Different types of filter press

Filter presses are used across a wide variety of applications and industries from wastewater, food and beverage, chemical, minerals, mining and paper. Filter presses are predominately used in the process of solid/liquid separation. The three main types of filter press used in industry today are the plate and frame filter press, the recessed or chamber plate filter press and the membrane plate filter press.

The plate and frame filter press consists of plates and frames arranged alternately which are supported on rails or bars. There are two versions a side bar design or an overhead beam design each having their own advantages. The most common version of the plate and frame filter press is the side bar design. The plates have a ribbed or corrugated surface over which a filter media is placed (usually cloth). The slurry (a combination of solids and liquids) is fed through ports in each frame and the press is closed either manually or hydraulically depending on the design. The filtrate passes through the filter media on each side and two cakes are formed in each chamber. Filtrate that passes through the filter media is collected in pipes and stored in the filtrate tank. The filter cake left between the plates is either discarded or processed further.

The recessed plate filter press or chamber plate filter press as it is also known is similar in design to the plate and frame filter press however it has no frame. Each plate serves as both a plate and frame as the plates are recessed to form the filtrate chamber when the plates are clamped together. The slurry enters through a large central port and filter cake forms in the recessed hollow chamber and the filtrate passes through the filter media. As with most filter presses today the recessed plate filter press plates are constructed from polypropylene.

The membrane filter press is a development of the standard recessed plate filter press. The filter construction is similar to the recessed plate filter press however the plates incorporates membranes that are inflated at high pressure to squeeze the filter cakes. Normally the plate pack consists of alternate recessed plates and membrane plates. This design makes it possible to achieve superior results from thin cake slurries and can reduce the cycle times of a batch.

Generally the choice of filter press is determined by the application to which it is to be used. If you are looking for a filter press or wish to discuss your requirements in further detail please contact us.