What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of sludge filter press

21, Apr. 2025

 

What Are The Types of Filter Presses? - KUOSI

Filter presses are indispensable equipment in the field of solid-liquid separation and are widely used in various industrial and environmental projects.

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What is a filter press?

A filter press is a mechanical device that utilizes pressure to separate solid particles from a liquid. The basic principle of operation is that the liquid is forced out through a filter medium, such as a filter cloth or membrane, leaving behind a dry solid material.

Common filter press types

Plate and frame filter press

Structure and working principle:

Applicable scenarios and advantages:

  • It is suitable for processing slurry with high solids content, such as sludge dewatering and slag treatment.
  • The advantages are easy operation and maintenance, applicable to a wide range of industries.
  • Different dewatering effects can be realized by adjusting the filtration pressure and time.

Chamber filter press

Chamber structure and working mode:

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of plate and frame filter presses:

  • Advantages include chamber construction that improves dewatering efficiency, reduces the filtration area, and contributes to a drier solids product.
  • Disadvantages may include equipment complexity and higher requirements for cloth, higher maintenance costs.

Membrane filter press

Membrane technology in action:

Effect of extra pressure on dewatering:

  • Membrane technology is effective in improving filtration efficiency and is particularly suitable for handling viscous materials.
  • The additional pressure improves the dewatering speed, resulting in drier cookies and fewer subsequent processing steps.

Concave plate filter press

Recessed plate structure and effectiveness for high solids applications:

Recessed plate filter presses have a recessed plate structure for processing slurries with high solids content. The design of the concave plate helps to concentrate solids and improve filtration efficiency.

Automated filter press

Advantages of automation:

Increased efficiency and reduced manual intervention:

  • An automated control system allows for more precise adjustment of filtration parameters, increasing efficiency.
  • Less manual intervention means fewer human errors and a more consistent production process.

Specially designed filter press types

Belt filter press

The principle of continuous belt filtration:

Superiority for large-scale applications and high throughput:

  • Suitable for applications requiring large-scale processing and high throughput, such as sludge treatment and slag dewatering.
  • Continuous belt filtration design allows it to process large quantities of slurry for high throughput.

Drum filter press

Continuity of drum filtration:

The drum filter press uses a rotating drum as the filtration medium, the slurry passes through the surface of the drum and the solid particles gradually form a cookie. The rotation of the drum makes the filtration process continuous.

For which specific solid-liquid separation needs:

  • Suitable for scenarios where continuous processing is required, such as the chemical, food and mining industries.
  • Particularly suitable for solid-liquid separation needs where viscous or fibrous materials are present.

Filter press with diaphragm

Diaphragm technology improves the compression effect of the cake:

Filter press with diaphragm is equipped with elastic diaphragm on the filter press plate. During the filtration process, with the diaphragm, the cake layers can be more closely aligned, improving the compression effect and reducing the water content.

Hydraulic filter press

Operation of the hydraulic system:

How to achieve efficient and controlled operation:

  • The hydraulic system provides precise control, allowing the pressure to be adjusted to different process requirements.
  • Efficient operation is supported by an automated control system that ensures consistency and controllability, improving overall productivity.

Selecting the right filter press

Depending on the application requirements and material characteristics, it is critical to select the right filter press. Here are some suggestions:

  • Applications with high solids content and high dryness requirements:

It is recommended to choose a plate and frame filter press, whose simple structure and operation are suitable for handling slurries with high solids content and whose filtration parameters can be adjusted to achieve higher dewatering results.

  • Scenarios requiring continuous processing and high throughput:

Belt filter presses and drum filter presses are good choices. Belt filter presses are suitable for large-scale applications and high throughput, while drum filter presses are suitable for scenarios that require continuous processing, especially for viscous or fibrous materials.

  • Handling viscous materials and improving dewatering efficiency:

Membrane filter presses are recommended. The use of membrane technology allows for additional pressure to be applied during the dewatering process, helping to treat sticky materials and improve dewatering efficiency.

  • Strict requirements for cookie dryness and compression effect:

Both belt diaphragm filter presses and drum filter presses are good choices. Filter presses with diaphragms utilize diaphragm technology to improve cookie compression, while the rotating drum design of drum presses helps create drier cookies.

