NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                                AUGUST 2012  

The Market for Fabric Filter Systems and Replacement Elements Will Exceed $8.7 Billion in 2013

Purchases of fabric filter systems and replacement elements will exceed $8.7 billion next year. This is the latest forecast in World Fabric Filter and Element Market published by the McIlvaine Company.

Fabric Filter Revenues

($ Millions)

Subject           2013

Bags                2,589

Equipment       2,813

Media              1,449

Systems           6,189

The equipment category includes the collector or housing with a cleaning mechanism and the elements. However, the average contract between filter supplier and purchaser has some additional items such as ductwork, fans and/or support structure. This is represented by the systems category.

The bags or elements are replaced every three to four years. They represent only about 10 percent of the value in the original sale, but provide a substantial continuing opportunity. Prior to 1960, the equipment supplier also sold the replacement bags. However in the last fifty years, the role of the independent bag makers has grown to the point at which they dominate the sales of replacement bags. The market for bags in 2013 will be close to $2.6 billion. This market is growing steadily unlike the equipment market which is much more volatile.

Filter media revenues include the sales by the manufacturer of roll goods to the bag makers. In some cases, these are one and the same. More frequently the bag maker is using roll goods from a number of suppliers. The value of the media represents as little as 10 percent to as much as 60 percent of the value in the finished bag depending on the material used. Polyester non-wovens are on the low end whereas PTFE is at the top.

Membranes are increasing their penetration of the market due to higher efficiency and better cake release. U.S. EPA calculated the cost of its new air toxic regulation for cement plants is based on a switch to membrane bags to meet the standards.

There are continuing innovations in media which will shape the industry in the future. One of the most important is the high temperature ceramic element containing catalyst. High particulate and DeNO_x efficiency are obtained at 850^oF. This lowers the footprint and provides the opportunity for more heat exchange and better energy conversion efficiency.

For more information click on World Fabric Filter and Element Market