Frame-plate filter FPR-48 for the purification of vegetable oils

Frame-plate filter FPR-48, also known as a filter press, is a proven solution used in the filtration of edible oils and other liquids, such as wines, beers, juices, and syrups. Due to its design, the FPR-48 filter excels at removing various mechanical contaminants, including fine solid particles, waxes, proteins, sediments, and plant residues that may be present in unrefined oil.

The FPR-48 filter features compact dimensions of 1550 mm in length, 754 mm in width, and 1200 mm in height, which allows for easy integration in production facilities. Its robust construction, weighing 320 kg, ensures stability and durability during operation.

The FPR-48 filter consists of several key components that work together to ensure effective filtration:

1. A set of 48 perforated filter plates creates an advanced filtration system characterized by a significant filtration surface area. Oil, flowing through the numerous channels in the plates, undergoes thorough purification, ensuring high process efficiency.
2. Frames placed between the plates create chambers where filtering material is placed. Special fabrics (e.g. "belting"), filter paper, or filtration membranes are most commonly used as filtering materials to capture contaminants.
3. Filter media or other materials with appropriate properties are applied to the frames, creating an effective barrier that traps contaminant particles, purifying the flowing liquid.
4. The plates and frames are compressed together using a manual pressing mechanism, creating a tight filtration structure that prevents leaks during the filtration process.
5. The NOVAX 25 Oil pump is a high-performance, electric peristaltic pump made of stainless steel, equipped with a star rotor. It has been specially designed for transferring edible oils. Its hydraulic part, made of bronze with a stainless-steel coating, ensures exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and safety for contact with food products. This solution has been successfully utilized by RoverPompe for over 20 years, confirming its reliability.
6. A pressure gauge installed before the filtration block allows for monitoring pressure and assessing the contamination status of the filtering elements.

Here’s how filtration works in the FPR-48 device.

At the beginning of the process, the filter plates are alternately arranged with the frames and tightly clamped to form a sealed chamber. Then, the contaminated liquid is pumped under pressure using the NOVAX 25 Oil pump. As a result, the liquid flows through the filter smoothly and efficiently. Solid particles suspended in the liquid are trapped by the filtering material, creating a layer of contaminants known as the "filter cake". The purified liquid, on the other hand, flows freely through the filter and is discharged. As the filtration progresses, the layer of contaminants on the filter becomes thicker, making it more difficult for the liquid to flow. A special pressure gauge monitors the pressure, informing us when to remove the accumulated "filter cake". After the process is complete, the filter plates are thoroughly cleaned, and the filtering material is either cleaned or replaced, preparing the device for the next filtration cycle.

The frame-plate filter FPR-48 is highly regarded in various industries due to its numerous advantages:

• The large filter surface area allows for the simultaneous trapping of greater quantities of contaminants during filtration. This makes the process more efficient and minimizes the need for frequent cleaning or replacement of filter elements.
• Efficiency and longer lifespan – contaminants are distributed over a larger area, slowing the clogging of pores, ensuring stable liquid flow, and reducing pressure loss.
• Versatility – the FPR-48 is applicable in many industrial sectors where it can filter liquids of both low and high viscosity, as well as suspensions with varying concentrations of solid particles. Due to this versatility, it is suitable for processes in the chemical, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Simple design and ease of operation, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. Quick access to the filtering elements facilitates cleaning and replacement of plates, leading to reduced downtime in the production process.
• Diversity of filtering materials – allows for the use of various filtering materials such as fabrics, paper, or membranes. This enables the filter to be tailored to the specific needs of a given process, ensuring optimal filtration effectiveness regardless of the type of liquid or particle size.
• Oil purification – the FPR-48 filter is used in oil refining processes, where in addition to removing solid particles, it can also eliminate pigments, heavy metals, waxy substances, and other fine contaminants, affecting the quality of the final product. This is particularly important in the food and chemical industries, where the quality of the purified oil is crucial.