New milestone: the largest separator from Flottweg convinces with its innovation and efficiency

The new separator from Flottweg combines technology, efficiency and the art of engineering to create a powerful machine for industrial separation processes. The following interview with product manager Tobias Tratner highlights the innovations and functions that characterize the new separator, the considerations that determined the development, and the experiences that were gained during its initial use. It provides insights into the challenges, the conceptual ideas and the further development plans surrounding the largest separator that Flottweg has presented to date.

What’s so special about the new separator from Flottweg?
The new AC2800/3000 separator series represents a significant milestone in product development at Flottweg. It is the largest separator the company has ever developed – and it’s a real powerhouse. Its high impact strength and efficiency make it a powerful tool for industrial separation processes. Like all the separators from Flottweg, this model is manufactured fully in Germany and therefore stands for the highest quality and precision “Made in Germany.”

What special features does it have?
The new separator series impresses with several innovative features that make it particularly powerful and flexible. Its super-clarifier configuration ensures a maximum clarification surface and a particularly effective separation performance. With its Soft Shot^® Flex discharge system, as is standard from Flottweg, the separator has both a gentle and high precision solids discharging performance which can be optimally adapted to various processing requirements. This is complemented by the Flottweg Longlife concept, which is designed for durability and minimal maintenance – a genuine advantage for continuous industrial use.

What areas of application is it suitable for in particular, and why?
The separator is ideal for demanding applications in the food and beverages industry. Whether it’s the production of fruit juice, beer clarification or the processing of instant coffee – wherever the highest hygiene and efficiency are required, the AC2800/3000 plays to its strengths. It is also ideally suited to the separation of difficult-to-process products. In the biotechnology sector, for example, where the use of precise and reliable separation technology is essential, this equipment performs.

What specific customer requirements or market trends have led to the development of this new model of separator?
The development of the AC2800/3000 was a direct response to the current market requirements. Production volumes are always increasing, and customers require solutions that can handle larger volumes in less time. At the same time, operators want to reduce the number of machines used and increase their energy efficiency – especially in terms of energy consumption per cubic meter. Flottweg identified these requirements and has created an appropriate solution with its new separator.

Why did Flottweg decide to develop a new size of separator?
In developing a new size of separator, Flottweg wanted to offer its customers the greatest possible flexibility in terms of its machine portfolio. The AC2800/3000 complements its existing range on an optimum basis and can also be combined with the largest decanter centrifuges and belt presses offered by the company. This results in a high-performance overall system for demanding industrial applications.

In terms of the development, what was especially important to Flottweg?
We placed considerable importance on a maintenance-optimized configuration, starting from the design phase. The aim was to largely avoid the need for maintenance parts and wear parts. One example of this is the contactless sealing system, which reduces potential wear and tear. The maintenance work required has also been configured to make it easy to carry out. Maintenance openings in the gearbox housing provide quick access to the lubrication unit and the flat belt of the drive. Particularly noteworthy is the compact spindle drive, which can be loosened with only four screws due its thoughtful design and replaced quickly if necessary.

What feedback have you received so far from pilot applications and initial customer use?
The feedback received so far from pilot applications and initial customer use has been consistently positive. The high variability of the machine, which means a wide variety of challenges can be solved on an individual and efficient basis, is particularly appreciated. Customers have also praised the flexibility and smart design that makes the separator a genuine all-rounder.

Are there any further development plans for the Flottweg separator?
Flottweg constantly considers further developing its product portfolio – both through new sizes and innovative features. We can’t reveal any specific details at present though, because they are naturally a secret.

For further information about Flottweg Separators, please visit our product page.