Summer
1995 - Article 1
From
The Plant
Floor Finish Filtration
Manufacturing
floor finish from the ground up is a complex process that involves a
series of distinct operations that all build upon each other to produce
the final product. The operation that ensures clarity of the final product
is known as filtration.
Once
polymerization has been completed to produce the floor finish, our laboratory
conducts various quality control tests to determine if the material
meets chemical and physical performance specifications. Once quality
control approves, the finish moves on to filtration. Filtration removes
foreign polymeric materials that are the by-product of all polymer reactions.
The
filtration operation encompasses four unique steps.
- After
passing quality control, the finish is pumped to a pre-filter tank.
Material called dicalite or diatomaceous earth is added to the finish.
Diatomaceous earth mechanically enhances filtration by microscopically
binding to foreign polymeric material.
-
The floor finish/dicalite mixture is pumped through a plate and frame
filter. The dicalite interlaces and overlays on each filter plate
in a fashion that leaves 85% to 90% open space. These voids form billions
of microscopically fine openings which are so small that unwanted
polymeric particles are strained from the finish.
- Next,
the finish is pumped through a 25 micron bag filter. This added step
ensures complete clarity of the final product.
- After
filtration, the finish is poured over a black glass panel for examination.
The finish should wet the glass with no visible specs or particles.
Final approval can now be granted. From here the finish is pumped
to the Packaging Department for filling orders.
Essential's
superior filtration is fundamental to the manufacture of our finishes.
Clarity (and pureness of product) is vital to our ongoing commitment
to quality.
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