Z.Plex filter technology—a significant new approach to filtration media manufacture results in considerable end user cost reduction

MINNETONKA, Minn., April 1, 2003—A new filter technology developed by GE Osmonics (NYSE: GE) for manufacturing polypropylene melt blown, depth cartridge filters allows end users to reduce fluid processing costs and increase operating efficiency. The technology, called Z.Plex(tm), produces filters with up to 100 percent greater filter life and dirt holding capacity than conventional melt blown depth filters at equivalent competitive efficiencies. The cost savings come largely from the ability to use fewer filters to fulfill the same processing needs due to the significantly improved filter performance.

Proven in multiple field trials, filters produced with Z.Plex technology are substantially out-performing competitive filters at equal efficiencies (removing equal percentages of same size particles). In addition to longer filter life, filters produced with Z.Plex technology decrease pressure drop by up to 50 percent, which saves energy costs. The new technology enables end users to reduce costs of filter change-outs, equipment downtime and waste hauling and disposal.

"We will revolutionize the filtration industry with an advanced technology that produces cartridge filters with up to twice the filter life and dirt holding capacity of competitive filters," says Roger Miller, general manager, GE Osmonics Filtration & Separations Group. "This development was built on decades of filtration industry know-how and years of research. Our research and development prowess goes back to pioneering a technique to manufacture true graded density filters over 20 years ago."

In order to produce filters with substantially improved dirt holding capacity, Z.Plex technology was engineered to produce greater void volume than current melt blown filter technology. More void volume means more space to trap dirt particles, which leads to longer filter life and cost savings. Increased void volume is achieved with smaller diameter fibers and an innovative three-dimensional fiber matrix that maintains structural integrity while greatly increasing filter capacity. To allow increased layer spacing for more void volume, GE Osmonics engineered "Z-fibers" that transverse the layers and provide critical structural support.

In addition to improving filter performance, Z.Plex technology allows for flexibility in designing filters to specific applications and efficiency grades during the manufacturing process. At this time, GE Osmonics is offering two versions of filters produced with Z.Plex technology: the ROsave.Zs(tm) filter for reverse osmosis pretreatment applications and the WellPro.Zs(tm) filter for deep well protection applications. Additional filters tailored to specific applications will be introduced later in 2003.

For further information on GE Osmonics' Z.Plex technology, call (800) 848-1750 or (952) 933-2277; e-mail zplex@osmonics.com; write to GE Osmonics at 5951 Clearwater Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343-8995; or visit the Web site at www.zplextechnology.com.

GE Osmonics is a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of high-technology water purification and fluid filtration, fluid separation and fluid handling equipment, as well as the replaceable components used in purification, filtration, and separation equipment. These products are used by a broad range of industrial, commercial, household and institutional customers. GE Osmonics is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GE.