Research and Development
Research work in the Separation Technologies Division continued to concentrate on the optimization of the centrifuge product range in order to further enhance performance and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Another focus area was the standardization of the filter press product family in order to shorten delivery times and reduce costs.
In connection with the EcoDry Process for sludge incineration, the Thermal Process Technologies Division conducted a research program including tests on an industrial installation to minimize ammonia emissions after an SNCR (Selective Non-Catalytic Reactor) off-gas cleaning system. Similar investigations on emissions were carried out with analysis and process optimization for the off-gas cleaning systems on belt dryers using bio-filters and chemical scrubbers.
A combined drying plant using a belt and a fluid bed dryer was developed and a patent filed. The target is to use process synergies of both systems to achieve the best energy efficiency.
Intensive pilot tests were carried out with pilot-scale drying plants to obtain design and feasibility data for fluid bed drying on various products such as polymers, salts, minerals, and waste from bio-ethanol production.