  • Look for a high degree of automation and operational consistency:

Automatic and hydraulic filter presses are recommended. These machines integrate automated control systems and hydraulic technology to provide efficient and controlled operation, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent production.

Summary

Overall, all types of filter presses play a unique role in the field of solid-liquid separation. From the traditional plate and frame filter press to the modern membrane, belt and drum filter presses, each type of equipment is suitable for different application scenarios, according to the different material characteristics and process requirements, the choice of the right type of optimization of production efficiency, to achieve efficient solid-liquid separation process.

Advantages and disadvantages of sludge dewatering machines

There are many kinds of sludge dewatering machines in the market, the most popular should be belt-press and filter-press, following are more modern models like screw-press, decanter centrifuge. Each type of machine has its own advantages and disadvantages. ARK Vietnam would like to provide some information for customers to choose the right product.

Product quality and price are decisive factors for investors. Quality and price will vary from different manufacturers. 

On the market today, there are 4 popular types of sludge presses including decanter centrifuge, screw press, belt-press, and filter-press. Criteria for choosing the right sludge dewatering machine such as type of sludge, sludge characteristics, quality of sludge press, supplier, machine price ... (see more Criteria for an effective selection of sludge dewatering)

I. DECANTER CENTRIFUGE

Decanter (Decanter Centrifuge Dewatering Machine) is the most advanced sludge treatment equipment today. It is manufactured by many brands, such as ARK Vietnam. ARK is confident to be the only company that directly manufactures decanter centrifuge in Vietnam.

A decanter centrifuge includes a rotating platen, a rotating screw (have same shaft but different speeds), a transmission box, a The main body of the machine is compact, but the rotation speed of the centrifugal shaft is very high ( rpm). The device has a closed structure and is easy to clean after use.

1.1. Mechanism

The flocculated sludge is fed into the body, the solid phase and the liquid phase are separated under the centrifugal force. Under the difference in shaft rotation speed, the whole solid is extracted. The water and sludge are discharged on two different outputs. 

Structure diagram of decanter centrifuge

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1.2. Pros - Cons

Advantages

  • The machine has a compact structure. Save space for installation
  • Large capacity
  • Saving-water for cleaning

Disadvantages:

  • Installation and operating costs are quite high. Equipment consumes a lot of electricity and chemicals.
  • The device may make loud noises. Maintenance is quite complicated and requires a skilled team to handle the problem. 

1.3. Application of Decanter centrifuge

Decanter centrifuge usually used in the wastewater treatment system for domestic/industrial. In particular, the device can handle livestock farm waste.

The cost depends on the amount of sludge to be treated, which will have an appropriate capacity. The difference in price between models is from $10,000 to $40,000.

II. SCREW PRESS

Screw press (Multi-disk type screw press Dewartering machine) It is a new generation sludge press with many outstanding functions. Suitable with various types of sludge, widely used in sludge treatment. 

2.1. Structure of screw press

Structure diagram of screw press, type SV-RT

The main parts of screw press include a screw, filter, sludge-polymer reaction tank, and body. The machine has a compact structure when combining a sludge-polymer reaction tank and a dewatering unit. In addition, the closed structure makes the equipment more durable and easy to maintain. 

2.2. Mechanism

The inlet sludge is concentrated and pressed to dewater at the same time. The filter section consists of movable rings and fixed rings that perform the function of flipping the sludge and separating the sludge from the water. The filtered sludge is then moved and pressurized by a rotary screw, which is dried out by the discharge outlet. The liquid phase is separated by gravity between the gap of two adjacent discs. 

2.3. Pros and cons

Advantages

  • The flocculation unit (sludge-polymer reaction tank) is better for low concentration sludges (including viscous sludge). Can reduce sludge moisture better than other sludge presses with same capacity.
  • Consumes less electricity, chemicals and washing water. 
  • The noise level is low (less than 60bB) and has less vibration than the decanter centrifuge.

Disadvantages:

  • Only suitable for small and medium-scale systems.

2.4. Application of Screw press

The screw press is used with different types of sludge. Even high-viscosity sludge such as food processing, milk production, etc.

The screw press has 3 types: S-ST, S-RT, and SV-RT. The price of SV-RT is considered the cheapest and widely used in Vietnam. The difference between the three types at the same capacity is from $3,500 - $10,000.

