What is a filter press?
- A solid/liquid separator into which a suspension is fed by using a pressure pump.
The chamber system consists of filter elements covered by cloths and tightened together in a frame by using hydraulic pressure. The solids are collected in the chambers to create cakes according to the conditions for pressure in the chamber system.
The size and design of the filter elements as well as the cloths are adapted according to the demands for the required capacity. Filter plates are manufactured by specialists up to 2x2m and the number of elements in a frame can be in excess of 100 pieces. The filter press has many benefits, including a high filtration area compared to its foundation size and gives normally the highest dewatering capacity as well as flow through the system.
The frame of the filter press:
- Is made of steel and equipped with a hydraulic tightening device to press the plates together to a chamber system. In order to secure a tight fit pressure on the hydraulic side has to meet the inlet pressure in the chamber.
Process sequences
The filtration capacity through the chamber system decreases as more solids come into the chambers thus increasing pressure. The most efficient pressure area in this aspect is up to normally 6 bars in which the cake even could be treated for washing.
The dewatering step, depending of the pressure of the feed pump, makes the moisture content low.
Click Here To View the Process Sequences
Filter Press Types
Top Beam Frame
The elements are hanging from above. The plate shifting is normally between the beams.
Side Bar Frame
The plates are hanging on the side beams. The plate shifting is either manual, electromechanical or electro-hydraulic.
Cloths Washing Device
By fully automating operating presses it is normally required to use filter cloth washing sequences which are programmed to be active according to conditions in the process. When active a drip collector, sheets or boxes need to catch the water and lead it back into the process. The pressure in the nozzles spraying the cloths is normally from 16 bars.
