We are a leading agitated nutsche filter dryers (ANFD) manufacturer, based out of Thane, near Mumbai in India. Our ANFDs are used in chemical, pharmaceutical, and various other process industries for efficient solid-liquid separation and drying of powders or slurries. The term "nutsche" originates from the German word "nutsche," which means filter and accurately describes the vessel utilized in this equipment.
ANFDs, also known as agitated nutsche filter dryer, are primarily used in batch operations for separating solids from slurries. This method combines slurry filtration, washing, and vacuum drying in one apparatus, making it ideal for recovering Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) efficiently. Agitated Nutsche filter systems can operate under vacuum or pressure, catering to various industry requirements across chemical, pharmaceutical, and food sectors.
Agitated nutsche filter dryers are essential in modern production processes. These specialized units integrate the functions of a filter, agitator, and dryer, providing versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Lets understand the ANFD working principle:
If required, the solid cake can be washed with a suitable solvent or washing liquid to remove impurities or mother liquor. The filtration process in an Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryer (ANFD) uses pressure or vacuum to push liquid through the solid bed and filter media. This displaces the filtrate and retains the cake over the filter medium. Different filter media types like cloth, single-layer metal screens, or multi-layer sintered metal are used based on slurry characteristics. Keeping the slurry suspended with rotating arms during filtration prevents segregation and helps form a uniform cake, especially for slurries with mixed particle sizes.
In the washing stage of an Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryer (ANFD) system, a spray ring or connections located on top of the cover are used to introduce the wash liquid over the cake. This liquid is then forced through the cake either by pressure or vacuum, displacing the mother solution. However, in-situ washing may encounter challenges in efficiency, especially if the cake forms unevenly.
To enhance washing efficiency, it's crucial to prevent air or gas from entering the cake, particularly in a multi-washing system. Displacement washing plays a vital role as it removes liquid and impurities while preserving the integrity of the cake, simultaneously replacing the previous liquid with fresh liquid. This process helps maintain optimal cleanliness and quality throughout the ANFD dryer operation.
After filtration and washing, the remaining wet cake needs to be dried. In an agitated nutsche filter dryer, the vessel is equipped with an agitator or stirring mechanism. This agitator breaks up the cake and promotes efficient drying by exposing more surface area to the drying medium (usually hot air or inert gas).
ANFD dryer sucks out the moisture using a vacuum, with some shaking to help. They also heat up parts of the machine like the tank and paddles to make drying even faster.
After drying the material to the desired level, the agitated nutsche filter dryer diagram is prepared by releasing any internal pressure or vacuum.
Discharging is done directly into sterile vessels in a non-contact way by using a discharge valve. The agitator continuously pushes the dried cake out from the valve.
Alternatively, The filter plate, holding the dried material, is then lowered using hydraulic or mechanical systems for removal. The discharged material is carefully handled to prevent contamination, ensuring the quality of the dried product. Cleaning follows to prepare the ANFD for the next processing cycle, including the filter plate, vessel, and other components. The agitated nutsche filter dryer offers several advantages, including efficient filtration and drying in a single vessel, reduced processing time, minimized product loss, and improved product quality.
It is commonly used in industries where the separation and drying of solids from liquid suspensions or solutions are crucial steps in the manufacturing process. We at Kumar Process offer ANFDs with interchangeable multilayered sintered filter media made from Stainless steel 316 grade or Hastelloy C276/C-22. These media are quite robust when compared to traditional cloth media used in ANFD filters, which are prone to damage which can lead to product contamination. We can offer the sintered filter media in sizes as large as 3 metres in diameter.
Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryers (ANFDs) offer several advantages:
Its key features include efficient filtration and drying processes, reducing the need for separate equipment and saving space. The agitated nutsche filter dryer diagram minimizes operator handling, enhancing safety and reducing contamination risks. It promotes uniform mixing and drying, ensuring consistent product quality with reduced moisture content. With advanced control systems, ANFD dryers offer precise monitoring and control of key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and agitation speed. They are cost-effective, supporting batch processing and easy maintenance for uninterrupted operation.
Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryers (ANFDs) can be across various industrial applications:
Pharmaceuticals: ANFD in pharma industry Is used for filtration, washing, and drying of pharmaceuticals, ensuring quality and compliance.
Extensive material options for tailored design and cost-effective solutions
Chemicals: Employed in solvent recovery, crystallization, and drying for efficient separation.
Food Processing: Separation of solids from liquids, drying of food ingerdients, and for production of powders
Petrochemicals: Assists in the separation, purification, and drying of petrochemical products.
Overall, ANFD dryers are valued in industries requiring efficient filtration, washing, and drying processes.
Our ANFDs are custom made as per client’s requirements, taking into account every feature required. Our expertise In machining helps us maintain concentricity of the agitator with the vessel wall, thus preventing undue damage and increasing the mixing efficiency because of the low clearance involved.
We can also offer true surface filtration media, wherein the topmost layer is the filtration layer, as opposed to generic media where the topmost layer pore size is greater than the filtration pore size, which can lead to trapping of product in the top layer. This can create cross contamination if the media is not cleaned properly before the start of the next batch.
We make our own filter media at our factory in Thane. The sintering of layers is done in our vacuum furnace, and the weld seams are done on in-house developed welding machines to achieve international standard welds.
The Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryer (ANFD) performs filtration, washing, and drying in one unit. It separates solids from liquids, washes out impurities, and dries the material to the desired moisture level. Agitated filter dryers are vital in pharmaceuticals, chemicals & food industries for efficient separation and drying. They reduce manual handling, enhance product quality, save costs, and work with different materials.
ANFD in pharma are mainly used for filtration, washing, and drying processes of intermediates and active ingredients. They ensure product quality by separating solids, washing out impurities, and achieving desired moisture levels. ANFDs are integral in manufacturing high-quality pharmaceuticals.
Operating an Agitated Nutsche Filter (ANF) involves several steps. First, set up the filter securely and load the material. Close the vessel and start agitation for filtration, adjusting speed as needed. After filtration, stop agitation, open the vessel for discharge, and remove solids. Wash if necessary, then initiate drying with heat or vacuum, monitoring moisture levels carefully.