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NEW FILTER CLOTH FIXING METHODS FOR DRUM FILTERS, DISC FILTERS AND PAN FILTERS FOR THE ALUMINA INDUSTRY

Lydon, R., Tebbutt, D., Bel, R., Ehrfeld, E., Hahn, J. and Loeschner, T.

Frametrak™ is a new method of attaching filter media to disk, drum and pan filters. It replaces the traditional caulking method or the more modern bolt down clamping methods on disk and pan filters and makes the bag method for disk filters obsolete. Its main function is to eliminate the numerous Operational Health & Safety issues associated with the existing methods of re-clothing filters. Filter cloth can be secured to a filter without the use of power tools, it is a simple operation to both install and remove individual cloths. The major advantage for disc filters is the cloth can be exchanged without removing the heavy segments from the filter. On a drum filter, the cloth exchange time can be remarkably shortened and only those filter cells which need a cloth change can be re-clothed. The same reasoning can be applied to pan filters.

FrameTrak™ consists of three parts: 1. A special designed steel profile. 2. An extruded elastomer polymer profile with cloth inserts. 3. A second extruded elastomer polymer profile, which acts as a locking strip.

The steel profile replaces existing caulking grooves on drum and pan filters or is attached to sectors on disc filters. The filter medium is fixed to the elastomeric polymer cloth profile. This profile is then simply “hooked” over the specially designed metal profile (1) and secured with the locking strip profile. Inserting the locking strip profile can be easily fitted by hand and the cloth is securely retained.

As the material used in the profiles is a special elastomeric polymer it is impervious to caustic and inhibits scale growth. To remove cloths the locking strip profile has to be taken out, this can easily be done by hand.

In a common development project between two specialized partners, a new convenient and safe technology is being introduced. BOKELA has been responsible for the filter design and its installation. MADISON has been responsible for the cloth and elastomer polymer profile design and its application.