What is a filter press? 

 The filter press uses a special filter medium to apply a certain pressure to the object to make the liquid dialysis out of a mechanical device. It is a commonly used solid-liquid separation device. Basically, each filter press is designed based on the volume and type of slurry that needs to be dewatered.

Jingjin fiterpress is a trusted expert in liquid/solid separation and offers a wide range of filter press types and capacities to suit specific application needs for trouble-free, economical dewatering. These include configurations such as sidebar automatic, manual overhead, automatic dual overhead beam, stainless steel clad, explosion-proof filter presses, vacuum filter presses, and hand filter presses.

 

How does a Filter Press Work?

The hydraulic pressure mechanism of the filter press is composed of a hydraulic station, an oil cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, and a Hafland card hydraulic station connected to the piston rod and the pressure plate. The structure consists of a motor, an oil pump, and an overflow valve (pressure adjustment). Directional valve, pressure gauge, oil circuit, oil tank.

Filter press working process

Filtration method: the way the filtrate flows out is divided into open flow filtration and undercurrent filtration. For open flow filtration, a water nozzle is installed on the outlet hole under each filter plate, and the filtrate flows out from the water nozzle intuitively. Underflow filtration, a liquid outlet channel hole is arranged under each filter plate, and the liquid outlet holes of several filter plates are connected to form a liquid outlet channel, and the liquid outlet is discharged from the pipe connected with the liquid outlet hole under the thrust plate.

Washing method: When the filter cake needs to be washed, there are sometimes one-way washing and two-way washing, undercurrent one-way washing and two-way washing.

Customizing A Filter Press for Your Application Needs

Industry, application and operational considerations will guide specific details such as overall design, filtration capacity, number of chambers, filter plate size, materials of construction, and other features/systems such as automatic plate shifters, cloth cleaning systems, drip pans, cake guards and safety light curtains. The design of the filter press depends on many factors such as the filtration cycle time, desired cake dryness, filter cloth life, the need for manual or automatic plate movers, and many other factors.

The structure of the filter press consists of three parts:

1. frame

  • Thrust plate
  • Pressure plate
  • Girder

2. Hold-down mechanism

  • Manual compression
  • mechanical compression
  • hydraulic compression

3. Filter mechanism

The filter mechanism is composed of a filter plate, a filter frame, a filter cloth, and a squeeze diaphragm. The two sides of the filter plate are covered by filter cloth. When a squeeze diaphragm is required, a set of filter plates is composed of a diaphragm plate and a side plate. Both sides of the base plate of the diaphragm plate are covered with rubber diaphragms, and the outside of the diaphragm is covered with filter cloth. The side plates are ordinary filter plates. The material enters the filter chambers from the material holes on the thrust plate. The solid particles are trapped in the filter chambers because their particle size is larger than the pore size of the filter medium (filter cloth), and the filtrate flows out from the outlet holes under the filter plate. When the filter cake needs to be squeezed dry, in addition to squeezing with a diaphragm, compressed air or steam can also be used to pass in from the washing port, and the airflow can flush the water in the filter cake to reduce the moisture content of the filter cake.

Basically, the filter press design is based on the dewatering volume and type of slurry. JingJin is an expert in liquid and solid separation and offers a wide range of filter press types and capacities to suit specific application needs for trouble-free, economical dewatering.

Dehydration application

Filter presses are versatile pieces of equipment used in a variety of applications to separate solids from liquids. Some common applications of filter presses include:

  • Mining and minerals: Filter presses are used to dewater slurry generated during mining and minerals processing. The presses can extract valuable metals and minerals from the slurry, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport and dispose of the remaining material.
  • Chemical processing: Filter presses are used to separate solids from liquids in chemical processing applications. They can be used to filter catalysts, remove impurities from chemicals, and clarify liquids.
  • Food and beverage: Filter presses are used to filter and clarify liquids such as wine, beer, and fruit juices. They can also be used to remove solids and impurities from cooking oils and other food products.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Filter presses are used to filter and purify pharmaceutical products. They can be used to remove impurities and ensure that the final product is free of contaminants.
  • Municipal wastewater treatment: Filter presses are used in municipal wastewater treatment plants to dewater sludge generated during the treatment process. This allows the sludge to be transported and disposed of more easily and effectively.
  • Industrial wastewater treatment: Filter presses are used in a variety of industrial wastewater treatment applications to separate solids from liquids. They can be used to filter wastewater from manufacturing processes, remove heavy metals and other contaminants from industrial wastewater, and more.

What is the best type of filter plate cloth for my filter press and t he process I'm running?

The best type of filter plate cloth for your filter press and process depends on several factors, including the type of slurry you are filtering, the size of the solids you are removing, the desired filtrate clarity, and the operating conditions of your filter press.

