Larox RT horizontal vacuum belt filter

The Outotec Larox® RT filter has a unique design that offers discrete multi-step processing of a wide range of products. Steps can include any or all of the following, in almost any combination: multiple washing steps, either co-current or counter-current and with more than one liquid, vibration, hot air drying, cooling, steaming, and mechanical compression. At the heart of the filter is a continuously moving filter cloth that does not require a rubber support belt. Instead, an open grid located in a profiled tray runs the length of the filter and supports the cloth.

A vacuum to separate the solids and liquids is applied to the underside of the cloth. When the vacuum is applied, the forward movement of the cloth pulls the tray with it at the same speed. As the tray advances to a specific point, the vacuum is briefly removed and the tray is returned to its original position. The vacuum is then reapplied and the tray moves again with the cloth.

Gas-tight or pressure-tight enclosures are also offered, allowing the safe operation of processes involving flammable materials, explosives, hazardous materials, or requiring containment.

The ability to carry out multiple washing steps, with each wash filtrate precisely collected into its own receiver, results in a very high level of purity – up to 99.99% or better – with low wash water consumption.

The Outotec Larox® RT filter also dries efficiently after the dewatering process. Filter cakes are relatively thin, usually 6 to 100 mm (1/4 to 4 in), so drying is quick with as little as 0.1% final moisture content. Rapid drying also allows for a higher gas temperature, since the cake will not typically reach the gas temperature except at the end of the cycle. Steaming or cooling of the filter cake can be accomplished using the drying procedure by substituting steam or coolant for the hot air.