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Diatomite is a unique mineral due to its low density, high porosity and relative inertness, making it an ideal filtering medium. Diatoms range in size from less than 5 to over 100 microns, and are characterized by species-specific morphology with interior pores as small as 0.1 micron.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE or Diatomite) precoat filtration has been a widely used method of fluid purification for over 100 years. In brewing seasoning production, DE filtration is a mechanical separation of solids and microorganisms from mask.
There are a wide variety of precoat filter processes but all share the same basic cycles known as: 1) precoating; 2) service with bodyfeed; 3) backwash or cleaning.
The first and essential step in the precoat cycle is to establish a uniform and stable cake where DE in slurry form is recycled through permanent elements (septums) back to the clean tank. When purity is confirmed, service flow commences.
At this point, a continuously metered amount of DE called bodyfeed is introduced into the raw mask throughout the service cycle. This assures protection of the precoat layer while keeping the cake channels open as contaminants are trapped. When properly proportioned, optimum efficiency is achieved whereby run times can be increased by 2 to 4 times under most conditions.The service cycle is terminated when a predetermined maximum pressure loss across the filter is reached. At this point, the system is put into a cleaning cycle.
In short, when a uniform and stable media cake is established, all DE filters will provide membrane level efficiency with low capital and O&M costs.
At the beginning of 2008, improving the applied technology in German, Italy and France, the team of Fannuoer designed and manufactured FN-GLP series diatomite filters, which had reached the top national standard. Two items of FN-GLP-05 diatomite filters were exported to SOSTRA in Russia, applied to clearly soybean sauce.
A total of 5 FN-GLP-10 diatomite filters were ordered by President Kikkoman Zhenji Foods Co., Ltd. to process their products, such as soybean sauce, vinegar and cooking wine.
In May 2010, in order to replac an imported filter equipment, a FN-GLP-30 diatomite filter was delivered to Guangdong PRB Bio-Tech Co., Ltd from Fannuoer. With 30m2 filtering area, this is the first diatomite filter system which has its own Intellectual Property in China. The filter system is stable operation and work well by now, and no faults have been occurred.
From 2013, fannuoer FN-GLP-10 diatomite filters have been promoted to some cities in Guangdong province, such as Zhongshan, Jiangmen, and Kaiping, where many soybean sauce plants located. In December 2014, FN-GLP-30 diatomite filter was assembled to Heshan Donggu Flavoring & Food Co., Ltd., starting a new chapter of clarification of Southern-Chinese-style of soybean sauce.
