Plate and frame filter presses have been used for many years, and predate the recessed chamber filter press, which is the type that most people think of today when they hear the term “filter press”. Although recessed chamber presses are now more of the norm, the plate and frame design has some advantages with certain applications and is still used today.
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The plate and frame design utilizes a flat, solid plate (known as a “flush plate”) covered by a filter press cloth, with a hollow frame between each plate. A metal skeleton holds and clamps the filter plates together to create a chamber, which is formed by the flush plate on each side of a frame. Filter cake is collected within the frame. Historically, plates were made of wood or cast iron. Today, the most common material is polypropylene.
The slurry is pumped into a corner hole and flows into each frame, allowing solid particles to accumulate on the filter cloths. The remaining filtered liquid (also known as filtrate) then moves to a drainage port in the flush plate and into a corner hole that is not being used for feeding the slurry. The filtrate then travels to discharge piping and is directed to the next step in the process.
After a period of time, the frames become filled with solids, the slurry feed pump turns off, and the filter press is ready to open. Each frame should now contain a filter cake, which is the end result of the solids forming on the filter cloths. The filter cakes are then scraped out of the frames using a spatula, ideally falling into a cake hopper placed below the press.
The primary advantages of plate and frame presses are the ability to quickly change the filter cloths as well as the ability to use a wider range of materials for the filtration medium, including paper, which is often used for fine filtration applications.
For example, in a process where immediate particle retention is important, filter paper may be required as fine solids would either blind off the filter cloth or simply pass through it. Note that filter cloths are still in place to support the filter paper. The filter cloths are reused, but the filter paper is replaced after every filtration cycle.
Plate and frame presses are best suited for projects where filtration area is more important than volume. This is why plates and frames have their greatest prominence in polishing applications (as opposed to dewatering projects), where the feed solids concentration is often well below 1% by weight.
Polishing applications are sized for a particular filtration area based on the process flow rate and the known flux rate (volume per area per unit of time). To avoid dips in achievable filtration flow as the press fills with solids, polishing applications usually include a redundant filter press that is also sized to accept 100% of the desired process flow.
One disadvantage of the plate and frame design is the potential for building uneven pressure between frames, which can lead to plate damage. This issue stems from the fact that the frame is being fed through a small opening in the corner, which can lead to blockage. This clogging can cause one frame to become full while the next frame in-line remains empty.
Another disadvantage is the potential for leakage. The filter plates used in plate and frame presses are non-gasketed, which allows them to wick liquid under pressure. This type of filter press is usually mounted on a raised platform or positioned over a pit where any leaked liquids can be collected more conveniently.
A recessed chamber filter press utilizes filter plates that form a series of cavities between them when they are clamped together. Suspended particulates collect on the filter cloths and build up inside each cavity space to form a filter cake. Compare this to the hollow frames of the plate and frame design where solids are collected.
The skeleton of a recessed chamber filter press is constructed in a similar fashion as a plate and frame press where the plates hang on a steel frame, and the frame acts as a clamping device for the filter plates. Both types of presses also utilize a hydraulic cylinder and pump for opening, closing, and clamping the press.
As with plate and frame filter plates, recessed chamber plates are most commonly made from polypropylene. However, recessed chamber plates can be either gasketed or non-gasketed. Gasketed plates offer greater protection from leakage, but can also require a more time-intensive cloth changing process. Non-gasketed cloths or plate and frame cloths can have latex applied to the edges to help minimize (but not eliminate) wicking.
Slurry is pumped into the filter press through the feed (most commonly in the center of the plate) and the solids are distributed evenly in each chamber throughout the press (1). Solids begin to build on the filter cloths. Most of the solid/liquid separation is accomplished by the particulates building on the cloths. At first, some fines pass through, but eventually the solids begin to form a layer on the cloths (2). This layer traps the fine particles and eventually forms a filter cake. The filter cake then serves as a depth filter as the dewatering process continues.
The filtrate (liquid) usually exits the filter pack (plates) through corner ports into a manifold. When the correct valves in the manifold are open, the filtrate exits the press through a single point, the filtrate outlet. The filtrate is then directed via discharge piping to the next step in the process.
As the filter press builds pressure, the solids build within the chambers until they are completely full of filter cake (3). Once the chambers are full, the fill cycle is complete, and the filter press is ready to be emptied (4). The press is then opened, and the plates are moved apart. As the plates are shifted, the filter cake falls from each chamber into a cake hopper or drum below the press. A spatula can be used to scrape the cake from the cloths if needed.
One of the main advantages of the recessed chamber plate design is the ability to feed a large center hole versus a small opening in the corner of the plate. The large hole in the center of the plates allows the chambers to fill faster and more evenly, with less risk of clogging and causing plate damage due to unequal pressure. This is especially important in applications with high feed solids.
However, it’s also important to note that a larger feed inlet (combined with gaining one more filtrate outlet in a center feed configuration) is important in large-scale polishing applications with high flux rates (for example, a Merrill-Crowe process). If the filter plate inlets, outlets, and internal porting are not large enough, the calculated press flow rate will not be achievable.
Another advantage is the ability to achieve higher feed pressure with the recessed chamber design. The “frame” or sealing surface of the recessed chamber plate is all connected to the center web. This keeps the “frame” from bowing out under high pressures.
Also, filter cake release is generally easier with a recessed plate. When the press is opened, and the plates are shifted, the cake either falls out or is quickly scraped off the cloths using a spatula. Cake release may not be as fast with a plate and frame press, as the filter cake is held by a non-tapered frame and may require more manipulation for removal.
