Filters used in various manufacturing processes (such as API production in pharma-biotech) must be compatible with all chemicals and solvents involved, and must withstand the sometimes high temperatures present along the production line. Where there are no specific restrictions, stainless steel filter housings are generally preferred — sometimes with a polymer coating. Filters made from solid polymers or alternative metal alloys can offer enhanced corrosion resistance when necessary. However, certain synthesis processes and materials require equipment with even greater chemical and thermal resistance. This is exactly what Tantaline© technology delivers.
An innovative manufacturing process inspired by electronics
The tantalum is deposited onto the stainless-steel substrate of the filter housing using epitaxy, a technique commonly employed in the semiconductor industry.
Initially in gaseous form, this transition metal gradually forms a uniform layer on the surface of the substrate, to which it bonds at a subatomic level. This chemical vapour deposition (CVD) takes place inside a chamber under high vacuum conditions (10⁻¹² bar).
It fully coats all surfaces of the filter housing — even the most inaccessible areas.
The resulting tantalum layer is approximately 50 µm thick, although the thickness can be adjusted depending on requirements. It is extremely resistant to flaking and surface wear, significantly increasing the service life of the filter housings produced using this method.
However, the technique is currently limited by the size of existing epitaxial chambers, which restricts the dimensions of available Tantaline© filter housings.
Traditional chambers used in electronics and microelectronics cannot accommodate housings designed for flow rates exceeding 50 m³/h.
Unmatched performance
The epitaxially formed surface is not subject to permeation. It is extremely robust, uniform, inert and highly resistant to corrosion.
Unlike metal alloys and polymers, tantalum provides exceptional chemical resistance to various types of pure acids — including sulphuric, hydrochloric and formic acids, as well as glacial acetic acid and halogenated strong acids.
It can also withstand temperatures of up to 600 °C.
Tantaline© filter housings therefore combine the outstanding corrosion resistance of tantalum with the mechanical strength of stainless steel, delivering performance superior to alloys such as Hastelloy.
A profitable investment
À dimensions égales, les corps de filtres en tantale coûtent en moyenne 30 à 50 % de plus que ceux en Hastelloy. Mais leurs performances et leur durée de vie viennent compenser ce At equivalent dimensions, tantalum filter housings cost on average 30 to 50% more than Hastelloy models.
However, this additional cost is offset by their superior performance and significantly longer service life.
An increasing number of manufacturers — previously using Hastelloy or polymer housings — are now adopting tantalum solutions for processes under harsh operating conditions, particularly in API manufacturing within the pharma-biotech industry.
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