Agitated Nutsch Filter Cum Dryer (ANFD)

Introduction

The Agitated Nutsch Filter Cum Dryer (ANFD) is an advanced filtration and drying system designed for solid-liquid separation, cake washing, and drying in a single enclosed vessel. It is widely used in pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, and food industries where high-purity drying, efficient solvent recovery, and contamination-free processing are critical.

ANFD operates as a closed-system equipment, ensuring compliance with cGMP, ASME, and API standards, while offering customizable automation, CIP/SIP integration, and solvent recovery options.

Key Features & Process Workflow

1. Filtration Stage

  • Wet Cake Formation: The slurry is fed into the vessel, and vacuum/pressure is applied to separate solids from liquids through the filter plate (available in various micron sizes).

  • Cake Washing: The agitator ensures uniform washing (with solvents or water) to remove impurities.

  • Liquid Removal: The filtrate is drained, and the wet cake remains on the filter plate.

2. Drying Stage

  • Heating/Cooling: The jacket/limpet coil provides thermal control (heating/cooling) to dry the cake.

  • Agitation & Homogenization: The S-shaped agitator (clockwise/anti-clockwise rotation) breaks lumps and ensures uniform drying.

  • Vacuum/Gas Purging: Optional vacuum or nitrogen purging enhances drying efficiency for heat-sensitive materials.

3. Discharge Stage

  • Hydraulic Discharge: The dry powder is discharged via a side valve (manual or automated).

  • Contained Handling: Glove box/isolation integration ensures dust-free and contained powder removal.

Key Components

Component Description
Vessel ASME-compliant, cGMP design, jacketed/limpet coil, leak-proof under pressure/vacuum
Filter Plate Single/multi-layer, dead-zone-free, frit-supported, customizable micron rating
Agitator 2/3-blade S-shape, variable speed, bidirectional, leak-proof seal
Discharge System Hydraulic/pneumatic side valve, dust-free containment options
Peripheral Systems CIP/SIP, automation panel, solvent recovery, flame-proof controls, TCU

Material of Construction (MOC)

  • Stainless Steel: SS304, SS316, SS316L

  • Coated/Lined Options: PTFE, PFA, Halar, Hastelloy, Super Duplex

  • Mild Steel: MS IS2062 with PTFE/PFA lining

Design Applications

✔ Double seal design (flush connection for filter base)
✔ Glove box/isolation integration for contained discharge
✔ Single/double chamber configurations
✔ Square discharge port for efficient powder removal
✔ Safe-change dust filter for clean operations

Advantages

✅ Cost-Effective: Combines filtration & drying in one unit, reducing process steps
✅ Customizable: Lab-scale (10L) to industrial-scale (10,000L) options
✅ Maintenance-Free: Robust design with minimal wear parts
✅ Automation Ready: Improves product quality & reduces cycle time
✅ Versatile: Suitable for APIs, intermediates, chemicals, food, and cosmetics

Industries Served

  • Pharmaceuticals (API, intermediates, oral solids)

  • Chemicals (fine chemicals, pigments, catalysts)

  • Cosmetics (powders, creams)

  • Food & Beverages (extracts, additives)