Ekato is presenting its new impeller, Ekato EPOX-R at Achema 2009. The EPOX-R has streamlined blades to suppress trailing vortices that are a trigger for fast progressing impact wear. In highly erosive suspensions, impellers are subject to high wear rates. Low tip speeds mitigate this negative effect, but cannot avoid it completely and protective coatings can only be used in a narrow range of chemical and operational conditions. Through its streamlined blade shape, the new EPOX-R offers a simple means for extended service life and hence, lower costs for maintenance and spare parts. The main application for this new impeller is the mining industry, where unplanned shutdowns due to worn out equipment can be reduced. Also being introduced is Ekato’s side entry option for agitators used in the production of bioethanol. In contrast to top entry models, the side entry agitators of type ES 2000 are installed on the vessel wall near the vessel bottom with an agitator shaft that is almost horizontal. The ES 2000 permits seal maintenance and removal by using a “shut-off” device even when the vessel is full. Volumes of up to 5,000 m3 can be handled.
Ekato Systems GmbH,
Hall 5.0, Stand B19–C26