Process engineering
versatility for filtration

Description
The BHS Rotary Pressure Filter (RPF) is a continuous filter for pressure filtration, cake washing and drying of high solids slurries with full containment and automatic cake discharge. The technology is based upon a slowly rotating drum, less than 2 rpm, with individual cells containing the filter media and isolated process zones.
Filtration is driven by pump pressure of up to 7 barg with a temperature range of 200° Celsius. Positive displacement washing or counter-current washing follows filtration. Multiple washing steps as well as solvent exchanges, steaming, and extraction can also be accomplished. Finally, the cake is dried by blowing hot or ambient-temperature gas through the cake.
The Filter has a uniquely designed discharge system, which provides for atmospheric discharge from pressure filtration. After automatic cake discharge, the filter cloth is washed; the clean filter cloth then re-enters the feeding/filtration zone thereby continuing the process. All solvent and gas streams can be recovered separately and reused in the process to minimize their consumption.
Animation
Production of high-quality pearlescent pigments with the rotary pressure filter (RPF)
BHS-Sonthofen rotary pressure filters have proven themselves in many applications. For example, Merck uses them around the clock to produce pearlescent pigments. Watch the video to find out how BHS filtration solutions give cars and cosmetics a shiny appearance.
Technical Specifications
TYPE | DRUM DIAMETER | EFFECTIVE DRUM LENGTH | ACTIVE FILTER AREA | DIMANSIONS (L x B x H) | WEIGHT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RPF P01 | 0,75 m | 0,1 m | 0,18 m² | 2 x 1,2 x 2m | 2.500 kg |
RPF P02 | 0,75 m | 0,25 m | 0,45 m² | 2,1 x 1,2 x 2 m | 3.500 kg |
RPF A03 | 1 m | 0,3 m | 0,72 m² | 3,9 x 2,1 x 2,2 m | 7.000 kg |
RPF A06 | 1 m | 0,6 m | 1,44 m² | 4,2 x 2,1 x 2,2 m | 10.000 kg |
RPF A09 | 1 m | 0,9 m | 2,16 m² | 4,5 x 2,1 x 2,2 m | 13.000 kg |
RPF A12 | 1 m | 1,2 m | 2,88 m² | 4,8 x 2,1 x 2,2 m | 15.000 kg |
RPF B09 | 1,5 m | 0,9 m | 3,2 m² | 5 x 2,9 x 3,2 m | 20.000 kg |
RPF B12 | 1,5 m | 1,2 m | 4,3 m² | 5,4 x 3 x 3,2 m | 30.000 kg |
RPF B16 | 1,5 m | 1,6 m | 5,8 m² | 5,8 x 3 x 3,2 m | 35.000 kg |
RPF X16 | 1,8 m | 1,6 m | 6,9 m² | 5,8 x 3,3 x 3,6 m | 40.000 kg |
RPF X20 | 1,8 m | 2 m | 8,6 m² | 6,2 x 3,3 x 3,6 m | 42.000 kg |
All specifications apply to a high-performance filter with Center Drive. The shown dimensions an geihts are approximate figures.
The technical data for other designs may vary from the information shown here.
All technical data may change due to development.
Subject to modification without notice.
Operating method | continuous |
---|---|
Operating pressure | up to 6 bar (g) |
Operating temperature | up to 160° C |
Soldids content (suspension) | up to 60 % (by weight) |
Cake thickness | up to 175 mm |
Grain size | 10 – 500 µm |
Filter output – suspension | up to 30 m³/m² h |
Filter output – dry solids | up to 15.000 kg/m² h |
Active filter surface | 0,18 – 8,6 m² |
Pilot Test Filter
P01
- Active Filter Area: 0.17 m²
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 6ft x 4.5ft x 6.5 ft
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 6 barg (87 psi)
- Material of Construction: Stainless Steel