Magan Khakharia, Managing Director, Microfilt India Pvt Ltd, responded to the IPF Questionnaire for the Special Section on Filters & Filtration. Excerpts from the interview...

What are various types of process filters and filtration products manufactured by the company?

Our filtration products use 4 different technology platforms for filter media.

1. Surface Filtration
2. Depth Filtration
3. Cross Flow or Tangential Flow Filtration, and
4. Adsorptive Filtration.

Based on these platforms, we have products like laboratory filtration systems, sparkler filters, bag filters cartridge filters, nutsche filtration systems, candle filtration systems, self cleaning strainers, and cross flow and dead end filters, etc.

Please refer to attached catalogue for more details of above where technology and various filter equipments are covered.

What are the applications? What are the challenges?

We cater to various market segments as listed in page where industrial segments are mentioned along with applications of each segments. This should cover all answers.

As for challenges, most filtration problems have simple solutions. You are only limited by your ability to be dedicated, persistent and passionate in your quest for the solution. In filtration, most of the times, the solutions are very simple and cost-effective.

What is the USP of these filtration products?

Each filtration product is offered based on customer need and is tailor made. This suits the specific requirements and right combination of these products offer optimum solution to the customer. For pharmaceutical market our products meets all international norms of validation both for filter media and filter equipment. For aggressive and corrosive chemicals we offer most suitable material of construction for filter media and filter equipment. For cross flow filtration we offer ceramic base membrane, which are highly inert and can withstand extreme conditions of temperature and pH.

Any technology sources from abroad or is it indigenous, in-house R&D effort? What are the challenges?

We source technology from the leaders in the respective field. For example, in ceramic membrane filtration, we have a strategic alliance with Tami Industries – France, a leader in this field.

What is the ratio of exports vis-à-vis domestic sales?

At this moment we have close to 10% exports however we have target to make it 25% in 2 years time.

Global sales, local operations, what are the plans in view of the Make in India campaign?

We will add more value added products to our portfolio by manufacturing using the technology platform as mentioned above and sourcing the raw material from leader in respective field. This will reduce our import bill and will help Make in India campaign.

What is the Company’s history?

Microfilt designed the first filtration system 25 years ago, in 1991 and to this date, we have to our credit over 10,000 systems installed worldwide. Today, Microfilt is a preferred partner when it comes to solving complex filtration problems or when a complete filtration solution needs to be provided.

Our key strength is in analysing filtration problems, finding solutions and designing systems, which are simple, reliable and cost effective.

Any breakthrough product launch that made a difference?

The charge modified depth filters and ceramic membrane technology are breakthrough products for us.

How is present business environment?

The present business environment is very challenging and very much full of potential. As we are geared up for challenges, we are hopeful to increase our market share and also create new opportunities.

What are the future plans?

Our future plan is to have a state-of-the-art process filtration laboratory and have adequate related analytical tools. As there is huge need of understanding filtration as unit operation, we want to create more awareness of technology by having a Modern Filtration Centre to address the needs.