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Process Equipment Update


Optimisation in filter press feeding process


Richard Layes & Jörn Scharnweber present a case study on the variety of benefits that can be achieved via innovative process optimisation.


T


o maintain or improve competitiveness, it is crucial to optimise one’s own processes, particularly production processes. A North German company that specialises in the production of edible oils contacted the


Swiss pump manufacturer Emile Egger with the goal of improving its production processes, in particular for the filter press feeding of raw edible oils with filtration aids and of oils for the production of biodiesel. Egger has worked intensively on the design of filter


press feeding in a number of industry sectors. In the chemical industry there is a wide range of mechanical separation processes, such as hydrocyclone and decanter feeding, as well as filtration processes of all kinds. The greatest challenge here is frequently posed by the feeding of chamber filter presses. The edible oil producer and Egger as pump manufacturer defined the following demands in the


common requirement specification:


n Improvement in the availability of the machine n Energy saving n Improved filter cake build-up n Simple discharge of the filter cake after opening of the press


n Identical pump technology and shaft seals as far as possible to minimise spare part stocking and ensure maximum interchangeability of the feeder pumps


The company originally used standard centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pumps (eccentric screw pumps) for filter feeding. The abrasive filtration additives in particular, such as pearlite, dicalite or Fuller’s earth, resulted in a service life of only a few days for the hydraulics or shaft seals. A crucial aspect for filter feeding is the gentle


Filter press feeding with a horizontal Egger Turo vortex pump.


16 www.engineerlive.com


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