Bokela Relies on Dynamic Crossflow Filtration as Solution
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Filtering Pigments and Fillers Gently but Thoroughly
Calcium carbonate is one of the fundamentals of paper production. At the same time, it is one of the cornerstones of the chemical industry, as well as of the food industry. Concentrating and thickening of suspensions are pivotal aspects for a variety of companies in any of these fields, especially with regard to performance and efficiency. Compared to other methods, dynamic crossflow filtration often can provide considerably better results.
Extremely fine-grained suspensions with a particle size of 2 µm or smaller often are a challenge to filtration systems of any kind. Especially, if the filtrate is supposed to be absolutely particle-free and highly concentrated. „Many companies are already satisfied with a lower concentration than they could actually achieve," states Klaus Neumaier, Senior Process Engineer/ Technology Design at Bokela. And that even though higher concentration within one cycle does not only save time and resources, but also money.
Concentrated six times higher
At Bokela, the experts rely on the principle of dynamic crossflow filtration. Contrary to the conventional crossflow process, the tangential overflow of the filter surfaces is created by rotors, when it otherwise would have to rely on the geometrical flow control in the apparatus. The fluid follows the shear gap when flowing with a high velocity gradient over the filter medium.
The shear forces at work allow only a very thin, static boundary layer of solid particles. Thanks to the shear gap principle, this particular process faces almost ideal physical conditions and thus, reaches up to six times higher concentrations than a traditional crossflow filter.
Ten times more throughput
Furthermore, the throughput is higher, too. „With a BoCross Dynamic Filter, you achieve a continuous, intensive, and effective product washing with up to ten times more throughput than with other filter systems“, Neumaier explains. Even highly viscose suspensions with 25.000 mPas can be processed as spreadable paste without any air pockets.
Various filter media, various industries
Casting a glance inside the BoCross filter reveals how this gentle but thorough separation process works: within a closed chamber system, the filter modules are arranged as a series of discs. While the suspension flows from chamber to chamber, its concentration is continuously increased, as filtrate is drained in each chamber. Neumaier adds: „The construction of the filter allows us to add wash water or process fluids in each chamber.“ Another feature of this membrane filter is its compatibility with various filter media: micro filtration, ultra filtration, special sieve composite panels, or metal media. Consequently, the BoCross filter and the dynamic crossflow filtration can be used for a wide range of industries and fields. „Whenever the task is to filter pigments or fillers which are particularly fine-grained or with particularly small particles, this method often allows to get better results in a proven process,“ says Neumaier. This is applicable to calcium carbonate, but also works with regard to titanium dioxide products. „And even washing out reaction products or residue is done with incomparable efficiency and reliability.“
Pigments and fillers deriving from fine white minerals can be found in many sectors and industries. The wide spectrum of applications is mirrored in the diverse requirements regarding the product: specific crystalline forms, particle shapes and sizes. Depending on the area and industry, the focus is on a different aspect. A complex separation process, however, is always at the solution’s core in order to achieve the desired results. „Dynamic crossflow filtration as performed by the BoCross filter is a highly efficient, very gentle, and absolutely safe method“, concludes Neumaier.
Editor: wyynot GmbH, Larissa Fritzenschaf
About BOKELA
As experts for process filtration, Bokela is an internationally renowned partner and provides exactly the right technology solution to ensure more efficiency, work safety, and environmental compatibility. Bokela researches, develops and constructs at one of the German technology capitals, Karlsruhe. The filter systems are built worldwide on site. Like with a modular kit, individual solutions for each customer are constructed of high-end, sophisticated components. This future-oriented principle rests on the experience and open-mindedness of our Bokela engineers.
Bokela GmbH Tullastraße 64 76131 Karlsruhe Germany https://bokela.com
Further material to download document: P2101_Bokela_BoCross_Pigments_ENG.docx
