Defense Contractor Finds Intake Filters for Marine Environment

When a Tier 2 defense contractor needed a fast, reliable, and cost-effective filtration solution, Duraflow Industries delivered. The U.S. defense contractor, a supplier to a major aerospace manufacturer, needed intake filters for diesel-powered generator sets. These gensets were deployed at a military base in a marine environment where corrosion is problematic.  

Duraflow didn't just provide intake filters with environmental resistance. The filter supplier presented the defense contractor with cost-effective options for different filter materials. Duraflow also provided samples and low-volume quantities. All of the filters were assembled at Duraflow's headquarters near Cleveland, Ohio and shipped to the West Coast with turnaround times of two business days.  

Defeating Corrosion and Controlling Costs

In marine environments, salt air can cause metal to corrode at an accelerated rate. If intake filters aren't made of the right materials, these genset components require more frequent replacements, which adds costs to projects. Defense contractors are sensitive to cost-overruns, but they also want filtration solutions that last longer while meeting budgetary requirements.

Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, but intake filters that are made of this metal can be expensive. Duraflow Industries offered stainless steel filters to the defense contractor, but also recommended less expensive materials such as powder-coated and anodized aluminum. Untreated aluminum intake filters cost even less, but they can corrode quickly in salt air.

Duraflow also suggested galvanized steel, which the defense contractor ultimately chose as the material of construction. Galvanized steel corrodes more quickly than stainless steel in marine environments, but its zinc coating can provide adequate protection. By helping the defense contractor balance intake filter price against expected service life, Duraflow added value even before shipping the final product.

Rapid Deployment

Duraflow Industries also adds value by shipping free samples to demonstrate proof-of-concept. In addition, Duraflow keeps filter components in stock and can assemble smaller products like the 12" x 12" filter that the defense contractor required. This galvanized steel filter fits the shipping container or Conex box that houses the military genset and provides optimal airflow for the auxiliary power unit (APU).

Importantly, Duraflow can also meet tight deadlines along with business and technical requirements. The volumes that this project required weren't large, but the defense contractor still needed to meet tight turnaround times of two business days. By providing reliable, cost-effective intake filters that serve as the first line of defense against airborne contaminants, Duraflow supports the defense supply chain.

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