New Cartridge Filter Technology from GE Osmonics Produces Environmentally Friendly Products.

Business Editors

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 14, 2003

A significantly new approach to fluid filtration media manufacture

results in reduced waste

A new filter technology developed by GE Osmonics for manufacturing pure polypropylene melt blown, fluid cartridge filters reduces by up to half the number of spent filters generated from end users' fluid processing operations. The technology, called Z.Plex(TM), produces environmentally friendly filters that can last up to 100 percent longer and have capacity to trap up to 100 percent more contaminants than comparable filters (that remove equal portions of same size particles).

This means that end users can achieve the same fluid processing results using up to 50 percent fewer filters and leaving up to half the number of spent filters for disposal. In addition, the new manufacturing technology utilizes less polypropylene material to produce the same number of filters, generating less physical matter to dispose of. These cartridge filters can be easily disposed of by incineration.

"We will revolutionize the filtration industry with an advanced technology that produces cartridge filters with a performance leap that allows end users to use up to two times fewer filters to achieve the same results," said Roger Miller, general manager, high purity industry, GE Water Technologies. "This, of course, means that they will have to haul and incinerate up to two times fewer spent filters, helping their bottom line and the environment."

In order to produce filters with substantially improved dirt holding capacity, the patent pending Z.Plex technology was engineered to produce greater void volume than current melt blown filter technology. More void volume means more space to trap dirt particles, which leads to longer filter life and cost savings. Increased void volume is achieved with smaller diameter fibers and an innovative three-dimensional fiber matrix that maintains structural integrity while greatly increasing filter capacity. To allow increased layer spacing for more void volume, GE Osmonics engineered "Z-fibers" that transverse the layers and provide critical structural support.

In addition to improving filter performance, Z.Plex technology allows for flexibility in designing filters to specific applications and efficiency grades during the manufacturing process. To begin, GE Osmonics will offer two versions of filters produced with Z.Plex technology: the ROsave.Zs(TM) filter for reverse osmosis pretreatment applications and the WellPro.Zs(TM) filter for deep well protection applications. Additional filters tailored to specific applications will be introduced later in 2003.

For further information on GE Osmonics' Z.Plex technology, call [phone] or [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]; write to GE Osmonics at 5951 Clearwater Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343-8995; or visit the web site at www.zplextechnology.com.

GE Osmonics is a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of high-technology water purification and fluid filtration, separation and handling equipment. GE Osmonics also manufactures replaceable components used in purification, filtration and separation equipment. These products are used by a broad range of industrial, commercial, household and institutional customers.

GE Osmonics is part of GE Water Technologies, a unit of GE Specialty Materials (GESM), which is a platform for growth within GE. GESM offers a wide range of products including fused quartz, polymer additives, silicones, industrial diamonds, and water and process technologies. GESM uses technological innovation and Six Sigma to serve customers in segments as diverse as cosmetics, semi-conductors, oil drilling, construction and telecommunications. Visit GE Specialty Materials online at gespecialtymaterials.com.

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