Filter Press Plate Shifters

Met-Chem manufactures four types of Filter Press Plate Shifters to make operating your Filter Press easier, safer, and more efficient. Manual filter presses require more time and attention than the same filter press with an automatic plate shifter.

For some larger presses, we can build a catwalk along with the disposal chute in order to accommodate a roll-off container. For more filter press automation, look at our Automatic Filter Press Pump Control System

Ask Met-Chem about Filter Press Plate Shifters

Semi-Automatic Plate Shifter
Semi-Automatic Plate Shifter

Semi-Automatic Plate Shifter

Watch the Video to See the Plate Shifter in Action!

The Met-Chem Semi-automatic Plate Shifter is our most popular requested add-on feature. The plate shifter makes operating your filter press easier, safer, and more efficient.

With large filter press plates, it would take two employees to move each plate and empty the filter press. The semi-automatic plate shifter allows one person to shift the plates. Thus, Saving You Money on Labor, and increasing productivity. Watch the video to see the plate shifter in action.

Met-Chem can add-on, rebuild and retrofit your existing filter press with a Semi-automatic Plate Shifter.

Ask Met-Chem about a
Plate Shifter

The Semi-Automatic Plate Shifter rolls on rails that are outside of the filter press sidebars. This plate shifter is positioned manually by the operator such that the separation paddles are under and between the plates that need to be separated. Once in position, the operator presses the button which activates the pneumatic operation. The paddles rise up between the plates and then extend out to separate the plates. The operator releases the button and the paddles retract. Once the operator verifies that the sludge has fallen, and that the cloth is in good condition and that the O-Ring is intact and in good condition, the operator then moves the plate shifter to the next plate, and the process is repeated.

Automatic, Pendant Controlled Plate Shifter

The Automatic, Pendant Controlled Plate Shifter is mounted to the press sidebars and operates with a hand-held control (pendant).  The plate shifter allows for easy movement of filter plates during the cleaning process.  This is especially important when you have a large capacity press with large, heavy plates. 

The operator puts the shifter at the handle of the plate he/she wants to move and then presses the shift button which will push the plate apart from the pack.  The process is repeated down the pack until the press has been emptied. 

The Pendant plate shifter allows for easy one person operation during the filter press cleaning cycle. 

Pendant Plate Shifter Explanation

Control of Pendant Plate Shifter stop/go feature

Closing Filter Press using Pendant Plate Shifter

Fully Automatic Plate Shifter

Watch the Video to See the Plate Shifter in Action!

The Met-Chem Fully Automatic Plate Shifter allows you to empty the filter press with little to no operator presence. With large filter press plates, it would take two employees to move each plate and empty the filter press. The plate shifter reduces labor costs, improves efficiency, and it is safer than other shifters. As a result, the fully automatic plate shifter will Save You Money.  

For added safety, a light curtain can be added. If a person or an object breaks the plane of the curtain, the shifter will automatically stop.

Met-Chem can add-on, rebuild and retrofit your existing filter press with a Fully Automatic Plate Shifter.

The Fully Automatic Plate Shifter uses a PLC control panel to automatically empty the filter press. The load sensing carriage will grab and shift each plate, and it will allow the sludge to fall. This is a great time saver for companies that want their employees doing more productive work than emptying the filter press. Watch the video to see the fully automatic plate shifter in action.

Ask Met-Chem about a
Plate Shifter

Super Shifter

Our final plate shifter is the Super Shifter. This shifter is similar to the fully automatic plate shifter but has more bells and whistles and has PLC controls.  The Super Shifter, in addition to moving the plates for cleaning, also has a bumping and washing mechanism.  The electric light curtain is also standard on this design.

The bumping mechanism on the Super Shifter means the operator does not have to scrape each individual plate for cleaning.  The bumper is built into the shifter, and when activated, will bump one handle of the press and then the other side.  Each side gets bumped twice to help release any stubborn sludge.

The automatic wash cycle on the Super Shifter cleans the plates one chamber at a time. For the Super Shifter, Bomb Bay Doors are required for the Wash Cycle. The doors must be closed.  The control is then set to Wash Cycle and the shifter will move the first plate away from the pack.  The washing mechanism will clean the plates from the top to the bottom.  If desired, you can have the washing mechanism activated back up the plate for very soiled cloths.  The water from the wash cycle flows to the bottom of the press to troughs on either side of the filter press frame.  Once the first chamber is cleaned, the plate is pushed to the head (feed side) of the press and the shifter will then recognize and grab the next plate to be cleaned.

Ask Met-Chem about Filter Press Plate Shifters

Super Shifter Washing Mechanism (side view)

Super Shifter Begin Washing (top view)

Super Shifter Shift & Bump Selection Run

Super Shifter Bumper Sequence

Filter Press Options

Need More Information

Translate