Filtration is a process utilized across industries. It is very versatile and applicable to a wide range of purposes. Manual filtration, however, is but a thing of the past. If you want to make the most of this process, you need to utilize proper equipment and machinery to get the best outcome or results. One of the most important machines used in the process of filtration is a filter press. Filter presses have proven time and again to be one of the most effective liquid-solid separation machines out there. They function by reducing the weight and bulk of a product that needs to be filtered. They, then, separate the liquid filtrate from the solid filter cake. This type of filtration process is commonly referred to as dewatering.
Dewatering using filter presses is an interesting process. Some steps need to be followed to get the best outcome. Using a feed pump, the process slurry is pumped right inside the inlet of the filter press. The process of filtration then takes place inside of the filter press. The filter press is composed of a series of chambers, specifically created to increase the filtration rate and filtration area. The filtrate or filtered liquid goes through filter cloths. It then goes out of the filter press while making sure to leave behind the filter cake or solids. The filter cake remains inside the filter press chambers. You can wash this cake using compressed air or solvent or the combination of both, depending on process requirements. Finally, you open the machine and the filter cake goes out of the filter press by gravity. This scenario takes place because of the shifting of each plate.
You call this particular process a batch process. There are many uses to filter presses, depending on the specific application you have for them. You may use the filter press to recover either the liquid stream or the solid particulate or even both. The filter press aids in the process of dewatering using a series of chambers where the feed pump plays the role of pumping the process slurry.
As mentioned above, the use of filter presses is applicable across industrial applications. Using them is most common in effluent treatment plants. You also use them for processing metals, minerals, and metal finishing. Dealing with oily and petrochemical slurries also calls for the use of filter presses. Filtering of flavor extracts, fruit juices, vegetable oils, and wine also require the use of quality filter presses. Industrial laundries, filter backwash, paint sludge, and textile waste and tanneries can also benefit from this equipment. This type of equipment also helps filter out municipal water and wastewater treatment plant sludge. It helps in a wide array of chemical separation processes like washing and dewatering of dyestuff and pigments. It is also vital to environmental remediation, clarification, and pre-filtration. Also, it effectively filters alkaline, acidic, and corrosive slurry.
Filter presses don’t have any moving parts as the filtration process is ongoing, which means that they require little to no maintenance on your part. They are the perfect example of equipment that can operate for years without the fear of any process breakdown.