Some commonly used filter cloth materials include polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and cotton. Polypropylene is often used for its high chemical resistance, while nylon is known for its strength and durability. Polyester is a good choice for high-temperature applications, and cotton can be used for applications where cost is a primary concern.

In addition to the material, the weave of the cloth can also affect its performance. A plain weave is a common choice and offers good cake release, while a twill weave can provide higher strength and better particle retention.

To determine the best type of filter plate cloth for your specific application, it is recommended to consult with a filtration expert who can analyze your process requirements and recommend the appropriate cloth material, weave, and thickness.

How do I size the compressor for my filter press feed pump and air blow

To size a compressor for your filter press feed pump and air blow, you need to determine the air flow rate and pressure required for your specific application. Here are the general steps to follow:

  1. Determine the air flow rate required for the air blow operation. This can be calculated based on the size of your filter press and the number of plates in the press.
  2. Determine the air flow rate required for the feed pump operation. This can be calculated based on the size of your filter press, the flow rate of your pump, and the required air-to-cloth ratio.
  3. Determine the pressure required for the air blow operation. This can be calculated based on the resistance of your filter cake and the distance the air needs to travel through the filter press.
  4. Determine the pressure required for the feed pump operation. This can be calculated based on the resistance of your filter cake and the pressure required to overcome the resistance and maintain a consistent flow rate.
  5. Once you have determined the required air flow rate and pressure for both the air blow and feed pump operations, you can select a compressor that can deliver the required air flow rate and pressure.

It is important to note that the selection of a compressor also depends on other factors such as the ambient temperature, altitude, and duty cycle. It is recommended to consult with a compressor expert or supplier to ensure that you select a compressor that is appropriate for your specific application.

How can I tell what kind of filter plate cloth I have on my filter press

To determine what kind of filter plate cloth you have on your filter press, you can follow these steps:

  1. Remove the filter plate from the filter press.
  2. Inspect the cloth on the plate. Note its color, texture, and any markings or logos.
  3. Look for any labeling or tags on the cloth. Many filter cloth manufacturers will put identifying information on the cloth itself or on a tag attached to the cloth.
  4. If you cannot find any identifying information on the cloth or are unsure about the type of cloth you have, contact the manufacturer of the filter press or the manufacturer of the cloth directly. They should be able to help you identify the type of cloth you have and provide any necessary information on how to properly use and maintain it.

It is important to know the type of filter plate cloth you have so that you can properly clean and maintain it, as well as replace it when necessary. Different types of cloth may have different requirements for cleaning and maintenance, and using the wrong type of cloth for your filtration process can result in reduced filtration efficiency and even damage to your equipment.

Why won't my filter press build a good filter cake

There are several reasons why a filter press may not be building a good filter cake:

  1. Improper pre-treatment of the slurry: If the slurry being filtered has not been properly pre-treated, such as by removing solids that are too large, it may cause the filter cloth to become blocked or clogged, preventing the filter cake from forming properly.
  2. Inadequate filter cloth or incorrect selection of filter cloth: The type and quality of the filter cloth used can have a significant impact on the filter cake formation. The cloth may be too fine, too coarse, or the wrong type for the slurry being filtered. This can lead to problems such as slow filtration or incomplete cake formation.
  3. Inadequate pressure or flow rate: If the pressure or flow rate is too low, it may not be sufficient to properly dewater the slurry and build a good filter cake.
  4. Improper filter press operation: The filter press may not be operating correctly, such as not cycling properly, or the plates may not be properly aligned or tightened, causing leaks or uneven pressure distribution, which can result in uneven or incomplete cake formation.
  5. Poor slurry quality: If the slurry being filtered contains impurities or contaminants, it can affect the filter cake formation. This can lead to problems such as incomplete cake formation, or the formation of a cake that is too thin or too dense.

To solve the issue, it is important to identify the root cause of the problem. This can involve analyzing the filtration process, checking the equipment for any damage or malfunctions, reviewing the slurry characteristics, and ensuring that the filter cloth and pressure settings are appropriate for the slurry being filtered.

What size feed pump do I need for my filter press

The size of the feed pump required for your filter press will depend on several factors, including the size of your filter press, the type of slurry you are filtering, and the desired flow rate and pressure.

Generally, it is recommended that the feed pump be sized based on the maximum flow rate required to operate the filter press, which is typically determined by the size of the filter press and the amount of slurry being filtered. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pump that is capable of delivering approximately 1.5 to 2 times the maximum flow rate required by the filter press.

In addition to flow rate, the pump should also be capable of providing the necessary pressure to operate the filter press. This pressure will vary depending on the type of slurry being filtered and the desired cake thickness.

It is important to note that the feed pump should be selected based on the requirements of the specific filter press being used, as well as the characteristics of the slurry being filtered. It is recommended that you consult with the manufacturer of your filter press or a qualified engineer to determine the appropriate size and type of feed pump for your specific application.