Filtrist

Filtrist is a term used to refer to a practitioner skilled in filtration, the separation of solids from liquids or gases via a porous medium. The word combines filtr- from filtration with the agent suffix -ist. In technical literature the term is not widely standardized and may appear as a neologism or informal descriptor for professionals who design, operate, or study filtration systems.

Typical duties of a filtrist include selecting filtration media and configurations, sizing equipment, and designing or optimizing systems for water treatment, air purification, or process streams. They monitor performance indicators such as filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and fouling, and they diagnose problems such as channeling, clogging, or membrane fouling. They may conduct pilot tests, collect samples, and evaluate contaminants using standards and regulatory requirements.

Filtrists work across diverse sectors, including municipal and industrial water treatment, HVAC and cleanroom filtration, pharmaceutical and food and beverage processing, and environmental remediation. In laboratory and research settings, a filtrist might develop or test filtration technologies, such as depth filters, membrane filters, or adsorption media.

Educational backgrounds commonly include chemical, environmental, or civil engineering; materials science; or related disciplines. Training emphasizes unit operations, mass transfer, hydraulics, and safety, along with knowledge of filtration mechanisms (sieving, interception, diffusion, adsorption) and performance metrics such as pore size, capacity, and compatibility with fluids and temperatures. Related terms include filtration engineer, filtration technologist, and membrane technology specialist.