Filter presses are used in a variety of industrial filtration applications to dewater sludge and filter liquids. A hydraulic filter press is a filter press that uses a hydraulic system (usually hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic motors) to apply pressure to a slurry or suspension of solids and liquids. The slurry is fed into a filter press where it is distributed over a series of filter plates stacked together and separated by filter cloths. A hydraulic system then applies pressure to the slurry, forcing the liquid through the filter cloth and retaining the solids on the filter plate. The filtered liquid or filtrate is collected in a reservoir or drained from the press. Actually, they come in two main types: automatic and manual. So which is better – automatic or manual hydraulic filter presses?

Manual filter press

How automatic filter presses work?

Automatic filter presses use electrical or hydraulic actuators to operate and control the pressing cycle. This allows for:

  • Precise control of plate closure speed
  • Consistent and even distribution of pressure
  • Accurate pressure monitoring and control
  • Automatic sequences for filter cycles
  • Remote operation and monitoring

This level of control and automation helps optimize the dewatering process and yield higher quality filtrate with lower residual solids.

Benefits of automatic filter presses:

  • Higher productivity – Fully automatic operation means faster cycle times
  • Consistency – Repeatable and consistent performance run after run
  • Lower energy use – Precise pressure control reduces excess hydraulic pressure
  • Less labor – Reduced need for manual operation/monitoring of cycles

However, manual filter presses:

Are less expensive initially

  • Are simpler to operate and maintain
  • Don’t have potential issues with automation components failing
  • Allow for more flexibility – Manual adjustment of cycle parameters run to run

Choosing proper hydraulic filter press

The best option depends on your specific industrial filtration needs and priorities in terms of:

  • Necessary filtrate quality
  • Throughput requirements
  • Labor availability
  • Budget
  • Downtime tolerance
  • Complexity of feed slurry