4 Advice to Choose a membrane filter press

In various industries, filter presses play a crucial role in solid-liquid separation processes. However, with a wide range of options available, choosing the most suitable filter press can be a daunting task. This article will provide you with some essential methods and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

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1. Understanding the Nature of the Material to be Processed

The characteristics of the material being filtered are of utmost importance. Different materials have different properties such as particle size, viscosity, and chemical composition, which can significantly impact the performance of a filter press.

• Particle Size: If the material contains fine particles, a filter press with a finer filtration medium or a membrane filter press might be required. These types of filter presses can effectively capture smaller particles and produce a clearer filtrate. On the other hand, for materials with larger particles, a more robust filter press with a coarser filter medium may be sufficient.
• Viscosity: Viscous materials can pose challenges during filtration as they may slow down the flow rate. In such cases, a filter press with a larger filtration area or a higher pressure capacity could be beneficial. This allows for a more efficient separation of the liquid from the viscous slurry.
• Chemical Composition: Some materials may be chemically reactive or corrosive. It is essential to choose a filter press made of materials that can withstand the chemical properties of the processed material. For example, if dealing with acidic substances, a filter press with acid-resistant components should be selected to ensure its durability and proper functioning.

2. Considering the Required Filtration Efficiency

The level of filtration efficiency needed depends on the end use of the filtrate and the quality requirements of the process.

• High Purity Requirements: In industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing, a high level of filtration purity is crucial. Membrane filter presses are often preferred in these cases as they can achieve a very high degree of separation, removing even the tiniest impurities and contaminants. This results in a filtrate that meets the strict quality standards of these industries.
• General Industrial Applications: For many general industrial processes, a good balance between filtration efficiency and cost-effectiveness is desired. Plate and frame filter presses or recessed chamber filter presses can be suitable options. They can provide satisfactory filtration results while being more cost-efficient compared to some specialized filter presses.

3. Assessing the Production Volume

The amount of material to be processed, or the production volume, is another key factor in choosing a filter press.

• Small-Scale Operations: For small-scale production or laboratory use, a manual filter press or a compact automatic filter press with a relatively small filtration area may be sufficient. These types of filter presses are easier to operate and maintain and are more suitable for handling smaller quantities of material.
• Large-Scale Industrial Production: In large manufacturing plants or industries with high production volumes, a filter press with a large filtration area and a high processing capacity is essential. Automatic filter presses with advanced control systems and high-pressure capabilities are often the preferred choice. They can handle large volumes of slurry continuously and ensure efficient solid-liquid separation without significant downtime.

4. Budget Considerations

The cost of a filter press can vary widely depending on its type, size, and features. It is important to consider your budget while also ensuring that the chosen filter press meets your operational requirements.

• Cost-Effective Options: If budget is a constraint, it may be necessary to look for more cost-effective filter presses. Plate and frame filter presses and some basic automatic filter presses can offer a good balance between performance and price. These options can still provide reliable solid-liquid separation for many applications.
• Investing for Long-Term Benefits: In some cases, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality filter press with advanced features, even if it comes with a higher initial cost. A more efficient and durable filter press can lead to reduced operating costs in the long run, such as lower energy consumption, less maintenance, and fewer replacement parts. This can result in significant savings over time and improve the overall productivity and profitability of your process.

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In conclusion, choosing the right filter press requires a careful consideration of multiple factors, including the nature of the material, filtration efficiency, production volume, and budget. By taking these aspects into account, you can select a filter press that will effectively meet your solid-liquid separation needs and contribute to the success of your industrial process.

Plate Size
Once the cubic foot capacity of a filter press has been determined the next step is, the proper selection of the size of the filter plates, frame, components and any accessories.  This will allow you to see exactly where the cu. ft. capacity fits in relation to the volume of each size press. For example a 5 cu. ft. can be sized as a 470 mm, a 630 mm and also an 800 mm. The size selected is determined by the amount of expandability desired. After the plate size is selected, there are many options from which to choose. The following information is a summary of what needs to be considered in order to make the proper selection, Please read each section in turn and note your requirements.

Plate Construction
Select the type of filter plate material. The standard material is an industrial grade polypropylene. An optional FDA approved food grade polypropylene material, or a high temperature glass filled polypropylene material are also available. Special materials are also available such as Carbon Steel , Stainless steel and Kynar.

Plate Style
The standard is a 100 psi recessed gasketed plate with EPDM seals. Viton seals are available as an option. Also available are non-gasketed plates with quick removal latex edged cloths, where the cloth acts as the gasket. The Non gasketed plates allow for easier change out of the filter cloth, are lower in cost, but are not completely liquid tight during the processing stage.  Special membrane squeeze plates have the ability to expand after the chambers are full to “squeeze” additional process liquid out of the filter cake.  A “mixed stack” of plates will be provided where every other plate will be a special membrane squeeze plate

Optional Backing Plate
If a shorter cycle is desired, when running low volume applications for example, the capacity of the filter press can be temporarily reduced. This is done by moving the follower (tail) plate forward in the plate stack. The backing or “blank plate” is then placed behind the follower plate acting as extra support. The follower plate will not flex or break when used in this manner.

Plate and Press Pressure Rating
The 100 psi design is standard for most dewatering applications and will produce a cake with approximately 30-35% solids. A 225 psi design can be used to provide an increased yield per cycle and depending on the application can increase the solids in the cake to 50% or more.

Cake Thickness
The 32 mm cake thickness is standard. Options include 25, 38 and 50 mm cake thickness. 25 mm would be used for high viscosity (slimy) materials and 50 mm would be used for easily filtered material.

Cloth Type
ErtelAlsop can provide filter cloths in many different materials, weaves, thread styles, and air permeability values resulting in a wide array of performance characteristics. If possible ErtelAlsop would like to receive samples of the process liquid to conduct filterability tests for cloth selection. If testing is not possible then we will furnish our standard polypropylene filter cloth, a monofilament x multifilament, Sateen weave with a CFM<1.0.

Frame Design
All ErtelAlsop frame configurations are sidebar design.  Frames can be designed in Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel.

Volume of Plates/Expansion Spacer
All filter presses are available with optional removable expansion spacer. On presses ordered with a spacer, the first number denotes current plate capacity. The second number in the nomenclature is the maximum capacity the frame will allow.

Discharge/Air Blow-down Piping
The discharge/air blow-down piping is available in either manual or in automatic operation. An optional core blow-down is available to purge the center feed line of residual fluid. Available materials of construction are schedule 80 CPVC, or schedule 40 Stainless Steel.

Feed Style

The feed style can vary for special applications such as pharmaceuticals and some type of food processing. Center feed is standard, however a choice of any corner feed is available.

Automation versus Manual Operation
Manual or semi automatic operation requires input from an operator to start and operation of the filter press, including opening and closing, blow down, plate shifting etc. Fully automated presses require initial start up of operation and then close fill, blow-down, plate shift, discharge and cloth wash is automated. Restarting the press cycle still requires operator input.