Plate and Frame Filter Press vs Recessed Chamber Filter Press?

This article mainly introduces the difference between Plate and Frame Filter Press and Recessed Chamber Filter Press

Plate and Frame Filter Press

A plate and frame filter press is a type of filter press used to separate solids from liquids. It consists of a series of plates and frames with filter cloth or other filter media between them. The liquid to be filtered is pumped into the press and the solids are trapped by the filter media, while the liquid passes through the media and is collected in a separate container. The plates and frames are then separated and the solids can be removed from the filter cloth, usually by scraping or washing. The process is commonly used in industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing.

Design overview of plate and frame filter press

A plate and frame filter press typically consists of a set of rectangular plates and frames arranged alternately with each other. The plates are usually made of a sturdy material such as cast iron, stainless steel, or polypropylene, and have a flat or grooved surface. The frames, which are also made of a durable material, hold the plates together and have a hollow center that allows the liquid to flow through.

The filter media, such as filter cloth or paper, is placed between each plate and frame. The liquid to be filtered is pumped into the press and flows through the filter media, trapping the solids on the surface of the cloth or paper.

To collect the filtered liquid, channels or grooves on the plates and frames direct it to a central outlet, which is connected to a discharge pipe. The solids remain trapped in the filter media and form a filter cake.

After the filtration process is complete, the plates and frames are separated to remove the filter cake. The filter media is either cleaned or replaced before the press is ready for another filtration cycle.

The design of a plate and frame filter press may vary depending on the application and the required capacity. Some models may include additional features such as automatic plate shifters or a pre-coat system to improve filtration efficiency.

Working principle of plate and frame filter press:

The slurry is pumped into one corner and flows through each frame, allowing solid particles to accumulate on the filter cloths. The filtered liquid, or filtrate, then moves to a drainage port on the flush plate and out through an unused corner hole. It is directed to the next step in the process through discharge piping.

Once the frames are filled with solids, the slurry feed pump is turned off and the filter press is opened. Each frame should now contain a filter cake, which is the solid material formed on the filter cloths. The filter cakes are removed from the frames using a spatula and ideally collected in a cake hopper placed below the press.

Advantages Of The plate and frame filter press

The plate and frame filter press has several advantages, including:

1. High Efficiency: It can filter a large amount of slurry and separate solids from liquids quickly and efficiently.

2. Versatility: It can be used for a wide range of applications, including industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing.

3. Easy Operation: The filter press is simple to operate, and the filtration cycle can be automated for maximum efficiency.

4. Low Maintenance: The filter press requires minimal maintenance and can operate for long periods without the need for frequent servicing.

5. Cost-Effective: The plate and frame filter press is cost-effective, as it can process large volumes of slurry and produce high-quality filtrate, resulting in lower operating costs.

6. Environmental Protection: The solid material that is removed from the slurry can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing the impact on the environment.

Disadvantages Of Plate And Frame Presses

Plate and frame filter presses also have some disadvantages, including:

One of the drawbacks of plate and frame filter presses is that the slurry is fed into a corner and flows through a small opening into each frame, which can result in plugging and uneven pressure distribution. This can cause the solid plate to blow out its drainage surface, leading to the destruction of the plate.

Another disadvantage is that this style of plate is non-gasketed, meaning the cloth that hangs over the plate serves as a gasket between the plates. However, the cloth can often wick liquid under pressure or leak solution between the plates. As a result, these filter presses are often mounted over grating or drainage pits to collect the leaked liquid.

Recessed Chamber Filter Press

A recessed chamber filter press is a type of filter press that utilizes a series of recessed chambers and filter plates to separate solids from liquids. In this type of filter press, the filter plates have a recessed area around the edges, which creates a chamber for solids to collect during the filtration process.

The slurry is pumped into the press and the solids are captured on the filter cloth or filter media as the liquid passes through. The filtrate then exits the press and is directed to the next step in the process. Once the chambers are filled with solids, the press is opened, and the solids are removed as a filter cake.

Recessed Chamber Filter Press Design Overview

The recessed chamber filter press is designed with a series of rectangular filter plates, each having a recessed area around the edges to form a chamber for solids to collect during the filtration process. The plates are held together by a frame and a hydraulic cylinder provides the pressure needed to close the press and apply pressure to the slurry.

The slurry is pumped into the press and flows into the chambers between the filter plates. The solids accumulate on the filter cloths or media, while the filtrate passes through the filter media and exits the press. The filtrate is then directed to the next step in the process.

Once the chambers are filled with solids, the press is opened, and the filter cakes are removed using a scraper or cloth. The press is then reassembled and the filtration process is repeated.

How Does A Recessed Chamber Filter Press Work?

The feed slurry is fed through the center feed and the solids collect in the plate cavity, while the filtered liquid passes through the cloth to the drainage surface. The filtration cloth has a rope sewn in it and it pounds into the groove in the filtration area to hold it into place. From the drainage surface, the liquid flows to the corner holes where it goes into the discharge piping and then to the process tanks or drain.

The recessed plate is also manufactured in a non-gasketed design. The plates and its application are the same as a gasketed plate, except that it has no gaskets. The filtration cloth sticks out between the plates and often has a latex coating on the sealing surface to try and decrease or stop cloth wicking and leakage.

Advantages Of The Recessed Chamber Design

One of the main advantages of the recessed chamber plate design is the ability to feed a large center hole rather than small openings in the corners of the plate. The hole fills the cavity easily and quickly, reducing the risk of clogging and plate damage due to uneven pressure. This is especially important in applications where the feed solids content is high.
However, it is also important to note that larger feed inlets (combined with more filtrate outlets in a center-feed configuration) are very useful in large-scale polishing applications with high throughput rates (e.g., the Merrill-Crowe process). important. If the filter plate inlet, outlet and internal ports are not large enough, the calculated pressure flow will not be achieved.
Another advantage is the ability to achieve higher feed pressures through the alcove design. The "frame" or sealing face of the alcove plate is all connected to the central web. This prevents the "frame" from buckling under high pressure.
Another advantage is dry operation because of the latex edge on the gasket or non-gasket board cloth. Also, with concave plates, when you open the filter press and slide the plate, the filter cake will fall in most cases because it is not held by the 4 sided frame.

Disadvantages Of Recessed Chamber Presses

Although recessed chamber presses have several advantages over plate and frame presses. The disadvantage is the limitation of cake thickness based on the indented area. It depends on the depth of the plenum. Recessed chamber presses cannot be changed by adding thicker or thinner frames like plate frame elements. Another disadvantage can be seen when changing filter cloths. The plate-and-frame design allows for simple drapes of cloth, while alcoves either require the filter cloth to be tapped into the plate (spacers), or use cloth dogs and zippers or hook-and-loop fasteners (non-sealed).

Summarize

In summary, recessed plates are preferred in modern Filter Presses due to the benefits of drier operations and the ability to handle larger center hole feed. Plate and frame Filter Presses are commonly used in production applications, particularly in the chemical industry, where varying cake thicknesses are required for different processes and the frames can be easily changed out to achieve this.

 

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