Filter/dryer features all-in-one processing
15 Jan 2000
A new filter/dryer, developed by process equipment manufacturer Charles Thompson, can extract bulk solids from slurries within a single unit. Eliminating the need for separate processing equipment - and thereby creating economies in terms of space, maintenance, labour and capital outlay - the filter/dryer is said to be ideal for the processing of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and agrochemicals. Of importance to all those industries is the fact that all stages of separation are contained within the fully enclosed machine. This improves product quality and enables toxic materials to be processed without risk to health or safety.
Special features of the unit include a heated agitator, metal/ metal valve seals and a dry-running mechanical seal.
It is available in a range of construction materials, including all the major exotic alloys, with size and design specification tailored to customers' needs.
A pilot model (pictured here), manufactured from Hastelloy C22 for corrosion resistance, is currently available for on-site trials.
Developed with the aid of a DTI award, the filter/dryer has been on trial at Zeneca's plant in Bristol and will be shown in public for the first time at Achema in Frankfurt in June.
