ALF
The Alfa Laval Filter, or ALF, is a self-cleaning filter that is designed to protect heat exchangers from clogging, fouling, and corrosion in various industries that use secondary water in the cooling systems. By removing debris and marine life, this industrial water filtration solution reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and prolongs heat exchanger service intervals. This efficient heat exchanger protect solution also increases energy efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions, and saves OPEX.
How it works
ALF can easily be cleaned either automatically at predetermined intervals, or manually by pushing a button on the control panel.
During normal operation, the liquid enters the filter basket, which is divided into an inlet section and a debris collection section by the flow diverter. The flow diverter is open and the flushing valve located at the outlet of the debris collection section is closed. The liquid passes through the inlet section where it is forced through the filter basket before then passing through the outlet. The velocity of the liquid is sufficient to dislodge and remove any matter embedded in the inlet section of the basket.
In primary flushing, the flushing valve opens the flushing outlet, thus increasing the total flow through the filter. This loosens any debris sticking to the pipe walls and to the filter basket. This debris is flushed out to the drain through the flushing valve.
In secondary flushing (commonly known as backflushing), the flow diverter closes while the flushing valve remains open. The liquid flow is then diverted and forced to pass through the filter basket in the inlet section. The majority of the liquid leaves the filter through the main outlet but the pressure in the filter draws part of the flow from the exterior to the interior of the debris collection section. This provides a backflushing effect on this section of the filter. Any dislodged material is discharged through the flushing valve.
