A filter press is a batch operation, fixed
volume machine that separates liquids and solids using pressure
filtration. Slurry is pumped into the filter press and dewatered
under pressure. It is used for water and wastewater treatment in a variety
of different applications ranging from industrial to municipal.





FOUR MAIN COMPONENTS
TO A FILTER PRESS


A) Frame (Skeleton): The steel filter press frame acts as a clamping device for the filter
plates.


B) Filter Plates: There are three basic categories of filter plates all
with different functions – plate and frame, recessed chamber (or recessed
plate) and diaphragm squeeze (also known as membrane squeeze).


C) Manifold: Our standard manifold
consists of piping and valves which control the slurry inlet and connect the
four corner filtrate discharge ports into a common discharge pipe.


D) Filter Cloth: A cloth filter that is attached to the filter plate. Solids build up
on cloth to form a filter cake, separating liquids from solids.





A filter press consists of a series of filter chambers formed
between square, rectangular or round filter plates supported on a metal frame.
Once the filter chambers are clamped, the filter press is loaded with slurry.





Working –


1.     
CLOSING OF THE PRESS-As the filter is completely
empty; the moving head is activated by the jack that clamps the plates.


2.      FILLING-After closing the press the chamber is
filled with the sludge or slurry to be filtered. The filling time depends on
the flow of the feed pump.


3.      FILTRATION- Once the chambers are filled with the
slurry, the pressure from the feed pump will force the liquid
filtrate out from the chambers. The Filter Plates and Filter Cloths will
capture the solid particles creating sludge.


4.      Air Blowdown Stage: The Air Blowdown
Procedure allows the remaining free liquid in the filter press to be purged
before the filter chambers are opened. Air is entered through a filtrate port,
and the remaining liquid is forced out. This improves cake dryness.


5.      Cake
Discharge Stage:
 Each chamber is opened for cleaning. The
sludge is removed and the filter cloths are cleaned if needed


6.     
WASHING-Washing the cloth should be done
every 15-30 runs.

Filter Press - Filling