Understanding Regen: Matter’s core filtration technology for Laundry
We asked Senior Design Engineer, Mike Lawrance-Owen, to give us some technical insight into our dynamic Regen filter technology, and the story behind its development.
When did Matter start the journey of creating Regen technology, and why?
In the early days, we found that filtering ‘clean’ laundry in the lab was pretty easy. The real challenge came when we tried to test ‘real life’ laundry loads. Early prototypes worked well in controlled conditions but failed when faced with the mix of contaminants found in typical laundry loads, such as small particles, oils, skin, powder detergent, cotton, and grease. These contaminants are really good at clogging small aperture filters, and we quickly realised that a new technology solution was needed.
Whilst there were competitor solutions that were marketed to withstand ‘real life’ washes, they required disposable filters, and this was never something Matter wanted to consider. With sustainability at the core of our design principles, we were determined to develop a solution with no disposable cartridge filters.
This was also important to make sure we offered the best user experience - having to frequently empty filters is a hassle and might mean that users just disconnect or bypass the filter. From the outset, we believed that enhanced usability was a key product feature to maximise consumer adoption and deliver real impact.
We also recognised that by using a recirculation system we could ensure we didn’t consume additional water.
After working on various regeneration concepts, we eventually found a robust technology that could handle abusive loads without the need for disposable filters.
That’s how Regen was born!
How does Regen work?
The filter captures material during the wash cycle in a specific area, keeping most of the filter membrane clean until it reaches complete saturation. A sensor detects when the filter is nearing blockage, triggering the ‘Regen’ function only when necessary. This enables us to achieve maximum efficiency whilst also minimising energy consumption.
What are the key benefits of Regen technology?
First, it’s designed for real-world use. Our unique regenerative process allows the filter to clean itself, dealing with any of the contaminants commonly found in laundry washes. This means it can filter multiple washes and capture more microfibres before needing to be emptied. The filter also monitors itself and lets the user know when it needs emptying. A bypass valve ensures that the washing machine can complete its full wash cycle even if the filter is completely saturated in the middle of a wash.
Second, it’s the focus on providing the best user experience. It’s really easy to empty the captured material – it doesn’t stick to the filter mesh or need to be scraped off. Regen also ensures the filter is not full of water when it needs emptying, making the process easier and more hygienic. The filter can be drained of water at the end of the wash, allowing for convenient placement below the drain without needing to move it before emptying.
Third, Regen has great flexibility in its application. Regen allows a very small filter area to be used which makes integrating Matter’s technology into washing machines much more feasible.
Why should washing machine manufacturers choose Matter technology?
Outstanding Performance
Matter technology is designed to tackle real consumer laundry head-on, maintaining peak performance even after numerous back-to-back washes. Our advanced Regen system ensures consistent pressure loss regulation, keeping the washing machine flow rate steady and minimizing any cycle time extensions. This means our filters can function effectively in any wash cycle.
User-Friendly Design
Our filters are all about ease of use. Whether your customers prefer powder, liquid, or capsule detergents, our filters handle them all effortlessly. This user-friendly approach ensures a seamless experience, reducing any potential frustration when interacting with the filters.
Scalable and Flexible
We know that flexibility is key. That’s why our technology is scalable, allowing it to adapt to the available space within any washing machine. This makes it easy to integrate Matter technology into your designs without compromising on performance or convenience.
Expert Spotlight
This blog was written by Senior Design Engineer, Mike Lawrence-Owen, who joined Matter in 2020.
Mike has a varied role here at Matter, but a lot of his time is spent on designing prototypes for our domestic and commercial washing solutions. Alongside this, Mike does a lot of development work for our technology portfolio.
