HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge

Overview of the HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge

History of the Inverting Filter Centrifuge

The patented HF-Inverting Filter Centrifuge, introduced in 1977, completely eliminated some of the inherent flaws of conventional centrifuge technology. The result-- the first centrifuge with a filter cloth that was axially moveable. This allowed for the filter cloth to be inverted while under rotation completely discharging the solids, leaving the filter cloth free of a residual heel while maintaining a totally-enclosed gastight system.

Introduction of PAC (Pressure Added Centrifugation) System

In the 1990’s HEINKEL introduced the PAC (Pressure Added Centrifugation) System. The PAC system is an option that is able to drive off additional moisture from the filter cake by introducing compressed gas (typically Nitrogen) into the bowl of the machine (up to 6bar) while the centrifuge is still in rotation. Additionally, this system can perform as a Fixed Bed Dryer by introducing heated Nitrogen (up to 120deg C). There are documented processes that have been able to completely eliminate the need for a down-stream dryer by utilizing the PAC system.

HEINKEL’s Inverting Filter Centrifuge technology offers the industry the most versatile centrifuge on the market. Difficult-to-filter material that traditionally could not be processed on a centrifuge can now be manufactured in an economical and efficient manner.

Thin Cake Centrifuge Filtration

The HEINKEL Inverting Filter centrifuge operates on the principle of “Thin Cake Filtration” delivering the following benefits:

• No minimum amount of material is required
• High dewatering rates
• Ability to process highly compressible material
• Very consistent quality batches
• Lower residual moisture levels

Optimizing a process utilizing HEINKEL’s “Thin Cake Filtration” along with the PAC system provides the capability to turn the most difficult-to-filter materials into free flowing powder.
In 2007, HEINKEL introduced the newest generation of Inverting Filter Technology. The new F Series centrifuge takes all the benefits of the past HF machine and incorporates them into a more compact, operator-friendly machine with higher g-forces, 50% fewer parts, and greater production rates.

Operational Principal of the HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge

HEINKEL's Inverting Filter Centrifuge with exclusive PAC (Pressure-Added-Centrifugation) System provides dry product. The HEINKEL centrifuge with PAC provides moisture levels lower than other filter systems. The initial mechanical dewatering step is highly effective based upon the centrifugal force of up to 2000g’s. Subsequent dewatering is accomplished by pressurization to remove the remaining liquid from the cake. Moisture levels as low as 0.008% have been achieved depending upon the products.

Pressure Added Centrifugation Increases Profitability

• Higher Capacities and Shorter Cycles
• Downstream Dryer Elimination or Reduction in Size
• Lower Energy Costs
• Higher Yield

The HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge overcomes the limitations of conventional centrifugal dewatering while providing easier processing of difficult to filter products.

Advantages & Benefits of the HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge

Advantages of HEINKEL's Inverting Filter Centrifuge

The advantage of the HEINKEL centrifuge can be described as versatile and the only machine that offers a complete cake discharge. Products that are hard to dewater and wash can be filtered easily on the Inverting Filter machine while easy-to -filter products can be produced more efficiently and at greater quantities.

The HEINKEL Inverting Filter machine does not leave a residual heel compared to Peeler type machines.

Over time, the heel left behind by a Peeler is prone to becoming compressed due to the mechanical forces used to scrape the product out of the bowl (product that is left behind on the cloth is called the heel). As the heel becomes compressed, it can also “glaze” over. Both compression and glazing have negative impacts on production rates as well as consistency.
If not removed, the heel will eventually crack. When the heel cracks, the process will experience “Preferential Flow” meaning the wash liquor will find the point of least resistance and pour through the crack leaving “hot spots” in the cake. Greater amounts of wash liquor are needed to overcome this issue (driving up down-stream treatment costs).

Benefits of HEINKEL's Inverting Filter Centrifuge

The heel remaining on a Peeler might be removed by using a Nitrogen Blowback system, but that creates another problem… dust. All these issues are eliminated when the process is run on the HEINKEL Inverting Filter centrifuge.

• Thin-Cake Filtration Technology (for difficult-to-filter materials)
• No Residual Heel
• Highest Efficiency Washing
• No Operator Assistance Necessary (completely automated)
• No Vibration (No need to build a costly foundation. All dynamic forces are built into the machine)
• High Productivity Rates (No residual Heel, No Vibration allowing for high G-force which equals high productivity with the lowest possible moisture)
• Consistent Batch Quality
• No Hydraulics – completely electrically driven machine for clean and safe operation.
• PAC System – allows for a faster dewatering time or a dryer cake
• CIP System – allows for quick product change over
• Total Enclosed / Gas Tight system – Limits Operator and Plant Environment Exposure
• Low cost of investment with high rate of return – minimal cost for maintenance and spare parts – 96% to 99% uptime
• Skid mounted packages are complete with controls in one compact unit.

Appropriate Industries for HEINKEL's Inverting Filter Centrifuge

• Pharmaceutical
• Chemical
• R&D – Pilot Plant
• Agricultural Science / Herbicide
• Precious Metal
• Personal Care / Cosmetic
• Food

HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge Downloads

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PDF Downloads for the HEINKEL Inverting Filter Centrifuge

Inverting Filter Centrifuge HF Series Product Brochure

PAC® System for the Inverting Filter Centrifuge

Video Downloads of HEINKEL's Inverting Filter Centrifuge

HEINKEL HF-Inverting Filter Centrifuge

Inverting Filter Centrifuge Operation Video