Webinar on how to improve flow rate and filter bag life in alumina refineries

In the current situation, the global alumina refinery industry is facing extensive challenges, but what tops it is the security filtration performance. Why so? This is because scale buildup on the filter bags tends to restrict the liquid flow, which, as a result, limits the capacity of the alumina security filtration. 

In order to mitigate this challenge, SEFAR Group, a Swiss-headquartered manufacturer specialising in high-precision technical fabrics, screen-printing mesh and filtration systems, have introduced a new patent-pending filter fabric that aids alumina professionals in significantly increasing flow rate and service life. 

A new patent-pending filter fabric technology

SEFAR X-Treme, a high-performing anti-scaling fabric, is developed for security filtration in alumina refining. The technology works by resisting scale buildup, maintaining stable liquor flow, protecting production output and improving filtration performance. This technology aims to support higher productivity, increased yield and reduced downtime, minimising operational disruptions across refinery processes.

To know more about this technology, you can now attend a webinar hosted by AL Circle x Sefar Group on “A Breakthrough in Alumina Security Filtration Performance: Discover how a new patent-pending filter fabric significantly increases flow rate and service life“

The webinar at a glance 

The webinar will shed light on how scale buildup restricts liquor flow and reduces filter bag life in security filtration. The discussion will be led by two specialists from Sefar Group, aligning with the firm’s technology, SEFAR® X-TREME and how this limits scale adhesion while maintaining effective solids capture.

Drawing on full-scale trials in Kelly and Diastar filters, the session will also further highlight findings on flow stability over time and how consistent flow can support higher filtration capacity with existing equipment. Additionally, the discussion will also cover the implications for cleaning requirements, filter bag replacement and overall operational reliability.

Why does it matter now? 

1. To improve filtration capacity: Scale-related flow restrictions remain a challenge to maintaining consistent filtration performance and production output.
2. To optimise existing equipment: Stable liquor flow offers the potential to increase filtration capacity using existing equipment.
3. To reduce maintenance costs: Reduced scale accumulation can mean fewer cleaning cycles, less frequent filter bag changes and lower maintenance costs.
4. To extend filter bag service life: Improved resistance to scale adhesion can help maintain filter bag performance and extend service life.
5. To maintain production consistency: Consistent filtration flow supports operational reliability and minimises production disruptions.
6. To validate performance through industrial trials: Full-scale Kelly and Diastar refinery trials provide practical evidence of filtration performance and flow stability over time.
7. To advance filtration technology: SEFAR® X-TREME addresses persistent scaling challenges while maintaining effective solids capture.

Topics to be covered in the webinar

1. Where filtration capacity is lost: How scale forms on filter media, restricts flow, and creates a recurring need for cleaning or bag replacement.
2. How the fabric works: The material properties behind SEFAR® X-TREME’s resistance to scale adhesion and its suitability for the Bayer process.
3. What Kelly filter trials showed: How flow changed over time against a reference fabric, and how operating data, permeability measurements, and surface analysis support the findings.
4. What the Diastar evaluation examined: How performance was assessed across filtration cycles, including flow stability, bag condition, and the influence of changing plant conditions.
5. What to consider at your refinery: How to relate the findings to filter type, feed conditions, maintenance practices, and production targets.

Who should attend the webinar?

This webinar is for alumina refinery professionals involved in the Bayer process, particularly:

• Production and plant managers
• Process and filtration engineers
• Maintenance and reliability managers
• Technical services and continuous improvement teams
• Engineers evaluating Kelly or Diastar filter performance

Brief introduction of the speakers 

Luc Parent, the Innovation Manager, Process Filtration at Sefar Group, has 18 years of experience in filtration. His background combines materials research with filtration innovation. Before joining Sefar Group, he worked as a research scientist specialising in materials at Alcan’s Arvida Research and Development Centre, now part of Rio Tinto. He holds a PhD in Energy Science from the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique.

Sylvain Vieuille, the Global Technical Coordinator for Minerals at Sefar Group, has more than 28 years of experience in the minerals industry, specialising in alumina refinery processes. His career at Sefar Group spans technical development, sales and marketing and key account management for European alumina customers. He brings more than 25 years of commercial experience alongside a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Tarbes.

Interested in being a part of this webinar? Click here to register and secure your slot. The webinar will take place on November 24, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM (IST).