Plate Falling Film Evaporator (PFFE) and MVR- An advancement in Evaporation Technology

Plate Falling Film Evaporator (PFFE), an innovative technology that leverages plate-based heat transfer surfaces for efficient evaporation processes. PFFEs have emerged as a prominent choice in industries with MVR which leads energy efficiency, and the preservation of product quality are paramount.

Key Features of PFFE and MVR in combinations:

1. Equipment Combination: PFFEs utilize vertically arranged plates that serve as the primary heat transfer surfaces. The design maximizes the surface area available for efficient heat exchange and evaporations happens at lower temperatures with MVR. PFFEs provide a large heat transfer area which requires lower temperature difference due to lower pressure by MVR.
2. Film formation with Vacuum: The falling film design allows for the creation of a thin liquid film as the substance to be concentrated flows downward. This thin film ensures a short residence time on the heat transfer surface with MVR. This helps to preserve characteristic of product.
3. Efficient heat transfer: The plate configuration promotes efficient heat transfer between the liquid film and the external heating medium of steam. Evaporated water to be recycled back as heating media by MVR. This design enhances overall heat exchange efficiency.
4. Continuous Operation: PFFEs support continuous operation, ensuring a steady and uninterrupted production process. This mode of operation is beneficial for various industrial applications. Such as concentration of juices, evaporation of water from slurry and effluent treatment plants.
5. No fouling: The falling film with MVR helps to reduce temperature difference between heating and process media. Hence reducing the fouling or scaling. This feature contributes to sustained efficiency over time.
6. Scalability: PFFEs are scalable, adaptable to handle varying volumes of liquids. This scalability makes them versatile for application in diverse production scales. Area of PFFE can be increased in thousands m2 and handle large volumes.

Working Principle

The PFFE operates on the principle of creating a thin film of liquid on the surface of heat exchange plates. The key steps in the process include feed distribution system, formation of a falling film, heat exchange, vapor and liquid separation, collection of vapors and recycle vapors by MVR to reduce requirement of fresh steam. The design allows for efficient heat transfer, ensuring energy-efficient evaporation.

Advantages

• High Heat Transfer Coefficient
• Low Residence Time: The short residence time minimizes the risk of thermal degradation in the liquid.
• Energy Efficiency: PFFE with MVR is known for its energy-efficient operation, contributing to cost savings.

Steam is required for initiating process and in running operating only little steam is required. There is almost zero steam consumption in running operation.   Power cost to run MVR is marginal in comparison with steam generation cost