Different types of filter press

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Filter presses are used across a wide variety of applications and industries from wastewater, food and beverage, chemical, minerals, mining and paper. Filter presses are predominately used in the process of solid/liquid separation. The three main types of filter press used in industry today are the plate and frame filter press, the recessed or chamber plate filter press and the membrane plate filter press.

The plate and frame filter press consists of plates and frames arranged alternately which are supported on rails or bars. There are two versions a side bar design or an overhead beam design each having their own advantages. The most common version of the plate and frame filter press is the side bar design. The plates have a ribbed or corrugated surface over which a filter media is placed (usually cloth). The slurry (a combination of solids and liquids) is fed through ports in each frame and the press is closed either manually or hydraulically depending on the design. The filtrate passes through the filter media on each side and two cakes are formed in each chamber. Filtrate that passes through the filter media is collected in pipes and stored in the filtrate tank. The filter cake left between the plates is either discarded or processed further.

The recessed plate filter press or chamber plate filter press as it is also known is similar in design to the plate and frame filter press however it has no frame. Each plate serves as both a plate and frame as the plates are recessed to form the filtrate chamber when the plates are clamped together. The slurry enters through a large central port and filter cake forms in the recessed hollow chamber and the filtrate passes through the filter media. As with most filter presses today the recessed plate filter press plates are constructed from polypropylene.

The membrane filter press is a development of the standard recessed plate filter press. The filter construction is similar to the recessed plate filter press however the plates incorporates membranes that are inflated at high pressure to squeeze the filter cakes. Normally the plate pack consists of alternate recessed plates and membrane plates. This design makes it possible to achieve superior results from thin cake slurries and can reduce the cycle times of a batch.

Generally the choice of filter press is determined by the application to which it is to be used. If you are looking for a filter press or wish to discuss your requirements in further detail please contact us.

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Filter presses are indispensable equipment in the field of solid-liquid separation and are widely used in various industrial and environmental projects.

What is a filter press?

A filter press is a mechanical device that utilizes pressure to separate solid particles from a liquid. The basic principle of operation is that the liquid is forced out through a filter medium, such as a filter cloth or membrane, leaving behind a dry solid material.

Hydraulic plate and frame filter press

Common filter press types

Structure and working principle:

Plate and frame filter press consists of a series of flat plates and frames in which filter cloths are sandwiched. During operation, the liquid passes through the filter cloths and the solid particles are left on the cloths to form a dry cookie. The basic working principle of the filter press is to separate the liquid from the solids by applying pressure.

Plate and Frame Filter Press product 01

Applicable scenarios and advantages:

• It is suitable for processing slurry with high solids content, such as sludge dewatering and slag treatment.
• The advantages are easy operation and maintenance, applicable to a wide range of industries.
• Different dewatering effects can be realized by adjusting the filtration pressure and time.

Chamber structure and working mode:

Chamber filter presses have a chamber or compartment structure with chambers on plates for collecting solid particles. In operation, the liquid passes through the filter cloth and the solids accumulate in the chambers to form cookies.

chamber filter press product 01

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of plate and frame filter presses:

• Advantages include chamber construction that improves dewatering efficiency, reduces the filtration area, and contributes to a drier solids product.
• Disadvantages may include equipment complexity and higher requirements for cloth, higher maintenance costs.

Membrane technology in action:

Membrane filter presses are equipped with inflatable membranes on the filter press plates. During the filtration process, additional pressure is applied through the inflatable membrane to improve the dewatering of solids.

membrane filter press product 02

Effect of extra pressure on dewatering:

• Membrane technology is effective in improving filtration efficiency and is particularly suitable for handling viscous materials.
• The additional pressure improves the dewatering speed, resulting in drier cookies and fewer subsequent processing steps.

Concave plate filter press

Recessed plate structure and effectiveness for high solids applications:

Recessed plate filter presses have a recessed plate structure for processing slurries with high solids content. The design of the concave plate helps to concentrate solids and improve filtration efficiency.

