Glatt presented its new WIP (Wash in place) bag filter and space saving plate filter design at the Achema 2009. Both technologies simplify the installation and operation of fluidized and spouted beds. Fluid bed equipment requires high buildings, not only to accommodate the equipment but also to service the filter. Up to 2.5 meters are required above the fluid bed contraption in order to exchange 6 m long filter bags. To reduce the space constraint manufacturers offer horizontally installed filters which allow the filters to be serviced from the side. Glatt has gone one step further and has designed a fluidized bed with integrated horizontal filters. Putting the clean gas chamber to the side, results in no space being required above the fluid bed unit. Doors on the side of the clean gas chamber enable easy access to the filter elements. Furthermore, the complete fluid bed unit can be washed in place.
WIP bag filters have existed for years. Glatt has frequently used them for the ­design of continuous fluid beds. Washing nozzles are installed in the clean and raw gas chamber at the top of the filter bags. In ­order to improve the efficiency of the WIP step and to adjust the design of the specific granulator needs, Glatt have now ­developed their own spray nozzles and filter bags. The new WIP filter is now ready for full-scale trials after having successfully completed pilot-scale tests in 2008.
The GF/ProCell 25 pilot plant was also shown at Achema.
This new unit for the production of granules and pellets made from solid and/or liquid raw ­materials by fluid bed and spouted bed processes will be installed in the laboratory ­extension at Glatt in Weimar in 2009.