Although recessed chamber presses have several advantages over plate and frame, one disadvantage is the limitation on cake thickness, which is dictated by the depth of the chamber. Recessed chamber plates cannot be easily swapped out for a wider or narrower frame as in a plate and frame press. This makes the plate and frame design better suited for applications where testing variations in filter cake thickness is important.
Another disadvantage can be seen in changing filter cloths. The plate and frame design allows for a simple drape-over cloth, whereas recessed chamber either requires pounding filter cloths into the plates (gasketed) or securing cloths to the plates using cloth dogs and zip ties or hook-and-loop fasteners (non-gasketed).
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A plate and frame filter press is a type of filtration equipment used to separate solids from liquids. It consists of a series of rectangular plates and frames with filter cloth or filter paper in between them.
The liquid to be filtered is pumped into the press and flows through the spaces between the plates, while the solids are trapped in the filter cloth or paper. The plates and frames are then separated to remove the filtered solids, and the process is repeated.
The size and shape of the plates and frames, as well as the materials used, can vary depending on the specific application. Plate and frame filter presses are commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment. They are particularly useful for filtering large volumes of liquid quickly and efficiently.
Plate and frame filter presses consist of a series of rectangular plates and frames arranged in a stack, with a filter cloth or filter paper in between each plate and frame. The plates and frames are typically made of materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or plastic, depending on the application.
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The plates and frames are connected to a hydraulic cylinder, which is used to open and close the press. When the press is closed, the plates and frames form a series of chambers, with the filter cloth or paper forming the bottom of each chamber. The liquid to be filtered is pumped into the press, and flows through the filter cloth or paper into the chambers, while the solids are trapped on the filter medium.
The plates and frames are designed to hold the filter medium in place and to allow the filtered liquid to flow out of the press. There are typically two types of plates used in a plate and frame filter press: solid plates and filter plates. Solid plates do not have any openings, and are used to support the filter medium. Filter plates have channels or holes that allow the filtered liquid to flow out of the press.
Plate and frame filter presses can be operated in either a batch or continuous mode. In batch mode, the press is filled with the liquid to be filtered, the filter cake is removed, and the process is repeated. In continuous mode, the liquid is continuously pumped into the press, and the filter cake is continuously removed.
Plate and frame filter presses are versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including solid-liquid separation, clarification, and purification. They are commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment.
A plate and frame filter press works by using a combination of pressure and a filter medium (usually a filter cloth or filter paper) to separate solids from liquids. The basic process is as follows:
Plate and frame filter presses are efficient and effective for separating solids from liquids, and are commonly used in industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment.
The plate and frame filter press design offers several advantages, including:
Overall, the plate and frame filter press design offers a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution for a wide range of solid-liquid separation applications.
A recessed chamber filter press is a type of filter press used for solid-liquid separation. It is similar in design to a plate and frame filter press, but with some key differences.
In a recessed chamber filter press, the filter plates are recessed, or indented, on both sides. The filter plates are arranged in a stack, with a filter cloth or filter paper in between each plate. The plates are connected to a hydraulic cylinder that is used to open and close the press.
The liquid to be filtered is pumped into the press and flows through the filter cloth or paper into the recessed chambers formed by the filter plates. As the liquid flows through the filter medium, solids are trapped on the filter cloth or paper, forming a filter cake.
Once the press is full, the hydraulic cylinder is activated to close the press, applying pressure to the filter cake. The pressure helps to remove more liquid from the filter cake, resulting in a drier cake.
The filtered liquid then flows out of the press through channels or holes in the filter plates, and is collected in a separate container.
Once the filtration process is complete, the hydraulic cylinder is used to open the press, and the filter cake is removed from the filter medium.
Recessed chamber filter presses are commonly used in industries such as wastewater treatment, mining, and chemical processing. They are particularly useful for filtering slurries and other materials that have a high solids content, as the recessed plates help to retain the filter cake and prevent it from becoming dislodged during the filtration process.
The design of a recessed chamber filter press includes the following components:
The recessed chamber filter press design is particularly effective for applications where there is a high concentration of solids in the liquid being filtered. The recessed plates prevent the filter cake from dislodging during the filtration process, resulting in a drier cake and higher filtration efficiency. Additionally, the recessed chamber design allows for a higher filter cake capacity, resulting in longer operating cycles and reduced maintenance costs.
A recessed chamber filter press works in a similar way to a plate and frame filter press, but with some differences in the design. Here’s an overview of how a recessed chamber filter press works:
Overall, a recessed chamber filter press is an efficient and effective way to separate solids from liquids. Its unique design helps to retain the filter cake and allows for a higher capacity of solids to be filtered, making it ideal for applications with a high concentration of solids. The application of pressure also results in a drier filter cake, reducing the amount of liquid that needs to be further processed or disposed of.
The recessed chamber filter press design has several advantages over other types of filter presses. Here are some of the main advantages:
Overall, the recessed chamber filter press design is an efficient and effective way to separate solids from liquids, with the added advantages of longer operating cycles, lower operating costs, and easy maintenance.
While the recessed chamber filter press design has many advantages, it also has a few disadvantages. Here are some of the main disadvantages:
Overall, while the recessed chamber filter press design has many advantages, it is important to consider the potential limitations and disadvantages when choosing a filter press for a specific application.
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What is a Filter Press and How Does it Work?
What is a Filter Press
what is a chamber filter press and the operation tips of the chamber filter press
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