When Delta initially built a Nutsche filter dryer for an Italian API producer several years ago, the machine was designed to be operated as per its typical use: with a dried solid as the final product.
Over time, the customer decided to change its production and wanted to use the Nutsche filter dryer to separate out the liquid, which would be the new product moving forward.
The challenge was that the product needed to be kept between 90°C and 98°C, since at low temperatures it would become a solid, and at higher temperatures, its chemical features would change and it would become unusable.
The Nutsche filter dryer was initially equipped with a standard multi-layer metal filtering sheet, directly heated by a coil where a heated liquid was blown.
When the customer began trials with the new product, prior to putting the machine into service, some issues were discovered:
As the production campaign was already scheduled (and consequently the plant couldn’t stop), Delta technicians and the local maintenance service found two solutions:
Interim Solution:
Permanent Solution:
The supporting flange was machined for the installation of a perforated disk supporting the fabric filter. The fabric filter fastening was created using a peripherical ring bolted to the perforated disk and the supporting flange.
Once the problem had been discovered, the Delta team identified a short-term solution, and then shared, modified, and validated it with the the customer maintenance service team in a very short time.
Once the machine was pulled from service for its yearly shutdown, the permanent solution was ultimately implemented, and was completed within two weeks. This allowed the customer’s production to start according to schedule.
Normally, use of a fabric filter implies some differences compared to that of a standard sintered sheet:
To minimize these issues, the Delta Technical Team proposed a filtering sheet supporting and fastening system involving a few bolts that could be removed using standard tools. This allows filtering sheet replacement and the complete machine inspection to occur in a short time and by a single operator.
Ultimately, the provided mechanical solution not only solved a process issue, but also improved overall operation of the machine.