EngNet » Product & Service News » Freudenberg strengthens gas-phase filtration business with the acquisition of Alphasorb in South Afr

Freudenberg strengthens gas-phase filtration business with the acquisition of Alphasorb in South Afr

Company News Thursday, December 8, 2016: Freudenberg Filtration Technologies (Pty) Ltd

Weinheim, November 30, 2016. With effect from January 1, 2017, Freudenberg’s Filtration Technologies Business Group will acquire the South African manufacturer of high-quality gas-phase filtration solutions, Alphasorb (Pty) Ltd. “Protection against corrosive gases is an important success factor in many industries”, commented Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Speaker of the Board of Management of the Freudenberg Group. “With the acquisition of Alphasorb, we are expanding our already comprehensive portfolio of tried and tested products.” Both companies have agreed not to comment on the purchase price.

Sulfur, nitric oxide or chlorine compounds in the ambient air all cause electronic components to corrode. This is a major problem for the control and maintenance systems of industrial companies, since an impairment of the electrical and electronic components, such as copper plates, can bring the entire production process to a standstill. Paper and pulp factories, petrochemical refineries and water treatment plants are particularly affected. Any damage can quickly be measured in multiple millions of Euros. The gas-phase filtration program marketed by Freudenberg under the name Viledon ChemControl protects against such costly breakdowns.

Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1991, Alphasorb is one of the largest producers of the special pellets used for gas-phase filtration. These pellets consist mostly of alumina or activated carbon, impregnated with different substances such as potassium permanganate or other active components. In contrast to conventional particle filtration, gas-phase filtration works by binding molecules of the harmful gas into the pellets or converting them into harmless salts. This process takes place in filtration systems specially developed by Freudenberg Filtration Technologies. “Freudenberg Filtration Technologies has a strong presence in South Africa and an outstanding technical sales force worldwide”, said John Rintoul, Executive Chairman of Alphasorb.

Producers of pulp and paper, refinery operators, data centers, water treatment plants as well as customers from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries all benefit from complete solutions for pure air, adapted to the particular application. Freudenberg Filtration Technologies takes over the design and construction of the filter systems, including all matching filter stages for particle and corrosive gas filtration. The company also offers a comprehensive range of technical services.

For example, corrosion analyzes show whether the filter system is working optimally while capacity analyzes reveal when the pellets need to be replaced. In addition, Freudenberg can take on responsibility for operating the filter systems.

About Freudenberg Filtration Technologies

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance and energy-efficient liquid and air filtration technology solutions. By improving the efficiency of industrial processes, conserving resources and protecting people and the environment, these solutions contribute to enhancing the quality of life. With its Viledon and micronAir global brands, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies offers customers innovative filter elements and systems for the energy, health and transport (automotive, rail, marine, aviation) sectors, general ventilation and cleanroom technology, and for highly specialized applications. In 2015, Freudenberg Filtration

Technologies employed around 2,300 people and generated sales of approximately 394 million Euros. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg-filter.com

About the Freudenberg Group

Freudenberg is a global technology group that strengthens its customers and society long-term through forward-looking innovations. Together with its partners, customers and the world of science, the Freudenberg Group develops leading-edge technologies and excellent products, solutions and services for more than 30 market segments and for thousands of applications: seals, vibration control components, nonwovens, filters, specialty chemicals, medical and mechatronic products, IT services and the most modern cleaning products. Innovation strength, strong customer orientation, diversity and team spirit are the cornerstones of our Group. Commitment to excellence, reliability and proactive, responsible action belong to the company’s core values lived for more than 165 years. In 2015, the Freudenberg Group employed over 40,000 people in some 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of more than 7.5 billion Euros (including pro-rata consolidation of 50:50 joint ventures). For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com