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30 January 2009
Current industrial filtration methods often require costly maintenance, and filter membrane replacement on an ongoing basis. However, Tshwane-based Rand Technical Services (RTS), offers a robust, highly-effective Inertial Spin Filter technology for industrial dust and exhaust separation, which is virtually maintenance-free. This is according to Ian Fraser, Managing Director of RTS.
Cyclone technology
Says Fraser: “Spin Filter units are a high-efficiency application of cyclone technology. Air to be separated is blown through a module that consists of a series of small vortexes. The Air flow is induced to spin by fixed vanes at the entry to the vortexes, and centrifugal force then drives the dirt particles to the outside of the vortex.”
The dirt laden air is purged through vents built into the outside of each aperture. A purge fan is used to keep the dirt laden waste air in flight, from where it is either dispersed or collected as required. Clean air then exits to process.
“In some industries this is particularly useful for materials reclamation, as the environment is protected and, at the same time, valuable fines are recovered that would otherwise be lost into the atmosphere,” Fraser explains.
Constant resistance, consistent performance
Unlike conventional filter membranes, which clog due to pressure build-up after a period of use, the pressure drop across the Spin Filter module never increases. The units are self-cleaning, and do not block when correctly installed - thereby offering consistent performance with constant resistance. They are highly energy-efficient too, as only the auxiliary purge fans that direct the ‘dirty’ air out of the air stream require power.
“Not only is pressure constant for the life of the unit, but the unit itself has an exceptionally long working life. We have installations still going strong that are 23 years old. The sturdy, high density polypropylene construction of the blocks is highly resistant to erosion. Consol Glass has utilised this technology on many air intake installations for over 10 years,” notes Fraser.
Unlimited capacity
According to Fraser, the Spin Filters are constructed in modules that can be built up into large panels, sized to match required air flow and so offering an unlimited capacity on engineered systems. The smallest available unit, containing one Inertial Spin Filter block, handles from 1000 to 2500 Nm3 per hour with ease, and upper range capacity is only determined by the application, and the available space.
“Ninety-eight percent of particles 15 microns and larger are removed by this simple process,” he observes.
Delivering a rapid return-on-investment, the Spin Filter system has an excellent track record in industries such as power stations, glass plants, cement factories, steel mills and platinum mines.
Cleaner and more cost-effective
Thomas Coetzee, consulting engineer to Consol Glass notes: “For the mould cooling process, Inertial Spin Filters are more cost-effective than conventional filtration methods. Consol Glass pioneered the use of this system in South Africa in the early 1990’s. The technology has now become an integral part of the Consol Glass production system, and is successfully being used in all their new, and several existing installations.
Spin Filters provide sufficient filtration for most environmental applications, such as transformer rooms and control rooms, without the addition of secondary filters. In secondary filtration applications to remove finer particles, such as in air compressor intakes, the Spin Filters substantially extend the life of the secondary installations. Conventional filter membranes are left with very low dust loadings and so last far longer. There is also a beneficial ripple effect on cost-saving throughout the plant. Downtime from both planned and unplanned shutdowns is greatly reduced - less damaging friction from dust particles means far less equipment wear and tear, or failure.”
Protects switchgear and electricals
A substantial reduction in switchgear and other electrical system breakdown is achieved once Spin Filters are installed. Even when planned maintenance for other equipment is delayed or overlooked, the units deliver consistent, maintenance-free performance to keep electrical systems functioning smoothly.
Environmental benefits
Fraser goes on to state: “The benefits of the Spin Filter system are almost endless. Return-on- investment is rapid; due to a substantially smaller spend on filtration maintenance and replacement – not to mention the ongoing reduction in equipment breakdown and support costs. Environmental benefits are also considerable, due to the reduction in undesirable emissions.”
‘Unsung Hero’ of Industry
“Filtration is one of industry’s ‘unsung heroes’. Without it, many processes would literally grind to a halt, and pollution and unhealthy working conditions would be greatly increased. Inertial Spin Filters have succeeded on their own proven merits, even during depressed economic conditions. They keep on saving time, labour and money long after they have paid for themselves.
While nothing succeeds like success, the Inertial Spin Filter also demonstrates that ‘nothing succeeds like proven, effective simplicity’,” concludes Fraser.
Ends
(799 words)
Note to Editors
Rand Technical Services, or RTS, is a specialised, Tshwane-based company offering innovative technologies and solutions to industrial problems.
Run by Managing Director Ian Fraser since its inception in the early 1990’s, the company offers globally-sourced, quality products such as continuous belt weighers without load cells, laser-based gas detection devices for hot or corrosive areas, and electrolysers for hydrogen production.
Product delivery and technical consultation by highly-trained staff is offered throughout Southern Africa to a range of clients in industry sectors such as mining, glass, steel and energy.
Editorial Contacts
Richard Cooper
Marketing manager
Rand Technical Services
012 - 993 9620
info@rtsafrica.co.za
www.rtsafrica.co.za
Kendal Hunt
PR Consultant and Writer
Kendal Hunt Communications
011 – 7045649 or kenh@mweb.co.za
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