Advantages of automation:

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• Automated filter presses integrate automation technology, including automatic plate changers and cloth washing systems, reducing manual intervention.
• Automation improves operational consistency and efficiency.

automatic filter press product 01

Increased efficiency and reduced manual intervention:

• An automated control system allows for more precise adjustment of filtration parameters, increasing efficiency.
• Less manual intervention means fewer human errors and a more consistent production process.

Specially designed filter press types

The principle of continuous belt filtration:

Belt filter press adopts continuous motion filter belt for filtration. When working, the slurry passes through the belt filtration system, and the solid particles on the filter belt gradually accumulate to form cookies. During the process, the liquid is pumped out to achieve continuous solid-liquid separation.

belt filter press

Superiority for large-scale applications and high throughput:

• Suitable for applications requiring large-scale processing and high throughput, such as sludge treatment and slag dewatering.
• Continuous belt filtration design allows it to process large quantities of slurry for high throughput.

Drum filter press

Continuity of drum filtration:

The drum filter press uses a rotating drum as the filtration medium, the slurry passes through the surface of the drum and the solid particles gradually form a cookie. The rotation of the drum makes the filtration process continuous.

For which specific solid-liquid separation needs:

• Suitable for scenarios where continuous processing is required, such as the chemical, food and mining industries.
• Particularly suitable for solid-liquid separation needs where viscous or fibrous materials are present.

Filter press with diaphragm

Diaphragm technology improves the compression effect of the cake:

Filter press with diaphragm is equipped with elastic diaphragm on the filter press plate. During the filtration process, with the diaphragm, the cake layers can be more closely aligned, improving the compression effect and reducing the water content.

Operation of the hydraulic system:

Hydraulic filter press adopts hydraulic system for opening and closing operation. During operation, pressure is applied by hydraulic cylinders to realize the closing and opening of filter plates and control the process of solid-liquid separation.

hydraulic filter press

How to achieve efficient and controlled operation:

• The hydraulic system provides precise control, allowing the pressure to be adjusted to different process requirements.
• Efficient operation is supported by an automated control system that ensures consistency and controllability, improving overall productivity.

Selecting the right filter press

Depending on the application requirements and material characteristics, it is critical to select the right filter press. Here are some suggestions:

• Applications with high solids content and high dryness requirements:

It is recommended to choose a plate and frame filter press, whose simple structure and operation are suitable for handling slurries with high solids content and whose filtration parameters can be adjusted to achieve higher dewatering results.

• Scenarios requiring continuous processing and high throughput:

Belt filter presses and drum filter presses are good choices. Belt filter presses are suitable for large-scale applications and high throughput, while drum filter presses are suitable for scenarios that require continuous processing, especially for viscous or fibrous materials.

• Handling viscous materials and improving dewatering efficiency:

Membrane filter presses are recommended. The use of membrane technology allows for additional pressure to be applied during the dewatering process, helping to treat sticky materials and improve dewatering efficiency.

• Strict requirements for cookie dryness and compression effect:

Both belt diaphragm filter presses and drum filter presses are good choices. Filter presses with diaphragms utilize diaphragm technology to improve cookie compression, while the rotating drum design of drum presses helps create drier cookies.

• Look for a high degree of automation and operational consistency:

Automatic and hydraulic filter presses are recommended. These machines integrate automated control systems and hydraulic technology to provide efficient and controlled operation, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent production.

Summary

Overall, all types of filter presses play a unique role in the field of solid-liquid separation. From the traditional plate and frame filter press to the modern membrane, belt and drum filter presses, each type of equipment is suitable for different application scenarios, according to the different material characteristics and process requirements, the choice of the right type of optimization of production efficiency, to achieve efficient solid-liquid separation process.

KUOSI offers not only filter press but also screw press, paddle dryer, dosing system, disinfection system and waste water screen. Feel free to contact us.