Large Ethanol Plant

Filtration for Ethanol Production

To produce Ethanol, raw materials such as corn or cellulosic feedstocks like sugarcane and wheat undergo a dry milling process that produces a combustible alcohol. Once the product has completed a fermentation process it is drained from its holding tank where fibrous materials, bacteria, and other solids can remain. To remove these unwanted solids, many Ethanol production plants have implemented Clean-in-place (CIP) process’s to maintain product consistency in between batches. A typical CIP wash consists of a caustic solution of hot water and sodium-hydroxide that prevents fouling and contamination between batches ensuring a consistent product every time. The corrosive nature of the caustic wash can cause piping to corrode and deteriorate releasing rust and other solids into the system stream that can cause buildups and blockages in downstream equipment effecting efficiencies and causing an increase in maintenance and energy consumption.

Where LAKOS Fits in CIP Systems

In Ethanol production plants LAKOS Separators have become the standard for keeping unwanted solids from clogging CIP systems. The need for continuous operation (with little or no downtime) is critical for operating efficiencies and production. LAKOS Separators are typically installed on both the high and low pressure sides of a CIP system and excel in removing the solids created throughout the wash process, removing up to 98% of solids as fine as 44 microns in a single pass with continuous operation, automated purging, and low pressure loss features. LAKOS Separators protect CIP spray balls and down stream equipment such as heat exchangers.

With the ever rising costs of labor, natural gas, and electricity, it is crucial to keep equipment operating at their design efficiencies to save on energy, maintenance, and costly system downtime.

Cooling Towers at Ethanol Plant

Other Areas LAKOS Separators are Used

LAKOS Separators are commonly used in many different areas of an Ethanol Plant. LAKOS offers a small footprint, low and steady pressure loss, and maintenance free filtration making it the perfect choice for:

Cooling Towers – Used in full-stream, side-stream, and basin cleaning applications to prevent unwanted solids from clogging heat exchangers, spray balls, build up in the basins/remote sumps, and fouling the piping and controls of cooling loops.
Well Source Water – PPS Separators are extensively used to protect submersible and turbine pumps from sand damage. Sand damage to a pumps impellers and bearings can reduce its efficiency and eventually cause premature failure. With a PPS Separator you can prevent sand from entering the pump and extend the life and efficiency of the pump and other downstream equipment.