Press Release

November, 2008

ALF filters prevent clogging and reduces fouling problems

Thirty years ago Alfa Laval patented its first automatic, self-cleaning filter. Over the years the technology has been further developed and refined. Recently a large-capacity model was added to the range. It is called the ALF80-R. When the supply of high-quality water for closed loop cooling is limited or as in some parts of the World very expensive, a widely accepted solution is to use water from the sea, lakes and rivers. However, solving one challenge creates another. In this case, preventing particles in lowquality cooling water from causing excessive fouling and expensive down time. Where does it fit The Alfa Laval Filter (ALF) can be used in many sectors of industry, including ships, power plants and district heating and cooling systems. It operates as an integral part of such a cooling system to remove debris that can foul and clog plate heat exchangers, tubular condensers, cooling tower spray nozzles and similar equipment. The filter provides protection for all downstream equipment, helping ensure better performance along with longer service life, increased uptime and reduced maintenance costs. The large scale answer The ALF80-R is the largest member of the filter portfolio family to date. This new model is distinguished by a particularly large capacity, capable of dealing with the escalating demand for greater quantities of cooling water. Higher capacity means fewer filters are needed, resulting in reduced space requirements and less piping. The ALF80-R is available with: flange connections of DN800 or ASME 30 and 32 flow rates ranging from 28008840 m3/hour at 330kPa

The complete product range, with connections from 100 to 800 mm, features a flexible design that makes it easy to fit and install. Automatic backflushing makes these filters easy to operate and helps ensure continuous operation, resulting in less down time.

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The low pressure drop through the filter permits a greater pressure drop for the downstream PHE or condenser, which in turn makes it possible to use a smaller heat transfer area and therefore fewer plates. This cuts down on the overall cost of the PHE and helps us provide customers with a more competitive package solution. How it works Water or other media is pumped into a filter basket. After having passed through the filter basket, the media is discharged. Impurities with debris or other objects are kept inside the filter until flushing. As an option the process can be controlled through differential pressure measurement. However, a timer is always used in order to prevent the basket getting too dirty. Flushing is conducted in two steps. At the first step, a flushing valve is opened and debris collected in the debris section, is released. At the second step (backflushing), a flow diverter valve placed in the basket closes while the flushing valve remains open. The closing of the diverter valve causes the full stream to divert. After passing through the inlet section of the filter basket, a part of the stream backflushes the rear section of the filter basket to dislodge stuck debris. This ensures efficient cleaning of the basket, and debris is thus released through the flushing outlet. Meanwhile the majority of the stream passes through the filter outlet being cleaned as usual.
Editors Notes: Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. The companys equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol. Alfa Lavals products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications. Alfa Lavals worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to help them stay ahead in the global arena. For further information, please contact: Susanne Rosentoft Central Communications Manager, Energy & Environment Alfa Laval Copenhagen, Denmark Phone: +45 39 53 65 27, Mobile: +45 51 51 41 63, E-mail: susanne.rosentoft@alfalaval.com