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Introduction
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), part of the PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) family, is widely used across industries due to its chemical resistance, low friction, and durability. It finds extensive applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, chemical processing, and medical devices, where its non-reactivity and ability to withstand extreme temperatures are critical. PTFE is commonly used to produce non-stick coatings, seals, gaskets, insulation materials, and medical-grade implants.
However, PTFE microplastics pose a significant environmental threat due to their persistence in water and resistance to degradation. These particles can enter natural water systems through industrial wastewater, where they accumulate and become difficult to remove. Addressing the environmental impacts of PTFE microplastics requires effective filtration methods to ensure they are captured before entering ecosystems.
Removing PTFE microplastics from water systems is an important goal for environmental sustainability and industrial hygiene. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration system in separating PTFE microplastics from water with near-total efficiency.
Materials and Methods
PTFE Microplastics: 0.02 g of black PTFE particles were used in each test, distributed across a well-characterized size range as shown in Fig. 1.
Water Sample: Each test involved 500 mL of tap water mixed with the PTFE microplastics, providing a controlled medium for evaluating filtration efficiency.
SATOORNIK Gen-I: A full-scale filtration unit designed for continuous operation. The system is specifically engineered to handle microplastic separation, efficiently filtering out even the smallest particles.
The 500 mL water sample mixed with PTFE microplastics was processed through the SATOORNIK Gen I system, which is continuously operated. Samples were collected before and after filtration.
The results were visually confirmed using a microscope, with the black PTFE particles easily detectable in the water samples.
Results
The SATOORNIK Gen I delivered outstanding filtration results across all three tests. On average, the system achieved near-total PTFE removal, as evidenced by both filtration data and visual analysis. The results are summarized in the graph showing the efficiency across all tests (Fig. 2).
The PTFE microplastics had a wide particle size distribution (Fig.1), which was effectively targeted by the filter. Microscopic analysis and software were used to assess the particle distribution before and after filtration. The size range of particles captured by the system confirmed its ability to remove both larger microplastic particles and smaller particles as detected at 26 µm (Fig. 3)
Conclusion
The SATOORNIK Gen-I filtration system has proven to be an exceptionally effective solution for removing PTFE microplastics from water. In three tests, the system achieved about 100% removal efficiency. These results demonstrate the reliability and strength of the filtration system in tackling microplastic contamination.
The SATOORNIK Gen-I is particularly suited for applications in wastewater treatment, industrial filtration, and environmental remediation, where the removal of persistent microplastics is critical.
Project manager: Dr.-Ing.M.Nikpay
Project Funder: SATOORNIK
Date of publication: 18.10.2024
Contact: info@satoornik.com
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