Larox offers multiple solid-liquid separation solutions for the processing of edible oils

LAPPEENRANTA, FINLAND - November 4, 2008 - Larox has successfully delivered
multiple solid-liquid separation solutions for dry fractionation and solvent
fractionation of vegetable oils as well as other areas in the processing of
edible oils including oil bleaching, fish oil recovery etc.. 

Solvent fractionation
The Pannevis GT filter offers the capability of carrying out continuous
separation followed by multi-step counter-current washing using solvents in a
totally enclosed environment, thus making it the preferred equipment choice for
the olein-stearin separation of vegetable oils such as palm kernel or shea nut.
The Pannevis GT filter operates with a small internal over-pressure of nitrogen
in the housing. The nitrogen is continuously re-circulated around the filter
circuit so that all components including receivers and pumps are totally inert.
 A very small make-up of nitrogen is required to compensate for the gas exiting
with the filter cake. 
 
Large windows in the sidewalls and lights on the roof ensure complete
visibility of the process inside the housing.  The housing is designed to
ensuring all internal surfaces are easily cleaned and self draining. 
Clean-in-place (CIP) is a standard option and the basic design is suitable for
sanitary processes as all dead spots are eliminated, windows and nozzles are
sloped to drain back into the housing and internal surfaces can easily be
polished to any specified level. 
Continuous filter cloth cleaning eliminates cross contamination and guarantees
100% product recovery. Cloth wash liquid can be recycled over the filter cake
assuring total solids capture and minimizing the consumption of fresh liquid. 
When operating with solvent, the filters meet all the requirements of ATEX 95
category 2. 

Dry fractionation
With over 75 installations in dry fractionation of palm oil the Hoesch membrane
filter press is a recognized leader in the marketplace. The newest range of
Hoesch presses introduced in 2007 are designed to meet the latest regulations
and codes and are able to work with operating pressures up to 30 bar with
filters plates sizes up to 2000 x 2000 mm.  At he same time the presses
continue to offer all the well known advantages of the proprietary Hoesch
filter plate and membrane design thus ensuring that Hoesch presses continue to
be the leader in the field. 

The Hoesch plate has a center feed with a distribution and supporting ring for
optimized distribution of the slurry.  The central port is of a size to reduce
the velocity during distribution and prevent the cake from being washed away
around the feed port.  It also ensures equal cake distribution in all
directions.  This eliminates the potential for tapered cakes (thicker at the
bottom than at the top). The replaceable rubber membrane is made from EPDM.  It
is easily exchanged without the need of any special tools and can be done
without removing the plate from the press.  The use of a rubber membrane allows
so-called “empty-chamber” operation. If only partial chamber filling or no
filling of individual chambers occurs, the rubber membrane does not suffer any
damage and can still follow any shape the filter cake takes. 
Hoesch membrane filter presses are also used for oil bleaching applications and
for fish oil separation from fish meal. 

Larox is committed to helping its clients meet the following goal

Reduced lifetime production costs - especially energy based costs 
Improved product quality, value and consistency 
Improved safety, health and environmental performance 
Improved yield and productivity 

The Hoesch and Pannevis range of filters are 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”. 

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 450 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.