Development of novel in-house testing systems for innovative Additive Manufactured Filters

Filters are present in almost all pumping systems in the world. 13% of UK electrical usage is used for pumping and this represents 6% of the UK’s carbon footprint. Croft Additive Manufacturing Ltd (CAM Ltd) has developed an innovative 3D filter design, produced by metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), which decreases the pressure drop across filters thus decreasing pumping energy requirements (TSB Feasibility Study). CAM Ltd aims to use AM design freedoms to produce bespoke high value filters. To deliver these products to the marketplace CAM Ltd must overcome Testing barriers. Current tests for filters, including those for measuring pore size, apply to 2D not 3D structures. CAM Ltd requires to develop an in-house testing regime that will deliver the specifications of their innovative filters. CAM Ltd will utilise NW cluster expertise and testing facilities to adapt and develop a new testing regime that will deliver specifications for their designs. These results will demonstrate that the innovative designs are more efficient, deliver energy savings and so decrease the resultant carbon footprint. Increased customer confidence will result and enable CAM Ltd to more rapidly enter specialised markets. By utilising TSB support and the expertise available the development of the novel testing system will allow CAM Ltd to access and develop their world market share and enter UK high value supply chains.