Gneuss SF Series - Rotary Polymer Melt Filtration Systems
One of the most critical factors determining production quality in plastic extrusion, recycling, and polymer processing lines is the effective and continuous filtration of the polymer melt. Solid particles, gels, and foreign contaminants present in the melt during production can directly affect the quality of the final product. For this reason, modern plastic processing plants rely on high-performance melt filtration systems.
Developed by the German technology company Gneuss, the SF Series Rotary Filtration Systems represent advanced polymer melt filtration solutions that operate continuously under constant process and constant pressure conditions. Utilizing Gneuss's patented Rotary Filtration Technology, these systems allow filtration to take place in extrusion lines without interrupting production.
SF Series filtration systems are widely used particularly in the following applications:
• PVC extrusion and recycling processes
• engineering plastics production
• film and sheet production
• fiber and filament manufacturing
• masterbatch and compounding applications
• recycled plastic processing lines
Thanks to their compact design, high filtration efficiency, and stable process control, SF Series systems significantly improve both product quality and production efficiency in plastic processing plants.
Gneuss Rotary Filtration Technology
SF Series systems operate using the patented rotary disk filtration technology developed by Gneuss. In this system, filter disks are arranged in a circular configuration and rotate continuously during operation.
The filtration process is based on the following fundamental principles:
• continuous melt flow
• constant active filtration area
• automatic screen change
• uninterrupted production
Thanks to the rotational movement of the filter disk, the active filtration area remains constant at all times, minimizing pressure fluctuations within the system. When the system detects an increase in upstream pressure, the filter disk automatically rotates and renews the filtration surface.
This technology ensures that:
• process pressure remains stable
• melt temperature remains constant
• melt viscosity remains stable
• product quality fluctuations are eliminated
Pressure variations during filtration can be kept below ±1.5 bar, which provides a significant advantage for sensitive extrusion applications.
Technical Features of the SF Series Filtration Systems
Gneuss SF Series filtration systems are designed for high-performance extrusion lines. With their large filtration area and high pressure resistance, these systems can process a wide range of polymers.
Active filtration area
The systems offer active filtration surfaces ranging from 40 cm² up to 2,370 cm².
Maximum operating pressure
The systems are designed to operate within a pressure range of approximately 180 bar to 350 bar.
Maximum operating temperature
Depending on the polymer type, the system can operate at elevated processing temperatures with high thermal resistance.
Production capacity (throughput)
Throughput capacities range from approximately 200 kg/hour up to 11,100 kg/hour.
Filtration fineness
Depending on the application, filtration levels can reach up to 10 microns.
Heating system options
The system can operate with different heating configurations, including:
• electric heating
• thermal oil heating
This flexibility allows easy integration into various extrusion lines.
Design of the Gneuss SF Series Filtration Systems
SF Series filtration systems feature a compact design consisting of a rotating filter disk positioned between two robust steel blocks. The filter disk contains multiple ring-shaped filter cavities distributed across its surface.
This design provides several advantages:
• high mechanical strength
• long equipment lifetime
• low maintenance requirements
• stable filtration performance
During filter changes, the operator only needs to open the safety cover and replace the filter elements. This procedure can be performed without affecting the production line.
Short Melt Residence Time
Melt residence time is a critical parameter in polymer processing. Long residence times can lead to thermal degradation of the polymer.
Thanks to the rheologically optimized melt channel design used in SF Series systems, the melt remains inside the filtration system for a very short period.
Typical melt residence time:
Less than 1 minute
This provides the following benefits:
• prevention of polymer thermal degradation
• faster color changes
• easier material changeovers
• stable melt viscosity
Special Design for PVC Processing and Recycling
SF Series filtration systems are particularly optimized for PVC processing and PVC recycling applications.
PVC production processes are typically:
• thermally sensitive
• chemically aggressive
• highly contaminated
For this reason, SF Series systems are designed to ensure reliable filtration and stable process control in PVC extrusion lines.
Advantages for the Production Process
Gneuss SF Series filtration systems provide numerous benefits for plastic processing plants.
Constant process conditions
The constant active filtration area ensures stable process pressure.
Stable product quality
Elimination of pressure fluctuations ensures consistent product properties.
Higher production efficiency
Continuous filtration eliminates production interruptions.
Low energy consumption
The compact design and efficient insulation help reduce energy consumption.
Easy maintenance
The modular system design allows wear parts to be replaced during operation.
Long equipment lifetime
Durable steel construction ensures reliable operation over many years.
Application Areas
Gneuss SF Series filtration systems are used across many segments of the plastics processing industry.
Film and sheet production
• blown film
• cast film
• multilayer film
• PET sheet production
Fiber and filament production
• technical yarns
• textile filaments
• nonwoven production
• industrial fibers
Pipe and profile production
• PVC pipes
• HDPE pipes
• plastic profiles
Compounding applications
• masterbatch production
• filled polymer compounds
Plastic recycling
• PET recycling
• PE recycling
• PP recycling
Importance of Filtration in Plastic Recycling
In recycling applications, raw materials often contain a high level of contamination.
These contaminants may include:
• metal particles
• paper and label residues
• polymer gels
• carbonized plastic fragments
Gneuss rotary filtration systems remove these contaminants efficiently, ensuring a stable and high-quality melt flow in the production line.
Industrial Advantages of Gneuss Filtration Systems
Gneuss filtration technologies have been used in the plastics processing industry for more than 30 years.
Key advantages of these systems include:
• uninterrupted production
• constant process pressure
• high filtration efficiency
• low maintenance costs
• energy savings
• long equipment lifetime
Thanks to these advantages, Gneuss filtration systems are widely used in plastic production facilities worldwide.
