TECHNOLOGY // #foodtec
GEA Searle condensers and dry coolers Thanks to enhanced configuration of their heat exchanger tubes, the new GEA Searle condensers from the RF range (for synthetic refrigerants) and the NF range (for ammonia) require a smaller refrigerant charge. They are also lighter than their predecessors. In addition, GEA Heat Exchangers engineering designers have modified the casings of these weather-resistant, air-cooled condensers – as part of model updating – to such an extent that the new design has optimized the flow rate and has increased mechanical stability. The GEA Searle RF range is available for the capacity range of 5 to 1,342kW (as per EN 327:2000), in flatbed or vertical configurations. As a result of extensive testing, GEA Heat Exchangers has now implemented two tube patterns for this particular new range of condensers; one with 12mm tubing, and the other with 3/8” tubing. These two configurations are differently suited for various applications, and the Searle Product Selector software determines the optimal solution for the user’s application. Customers can also choose among various fans, including energysaving EC fans with 910mm diameter. These fans can regulate fan speed with continuously variable control, in accordance with demand, and are therefore especially energy-efficient and quiet. An adiabatic spray system and various GEA Searle control packages are available as options. The air-cooled condensers in the NF range are designed on the same basic principle as those in the RF range – and they offer identical configuration possibilities, fans, and accessories. The NF models, however, are designed for operation with ammonia as refrigerant, and they have heat exchanger tubes and headers made of stainless steel. GEA Heat Exchangers utilises a single 12-mm tube pattern here, after test results showed that this T-fin configuration achieves optimal heat exchanger efficiency for the applications covered. These NF-models cover the capacity range from 5-1,330kW (as per EN 327:2000). The new modular dry coolers in the GEA Searle LF range offer many and various combination possibilities. As a result, they can be optimally adapted to customer requirements with respect to output, costs, noise emission, model size, and efficiency. They are therefore highly effective for many areas of application. These models are available in the capacity range from 81,340kW, in flat-bed horizontal or in vertical configuration. The GEA Searle LF range of dry coolers achieves a close specification match through module length options of 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2100mm in a single (1158mm) or double (2301mm) bank configuration. Up to ten fans can be installed in each bank. In this manner, GEA Heat
762
11. 2 0 13
Exchangers can manufacture these units with a maximum length of 12m and with up to 20 fans. The customer may choose among various fans, including energy-efficient EC motors with a diameter of 910mm. These EC fans enable continuously variable matching of fan speed to momentary requirements, over an extensive range: which ensures energy-saving, quiet operation. The heat exchangers are also
available in various models, including variants with two to four tube rows. As a result of extensive testing, GEA Heat Exchangers has now implemented three tube patterns for this particular new range of condensers: 5/8”, 12mm or 3/8”. These configurations are differently suited for various applications, and the Searle Product Selector software determines the optimal solution for the user’s application.
Contact GEA Searle Systems on tel 01329 821223 or visit www.gea.com
Bühler’s commitment to sustainable rice processing Speaking on Sustainability in Rice Processing, Nick Wilkins outlined the challenges facing the rice industry and Bühler’s on-going commitment, by reducing their energy, air and water costs, and by boosting their productivity and profits. In particular, he focussed on Bühler’s new UltraLine range of rice processing equipment, whose high-capacity and energy-efficiency sets new standards in sustainable rice processing. With 40-50 percent of the world’s population dependent on rice as a staple food and that rice consuming population predicted to grow by around two billion by 2050, it is likely that another 100m tonnes of rice per year will be needed to feed our growing global population by 2030. “That is about a 25 percent increase on where we are now,” said Nick, who stressed that land availability for rice growing was expected to decrease during the next few decades and that an increase in rice yield from farming was therefore unlikely to accommodate the growth needed in rice volumes. “On top of this, there are significant losses in the whole food chain, and around 40 percent of rice is actually lost in the production process. This situation, coupled with an increase in energy costs, means that sustainability and sustainable rice processing is going to be critical,” said Nick. He emphasised that solutions require innovation: innovation in products and processes as well as plant engineering and
design. “At Bühler, we aim to ensure that every kilogram of paddy that is grown and farmed is converted in the most efficient and cost effective manner into high quality products and by-products for our customers. As a company we spend four to five per cent of our turnover in basic research and applied development. We partner with our customers to develop solutions that give better performance, better efficiency and that encourage sustainability within the industry.” It is Bühler’s commitment to sustainability and partnership coupled with its ongoing dedication to excellence in rice processing and helping its customers achieve lasting success that is the driving force behind the development of its new UltraLine range. The first two UltraLine machines are the UltraPoly™ for rice polishing, which allows millers to polish rice at almost twice the capacity of previous machines; and the UltraWhite™ for advanced whitening that couples a capacity of 9-12 tonnes/hr with reduced space requirements and lower energy use. Both the UltraPoly™ and UltraWhite™ can handle high capacity processing loads with unparalleled energy efficiency. They are the first of several solutions planned in Bühler’s UltraLine range, which reinforces the company’s leading position in delivering innovative, energy efficient technology solutions to rice processors. These will eliminate losses, reduce waste, increase yield and achieve lasting success.
Contact Buhler Sortex on tel 020 7055 7777 or visit www.buhlersortex.com