market, GmbH.

The demand for renewable and recycled substitutes for natural leather is rapidly increasing. In the realm of synthetic materials, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) has gained prominence as a preferred material for artificial leather applications in the automotive and textile industries.

Renowned for its durability, elasticity and resistance to oil, grease and abrasion, TPU offers an attractive alternative to natural leather. TPUs with a high percentage of renewable content and superior performance are readily accessible. Importantly, these are vegan and produced without the use of animal-derived raw materials. However, TPU's appeal extends beyond its functional attributes. In a world increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of materials production, the recyclability of TPU stands out as a key advantage, marking it as a top choice for eco-conscious manufacturers.

The AFS extends its condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Ernie Mayer, one of AFS’s founding members and a long-term contributor. Dr. Ernie Mayer passed away on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Mayer made tremendous contributions to AFS in multiple capacities including as a founding member, member of the AFS Board of Directors with multiple terms, chair of Chapter Affairs/Users Committee since 1995 and a member of three other committees. He was an instructor in the AFS short course program since it started in the mid-1990s and served until recently. One of his significant contributions to AFS was that he presented multiple high-quality papers every year at AFS conferences. He was also the conference chair for three AFS annual/national conferences, co-chair of the World Filtration Congress in 2004 and chair of the 2008 Filter Testing Conference. With his great contributions and achievements, he was awarded the AFS Frank Tiller award in 1996, AFS Fellow award in 2000 and Lifetime Achievement award in 2005 (the first non-academic to receive it).

On July 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. central time, the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS) will launch a new virtual course, “What Are Filter Aids, and How Can They Improve Your Filtration?” This course will be taught by industry expert Wenping Li, R & D Director of Agrilectric Research Company, where she oversees product development and application, product quality and filtration lab management.

This course is designed for filtration professionals who are dealing with difficult-to-filter materials, such as colloids, fine, flocculated or gel-like particles, or highly viscous fluids. These types of materials tend to cause problems such as low filtration rate, poor filtrate quality, wet filter cake, a quick increase of pump pressure, short filtration time in a filtration cycle and difficult cake release. These problems are normally due to high filtration resistance either from filter media clogging or the formation of highly resistant or highly compactible filter cakes, and the solution may very well be using a filter aid.

At this year’s FiltCon, the annual conference and trade show of the American Filtration and Separations Society, a special panel discussion will take place during lunch on Wednesday, May 3.

“Sustainability in the Filtration Industry” includes the following panelists and topics:

At this year’s FiltCon, the annual conference and trade show of the American Filtration and Separations Society, a special technical track is honoring the work of retired University of Akron professor George Chase for his lifetime of service to the filtration and separations profession.

FiltCon23 will take place May 1-3 in Louisville, KY – Register here.

Dr. Wu Chen, Principal Research Scientist at Dow, will open the conference’s  events on Wednesday, May 3, at 8:30 a.m. with a plenary presentation at FiltCon 2023. This premier industry filtration event will take place May 1-3 in Louisville, KY.

Register here!

By Ken Winston, Chair, American Filtration & Separations Society 

As a fellow professional in the filtration and separation industry, I know that you understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices and technologies in your field. The AFS is the only North American organization to exclusively focus on all facets of the filtration and separations industry. As Chair of the AFS Society, I am delighted to see everyone in person for our annual conference. 

Mike Clark, President, Filtration Solutions of Hollingsworth & Vose, will kick off conference’s Tuesday events with a morning plenary presentation at FiltCon 2023. This premier industry filtration event will take place May 1-3 in Louisville, KY.

Register here!

A primary mission of the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS) is to provide a forum for the exchange of information among engineers, scientists and technologists from all areas of our industry. One initiative that upholds this mission especially well is our upcoming annual conference, FiltCon 2023.

Register Here!

AFS is accepting nominations for our annual Honorific Awards, which recognize professionals for their outstanding achievements to the Society or our industry. With the exception of the newly established Professor George Chase Award, all nominees must be members in good standing with AFS. Nominations are due March 24. Requirements and details can be read here on each of our annual awards:

• Fellow – Superior Contributions of Organization and Leadership
• Frank Tiller Award – Leadership in Engineering and Education
• Wells Shoemaker Award – Service and Leadership in Action
• Senior Scientist – For Significant Contributions to the Technology of Filtration and Separation
• Young Scientist – For Important Contributions to the Technology of Filtration and Separation
• Professor George Chase Award – For Excellence in Academic Research

Download the Honorific Awards nomination form here.

Nominations are now open for key AFS leadership positions, including multiple 2-year Board positions (2023-2025) and 2^nd Vice Chair, who serves one year as 2^nd Vice Chair, a second year as 1^st Vice Chair, a third year as Chair and a final year as Immediate Past Chair (nominations for 2^nd Vice Chair must come from the current Board of Directors). All terms begin September 2023.

All nominees and nominators must be current members of the American Filtration and Separations Society. Nominations are due March 10, and elections will begin the week of March 13. Read the AFS leadership nomination guidelines here.

At this year’s FiltCon, the annual conference and trade show of the American Filtration and Separations Society, retired University of Akron professor George Chase will be honored with a one-day technical track. FiltCon 2023 will take place May 1-3 in Louisville, KY, and this track will take place on Tuesday, May 2. Current University of Akron students and Professor Chase's past students are invited to submit abstracts specifically for this track.

>>Submit an abstract for FiltCon 2023

Membership in AFS runs on a January to December calendar year, so now is the ideal time to join or renew to maximize your membership. The upcoming year will bring a wealth of benefits to members and the employees of corporate sponsors, including discounted fees for our virtual, on-demand and in-person educational courses, discounted registration rates and booth fees for FiltCon 2023, invitations to chapter meetings and additional networking opportunities. Corporate sponsors receive company exposure through the AFS website, in the AFS Buyers Guide, at FiltCon, through the AFS regular email blasts and on AFS social media, and advertising discounts in Filtration + Separation magazine and International Filtration News.  

Learn more about corporate sponsorships here.

We are delighted to announce that AFS FiltCon, our signature spring conference and expo, will be in person this year! Scheduled in Louisville, KY, on May 1-3, 2023, the conference includes three plenary presentations, four technical tracks that include 92 technical presentations, a student poster competition and a full expo. 

A selection of signature AFS short courses will be offered Monday, May 1, for an additional fee and will include all the courses required to sit for the AFSCP exam, which will be offered for the first time at FiltCon 2023. Optional events include industry tours of JCEM and AAF Flanders and a networking event at the Louisville Slugger Museum, all of which will take place on Monday, May 1.

During the 13^th World Filtration Congress, leaders elected in June and returning leaders were installed for the coming AFS membership year.

The AFS Executive Committee for the 2022-2023 year includes the following filtration professionals: