3M announced today the introduction of the company's new 3M sapphire liquid filter cartridge - a high-performance, "drop-in" alternative to conventional filter bags for the reduction of particles in various fluids used in oil exploration, production and refining.

The new 3M sapphire liquid filter cartridge features a unique pleat configuration designed specifically to address the needs of the petroleum industry. Its high-loading capacity may deliver from 5 to 20 times longer life than 3M's conventional filter bags, which may result in fewer change outs, lower disposal volumes, reduced storage requirements and less need for resupply - an important consideration for remote, difficult-to-reach locations.

3M Sapphire filter cartridge allows users of filter bag housings to 'step up' too many of the performance advantages of cartridge systems, without investing in new equipment. "Most bag housings will accept 3M sapphire filter cartridge without changes to their hardware configurations, so users maintain system flexibility allowing them to vary filter type when the process warrants. And the 3M sapphire filter cartridge have engineered end caps designed for a tight seal that may reduce the chance of fluid bypass helping to ensure a cleaner system," says Barb Cox, market development manager, 3M Filtration Products. Cox adds that the 3M Sapphire filter cartridge is designed so fluids flow from the inside out, trapping more contaminants inside the filter. The result is easy handling and disposal convenience

3M sapphire filter cartridges are constructed from melt-blown polypropylene microfibers that are compatible with a broad range of chemicals. They are suitable to use with completion fluids/brines, well-stimulation fluids, amines, glycols, naphtha and lower molecular weight petroleum end-products.

3M sapphire filter cartridges will be on display at the 3M "Oil and Gas Marketplace" (Booth 4955) during the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, May 2 - May 5, 2005.

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