Filter presses are used across many industries to separate liquids and solids through pressure filtration. They utilize pumped slurry, compressed air, or hydraulic pressure to squeeze moisture from a wide range of sludges, pastes, and slurries. Typical applications include wastewater treatment, mining, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Filter presses come in plate sizes ranging from less than 1 square foot up to over 100 square feet. Presses with small plates under 10 square feet are considered small filter presses. They are highly portable and suited for small batch processing, piloting, lab testing, and other low volume applications.
Showing Benefits Of Small Filter Presses
There are several advantages to using a small filter press versus a large production model:
- Portability – Small filter plate frames can weigh less than 50 lbs, allowing easy movement between locations. This allows flexibility for onsite trials, pilot studies, and lab work.
- Low start-up cost – Small presses require a much lower capital investment versus large capacity units. This reduces risk during product development and trials.
- Fast delivery – Manufacturers can deliver small stock plate sizes within 1-2 weeks versus months for custom large frames. Quick setup allows faster process testing and optimization.
- Simple operation – With fewer plates and smaller frames, small presses are easier and faster to set up, operate, and maintain. This improves safety and productivity with a small crew.
- Reduced waste – Processing small batches generates less waste versus overproducing with a large press. This improves efficiency and minimizes disposal costs.
- GMP flexibility – Small filter plates can be used for multi-product GMP manufacturing without extensive cleaning procedures between batches.
Key Design Options About Filter Presses Small Type
While compact in size, small filter presses offer versatility through customized design:
- Plate material: polypropylene, stainless steel, titanium, carbon steel, etc.
- Plate shape: round, square, rectangular, oval, specialty shaping
- Plate depth: 1⁄2”, 3⁄4”, 1”, 1 1⁄2”
- Operating pressure: air, hydraulic, manual
- End plates: flush, recessed, extended
- Sealing method: o-ring, gasket
- Adjustable legs / casters for mobility
- Flow channels and ports
- Integrated pumps and controls
- Automated plate shifting
- Cake handling trays and containment
With the ability to optimize the press design for specific process needs, small filter presses can match the solids dewatering performance of much larger units on a small scale.
Ideal Applications For Small Filter Presses
Here are some typical uses which are well-suited for small, portable filter press systems:
- Pilot R&D projects – Test new product dewatering on a small scale before investing in large equipment. Dial in parameters and throughput.
- Small batch manufacturing – Produce GMP grade materials in small lots while minimizing waste. Simplified CIP/SIP.
- Lab and field testing – Easily transport press to job sites for on-site testing of drill cores, soils, and other samples.
- Precious material recovery – Isolate high value solids from small batches to improve yields and prevent losses.
- University lab experiments – Hands-on tool for teaching key engineering concepts related to filtration, compressibility, flow dynamics, etc.
- Decentralized processing – Produce clean water and solids at point of use rather than sending material to centralized plant.
- Low labor markets – Smaller presses reduce labor requirements for set up and operation.
With the right design and operational parameters, small filter presses can match the efficiency of a large press on a smaller, more flexible scale. They provide an economical solution for small batch dewatering needs across all industries.