New range of Hoesch filter presses from Larox offer higher quality at a lower cost plus shorter delivery times.

LAPPEENRANTA, FINLAND - March 10, 2008 - A comprehensive redesign program has
resulted in a new modular range of Hoesch filter presses available with
improved quality and operation and shorter delivery times. 

In 2006 Larox began a detailed development program to reduce the cost and
improve the delivery time of the Hoesch range of filter presses, while at the
same time, maintaining or improving on the well known very high technological
standards and quality associated with all Larox products. 

The goals were achieved by developing a modular design with standardized
options. Common components are now used for both the side bar and overhead beam
presses. This benefits the customer who not only now has access to competitive
prices and deliveries for the filters but, if he has different filter types, he
can now use the common spare parts thus minimizing the total spare parts stock
level. 

The following areas of improvement are of note:

1. All drives (plate shifter, washing device and swivel plates) are now
installed with electrical motors so that additional hydraulic distribution
(with the added complexity and potential for failure) is no longer needed for
these items. 

2. All moving parts are now located as far as possible outside of the product
wetted areas to prevent both corrosion and product contamination. 

3. Previous designs of the Hoesch presses left the chain of the plate shifter
uncovered where it could be exposed to the environment or process fluids such
as wash water and aggressive slurry ingredients. In the new designs the chain
is integrated in the side bar design and is fully protected, thus reducing
maintenance and extending the lifetime of the chain. 

4. Using Larox knowhow the weak point in a many existing side bar presses on
the market, the connection between the side bars, head piece and especially the
cross head, has been eliminated. Larox has designed the new filter generation
according to the new Eurocode 3 regulations together with the aid of FEM
(finite element method) calculations. The resulting design ensures all
structural components will last for the lifetime of the filter. The filter
designs were also subjected to an extensive risk assessment to minimize the
risk of damage to workers and machines. 

5. A larger 2000 x 2000 mm plate has been developed for both side bar and
overhead beam designs and the operating pressure range is now increased to 30
Bar for the side bar design. 

6. The levels for the machine control have been standardized to offer the
customer a simple and competitive choice. With the fully controlled version the
filter can be operated without any additional signals from the process. This
version is included in the standard design. A PID or a simple terminal box
version can be ordered as options. These customer tailored solutions reduce the
risk of programming and logical failures and eliminate the need for extensive
programming on site. 

In addition to the new product design program, Larox has also invested in
developing a world wide supply network whereby we are now able to deliver
filters within a short time, while reducing shipping costs by completing
manufacture closer to the point of use. 

The Hoesch range of membrane filter presses is fully supported by the Larox
Service group, the most comprehensive and experienced network in the industry,
covering the world with operations in over 40 countries and providing reliable
support throughout the entire lifecycle of the product - “Performance for
Life”. 

Larox is committed to helping its clients meet the following goals
- Reduced lifetime production costs - especially energy based costs
- Improved product quality, value and consistency
- Improved safety, health and environmental performance
- Improved yield and productivity

About Larox Group
Larox is a leading innovator and supplier of solid/liquid separation solutions
for the world's process industries. Companies in mining and metallurgy,
chemical processing and related industries benefit from our high-performance,
high-efficiency process solutions, technologies and products. Larox operates in
over 40 countries and has over 430 employees. Larox Group is headquartered in
Lappeenranta, Finland. 

In addition to Larox our major product names are Ceramec, Scanmec, Hoesch,
Pannevis and Scheibler. Most of the product names have served the markets for
several decades, and they are now supported by Larox aftermarket services. 

For more information please contact:

Larox Corporation
P.O. Box 29
53101, Lappeenranta, Finland
Phone +358 5 668 811
Fax +358 5 668 8277
E-mail info@larox.com
Internet www.larox.com


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