Counter-Current Washer (URN B2-10)

Descriptions

To construct and install a Counter Current Washer (CCW) machine required for washing/leaching the soluble fractions from a variety of plant materials – typically pressed grass. Such washers are commercially available for industries such as wool scouring, commercial laundries and sugar cane diffusers, the nature of the work planned for this washer is likely to require a custom-built solution.The machine must be capable of washing pre-treated plant material to remove soluble fractions (largely sugars and proteins) from the plant material for further processing as part of the bio-processing facility. As a guide, for every 1,000kg of raw feedstock 50% of the weight out will be removed as juice by other equipment; the CCW will then wash the residual solids using a maximum volume of 3,000 litres of water per cycle to recover >95% of the soluble fractions. After an initial steeping period, the washing process the material will pass by belt through a series of baths or tanks. Throughput is anticipated to be the range 50 - 100 kg/h of plant solids. The operating temperature is expected to be in the range of ambient to 85°C. The assembly needs to couple with a Vincent screw press (used in juice extraction) via a bin/conveyor arrangement which will act as the feed to the CCW. The CCW assembly will need to be supported on a frame to raise the system off the floor to allow for tank drainage and servicing, and to provide space for the conveyor return. The construction contractor will provide a 400 volts, 3 phase, N & E electrical supply of 10 kW installed power. A 25mm water supply will also be provided anticipating water usage of approximately 2-3 cum/day. The CCW should be provided with integral steam generation equipment to operate the heat exchange system and maintain the desired washing temperature for an anticipated maximum load of 75-100kW. The Supplier will be responsible for the manufacture and installation of the plant, which is to be housed in a purpose-built new building with appropriate services. The plant is of a size that will require design effort to ensure that it fits well within the building and is consistent with access, supply of services, process operation, acceptable noise levels and personnel safety. The Supplier will undertake the plant design (including confirming dead and live load implications) and provide design drawings for the purpose of coordination into the construction contractor’s proposals. The Supplier must include for the supply, installation, commissioning and initial 12-month warranty of the CCW. An initial, conceptual general arrangement sketch which details a 5 bath assembly has been prepared by Process Engineers, MS2 and is attached for information purposes only at this stage; for the purpose of greater clarity.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=85053.