Maximum Throughput, Minimum Pressure Drop

Flow-optimized ODW mesh from GKD brings unrivaled efficiencies

GKD-USA, Inc., the global technology leader for woven filter media, announced recently further improvements to the flow capacity of the company’s Optimized Dutch Weave (ODW) meshes. The new developments bring water and wastewater filtration facilities a better throughput rate, better retention rate and longer filter media life.

Already known throughout the water and wastewater markets as a valuable solution in the filtration process, the flow-optimized ODW meshes combine long-term reliability of filtration rates in the microfiltration range with almost three times higher throughput rates than other innovations recently presented on the market. Other performance factors that contribute to the superiority of the flow-optimized ODW mesh include low tendency to clog, easy cleaning and long service life.

“The high performance of the flow-optimized ODW mesh is possible due to a special mesh construction with an 8.5-times lower pressure loss coefficient when compared to competing products,” said Peter Wirtz, general manager, GKD Solid Weave Business Unit.

The special weave of the ODW mesh creates a slot-shaped pore geometry on the mesh surface, where the openings are smaller than the pores inside the mesh. With this unique design, particles above the specified separation limit are reliably retained on the mesh surface. What’s more, smaller particles pass easily through the mesh interior without causing clogging.

ODW mesh features and benefits

• Filtration rates in the microfiltration range
• High permeability
• Long-term process reliability
• Considerably lower resistance than conventional meshes
• Requires Less filter surface
• Lower pump power options for reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint impact
• More stainless steel wire brings greater stability to individual pores
• Unrivalled overall mechanical strength
• Greater reliability in long-term operation
• Available for immediate delivery (standard sizes and range of pore openings)

“The special weave and unique design of the ODW mesh helps provide the high dirt-holding capacity of the product,” Wirtz said. “At the same time, the mesh construction ensures trouble-free cleaning, as the separated particles build up on, rather than in the filter media and can be detached through simple backwashing.”

Pore size determined with IMVT formula
The sophisticated mesh geometry is reproducible at any time with the highest precision, thanks to the state-of-the-art loom technology used by GKD. Required pore size is determined using the established formula of the IMVT. The throughput rate of GKD's further optimized ODW is three times higher than comparable products on the market. This unmatched flow capacity is due to the more porous mesh structure of the ODW. Alongside the further improved filtration rates, the larger open surface contributes to even more efficient filtration processes.

"Our declared goal is the development of flow-optimized ODW with even finer pore openings, and we are absolutely convinced that this goal is within reach,” Wirtz said. “Although our flow-optimized ODW meshes are already far better than any other product available in this sector, we are working at full speed on optimizing them even further."

About GKD-USA, Inc.
GKD-USA, Inc., located in Cambridge, Md., is the North American division of Germany-based GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG, providing creative technological leadership in woven wire mesh for industry and architecture. GKD-USA operates four autonomous business units: SOLIDWEAVE woven structures for industrial applications, WEAVE IN MOTION process belts for industrial applications, METALFABRICS metal mesh for architecture and design and MEDIAMESH transparent media façades.

The technical weaving mill with its headquarters in Düren, Germany, is the world’s leading producer of woven wire mesh made of metal, plastic wires and fibers. Wherever challenging demands are placed on metallic meshes, GKD is the company to turn to since 1925.