The Graver CI. Process Continuous
Countercurrent Filtration and Adsorption
JOSEPH A. LEVENDUSKY, Director of Research
Graver Water Conditioning Company
Division of Union Tank Car Company
Union, New Jersey
INTRODUCTION
The basic concept and theory of filtration and adsorption have been widely
published in the literature. Specific applications relating to filtration and- adsorption
have been extensively studied in the pilot plant and laboratory. These studies have
resulted in the improvement in the practical utihzation of filtration and adsorption
equipment. There have also been considerable innovations in the design of process
equipment within the last several years.
Unfortunately, the data that one derives from the literature and the pilot plant
do not make it obvious how efficiently unit operations can be utilized. It is possible
that there are several types of equipment design that may be suitable for varying
applications. It does appear, however, that this is the middle of a technology revolution as far as industrial waste is concerned; new design parameters, product quality
requirements, cost factors, and man-power requirements must be given careful consideration when designing the process equipment. These foregoing factors definitely
help make possible the innovations in equipment design which render unit operation
practical and economically feasible for applications, which, prior to these considerations, could not have been justified.
In reviewing the various projects that Graver has conducted to date in industrial waste treatment, as well as other water treatment applications, it was apparent
that there was available a practical, proven tool for carrying out continuous filtration
and adsorption: The Graver C. I. Process. This innovation is based on vast experience
of utilizing a similar process for continuous ion exchange which, over the past few
years, has been favorably accepted by the industry. There is also a trend towards the
acceptance of the more efficient continuous counter-current processes in the water
treatment field.
This process, of course, cannot be considered the panacea for solving all problems. Each project must be evaluated on the basis of apphcation capabilities, capital
and operating costs, man-power requirements, and the degree of reliability and flexibility desired. This latter factor is often a key design criteria which many times is
omitted from the selection and design of waste treatment equipment.
THE GRAVER C. I. PROCESS: DESCRIPTION
The C. I. Process has been widely utilized for continuous countercurrent ion
exchange applications in the process industry, and in the production of boiler feed-
water. At the present time, there are over 50 installations, of which approximately
35 are in operation. Therefore, the basic mechanisms of solids transport, hydraulic
stability, mechanical hardware design, and unit internal design have been fully proven
under field operating conditions.
-1477 -