Typical Met-Chem Filter Press Operation Overview

The incoming solution enters into the Filter Press via a diaphragm pump that is plumbed to the center feed pipe.  When the plates are closed, the sludge accumulates in the cavity between the plates.  The filtered water exits through the filter cloth and works its way through the stack alternating between the left upper and lower corners and right upper and lower corners, due to the porting differences on the on button and three button plates.

Before the operator can begin filling the filter press, it should be confirmed that the plates are in the 1-3-1-3 button alignment.  (This alignment is critical in the air blow-down process.)  The unit then needs to be completely closed and all valves should be in the appropriate position.  This is accomplished by pushing all them in place by extending the hydraulic cylinder and attaining the recommended PSI. (4000 for automatic and 6500 for manual)

As the filter press fills, it is recommended to begin the feed at 25 PSI and to gradually ramp up the pressure at steady intervals (25, 50, 75) to the maximum pressure of 100 PSI.  Upon initial filling of the filter press, the pump will thrust at quick intervals.  Conversely, as the press fills, the diaphragm pump will slow down significantly.  The easiest way to tell that the press is full is, to listen to the diaphragm pump once it hits 100 PSI.  It will dramatically reduce to 30 seconds to 1-minute intervals between thrusts or it may deadhead (stop) altogether.  This is your indicator that the cycle is complete.  Cycle time can vary from as little as 30 minutes to over 4 hours depending upon what is being filtered.  When the filter press is full, all of the chambers will be filled with sludge.

Once the press is full, it is time to operate the Air Blowdown.  When the three ball valves on the outlet manifold are closed, and the inlet center feed ball valve is closed, the air that enters the filter press via the small ball valve on the upper left-hand corner of the manifold is forced through the filter press.

Because of the porting denoted by the one button or the three button plate, the air enters into the sludge chamber via the upper left-hand corner of the three button plates and exits via the bottom right-hand corner of the one button plates.  This process will push excess water out through the outlet manifold.  This process allows for a better cake release and a drier filter cake.  Think of this a wringing out the sponge.  This is why it is imperative to maintain the 1-3-1-3 alignment of the plates.

Once the Sludge Blowndown Process is complete, the filter press is ready to be opened so that the plates can be cleaned.  To open the automatic filter press, reverse the air valve on the automatic hydraulic pump to allow the cylinder to slowly pull open the steel pusher plate.  On the smaller manual units, release the ram pressure by simply opening the release valve and the pusher plate will retract via an internal return spring.

Now that the plates are released, pull apart the plates one by one.   Most of the sludge will fall into the sludge dumpster on its own.  A sludge spatula is provided on new Filter Presses to aide in the sludge removal.  Sometimes it is necessary to scrape the residual sludge from the cloths.  However, care should be taken to ensure that the cloths are intact and the o-ring and O-ring sealing surfaces are in position and free from obstructions.

Once all plates are clean, the filter press is ready to be closed hydraulically.  The three outlet manifold ball valves should be opened, the center feed pipe should be opened and the pump is ready to be switched to the on position.  Once the diaphragm pump is reset to 25 PSI, the unit is ready to resume the next fill cycle.

Filter Press Introduction

Closing Stage 1

Closing Stage 2

Air Blow-Down Stage

Ask Met-Chem on How a Filter Press Works

Filter Presses

470mm New Filter Press

1 to 5 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic or Manual Hydraulic
  • 5 to 29 Gasketed Filter Plates 

630mm New Filter Press

2 to 10 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic or Manual Hydraulic
  • 7 to 34 Gasketed Filter Plates 

800mm New Filter Press

5 to 30 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic Hydraulic
  • 10 to 60 Gasketed Filter Plates 

Product Categories

Filter Press Operation - How to Operate a Filter Press

Recently Viewed Products

Filter Press Features

  • Air Driven Hydraulic Closing Pump with Pressure Gauge on Automatic Units
  • 2 Stage Hand Pump on Manual Units
  • Heavy Duty Hydraulic Cylinder for Opening and Closing of Press
  • Polypro Gasketed Recessed Plates for Leak Free Operation
  • Air Blown Manifold Piping for Air Drying Filter Cakes
  • Air Line Filter, Oiler, Regulator and Gauge on Automatic Units

Filter Press Parts

Filter Press Sizes

470mm Filter Press

1 to 5 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic or Manual Hydraulic
  • 5 to 29 Gasketed Filter Plates 

630mm Filter Press

2 to 10 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic or Manual Hydraulic
  • 7 to 34 Gasketed Filter Plates 

800mm Filter Press

5 to 30 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic Hydraulic
  • 10 to 60 Gasketed Filter Plates 

1000mm Filter Press

15 to 50 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic Hydraulic
  • 19 to 63 Gasketed Filter Plates 

1200mm Filter Press

30 to 150 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic Hydraulic
  • 25 to 124 Gasketed Filter Plates 

1500mm Filter Press

100 to 300 Cu. Ft

  • Automatic Hydraulic
  • 51 to 151 Gasketed Filter Plates 

Filter Press Options

Filter Press Cycles

1 - Filling Stage

Filter Press - Filling

Filling Stage: The Slurry enters and fills the chambers through a feed pump. 

2 - Filtration Stage

Filter Press - Filtration

Filtration Stage: 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.

3 - Air Blowdown Stage

Filter Press - Air Blow Down Stage

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.

4 - Cake Discharge Stage

Filter Press - Cake Discharge

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

Need More Information

Translate