CORES™ vacuum drum filter

Advanced filtration technology for reliable chemical processing

CORES™ combines decades of ANDRITZ engineering expertise with innovative materials and design. At the heart of the system is a patented sandwich structure composed of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and non-reinforced polypropylene (PP), forming a seamless, chemically resistant surface. This design eliminates the need for expensive high alloy materials or maintenance-intensive rubber lined filters, while , ensuring long-term durability in highly corrosive conditions.

Materials of construction and improved design for maximum durability

Corrosion resistant filter design

All surfaces exposed to process media are covered with tightly welded thermoplastics, such as PP, PE, PVDF, or ECTFE. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of acids and aggressive slurries. Below a GRP layer provides the needed stability, which is embedded into resin and where needed laminated onto an internal steel structure, minimizing mechanical stresses.

FEM-optimized drum structure

Using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations, ANDRITZ engineers assure a robust design to withstand the torques across the drum. For highest stability, the shaft, head walls, and trough framework are constructed from steel, GRP, or hybrid materials to balance strength and chemical resistance.

Cake discharge systems for continuous operation

To support uninterrupted processing, CORES™ filters offer multiple cake discharge options:

• Scraper discharge with cake blow-off, suitable for most applications
• Roller discharge for pasty applications
• Belt discharge for products, which tend to recrystallization in the filter cloth, enabling improved cloth washing
• String discharge for sticky products

These discharge mechanisms are tailored to the specific characteristics of the filtered material, enhancing production yield and reducing downtime.

Vacuum operation and process flexibility

The vacuum drum filter operates under a controlled vacuum that draws liquid through the filter medium while retaining solids on the drum surface. The vacuum level, drum speed, and cake thickness are adjustable to meet process requirements, ensuring optimal separation and energy efficiency. Depending on the cake washing requirements, a dedicated number of cake washing pipes can be installed, which ensures the efficient removal of undesired chemicals, such as e.g. chlorides.

Maintenance and lifecycle benefits

Thanks to its corrosion-proof design and modular construction, the CORES™ filter requires minimal maintenance. Welded surfaces prevent leakage and degradation. Even the agitator is mounted outside of the process area, which reduces  wear and simplifies servicing. This results in lower total cost of ownership and extended operational life.

Automation in filtration with Metris addIQ

ANDRITZ integrates its Metris addIQ control system to enhance filtration control. Features include:

• Real-time monitoring of process parameters
• Predictive maintenance alerts
• Automated cleaning and discharge cycles
• Integration with plant-wide control systems

This intelligent automation ensures consistent performance, reduces human error, and maximizes uptime. Learn more about Metris addIQ control systems.  

Filtration efficiency and technical specifications

The CORES™ series delivers high throughput and precision. Processing parameters are: 

• Filtration capacity: 100–2,000 l/m²/h
• Solids throughput: Up to 1,500 kg/m²/h
• Particle size range: 1–300 µm
• Operating temperature: Up to 80°C (PP-based design)
• Washing ratio: Up to 3:1 (water to dry solids)
• Filtration area: Up to 27 m² per unit

Industrial applications in harsh environments

CORES™ vacuum drum filters are ideal for:

• Titanium dioxide production using sulfuric acid
• Hydrochloric acid slurry filtration, e.g. for HCl digestion processes
• Filtration of unknown or mixed acid compositions
• Mining and metallurgy operations, such as leaching slurries
• Chemical and pharmaceutical applications with pH value < 2
• Cellulose fibres (pulp washing)
• Replacement of maintenance-intensive rubber lined filters

These filters are built to perform reliably in environments where conventional materials fail.
 

^{* CORES is a registered European Union Trademark}

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