III. BELT PRESS

Belt-press (Belt Press Dewatering Machine) is a sludge treatment equipment that has appeared for a long time and is trusted by many investors. The machine has a simple structure, easy to use and maintain. The device can change the moisture content of the sludge when adjusting the conveyor. 

3.1. Structure of Belt-press

Structure diagram of belt-press

Belt press consists of main parts such as rotating belt, sludge pressing roller between upper and lower belts, machine body. The belt-press is designed with the sludge-polymer reaction tank separately. It has an open structure. The machine has many auxiliary devices such as gears, high-pressure washing system. In addition, it is large in size and weight.

3.2. Mechanism

Flocculating sludge is fed into the space between two different belts. The belts press sludge by high-pressure which is created from multiple rollers.

3.3. Pros and cons

Advantages

  • The price of belt-press is cheaper than other dewatering machines.
  • Save energy and chemicals

Disadvantages:

  • Use a lot of water to clean
  • Make loud noises
  • It is necessary to replace the filter cloth periodically. Adjust conveyor belt tension to ensure pressing efficiency.

3.4. Application of Belt-press

Belt-press is widely used for a long time. Due to its low cost and especially suitable for sludges that require not too high dryness. Some industries often use belt-press such as pulp and paper industry, domestic wastewater treatment system, etc.

Belt-press is cheaper than other sludge dewatering machines. The difference between models with different capacities is about $ 7,000 - $ 10,000.

IV. FILTER PRESS

Filter-presss (Filter Press Dewatering Machine) is a sludge treatment machine that produces a high dry sludge cake. The device saves a lot of collection and transportation costs. Selected by many investors for small and medium-scale processing systems. 

4.1. Structure of Filter-press

Filter-press consists of the following main parts: a hydraulic cylinder, a drip tray, plates, and frames. Filter-press is designed separately with a sludge-polymer reaction tank and has an open structure. The machine is designed with many auxiliary devices.

4.2. Mechanism

Coagulated sludge (depending on the type of sludge that requires or does not require the use of polymers) is fed into frames and pressurized. Sludge is continuously pumped until all frames are full. The machine will stop at that time. The sludge is dewatering under pressure from the hydraulic cylinder. The fenders move in opposite directions on a steel frame that holds the sludge. Filter-press works in batch for about 4-5 hours/batch.

4.3. Pros and cons

Advantages

  • The sludge cake after pressing has a high level of dryness. It helps reduce collection costs.
  • Consumes fewer coagulant chemicals.
  • Low noise. Save cleaning water.

Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for large scale factories with large volume of sludge
  • Need workers to supervise

4.4. Application of Filter-press

With a simple mechanism, filter-press is very effective with many types of sludge such as sewage sludge from textile and dyeing production, iron and steel production, etc. However, due to limited batch operation, it is not suitable for a large volume of sludge.

Filter-press has an average price with the difference between models ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.. 

For advice, selection, and quotation of suitable sludge dewatering machine, investors should pay attention to:

  • Type of sludge (for example: septic tank, sewage sludge of industrial/domestic, feed water treatment system, paper production ...)
  • Characteristics of sludge (flow, sludge concentration)
  • Processed time in a day (for example, 8 hours for administrative units, 24/24 hours for industrial private units ...)
  • The price is in line with the quality
  • Prestigious sludge press supplier
  • After-sales service. Guaranteed commitment
  • When an incident occurs, the supplier must be present in time. Repair and fix quickly.

Today, many brands provide the above types of sludge presses. However, ARK Vietnam is the only unit capable of producing all kinds of sludge presses with favorable prices. 

ARK Vietnam Co., Ltd – Prestigious sludge press supplier

30 years of experience

With 30 years of experience in Korea and 10 years in Vietnam, ARK always aims for sustainable values, accompanying customers.

Modern production line

Our production line follows the most modern technology in Korea, imported directly from the US, UK, Korea. Ensure ISO : standards. 

Skilled staff

ARK has a team of highly qualified engineers with many years of experience. Skilled workers always try their best to bring top-quality products. 

International and domestic distribution

ARK's sludge dewatering machines are not only trusted in Korea and Vietnam but also selected by other countries. The reliability of ARK has been proven by positive customer reviews. 

Our commitment

ARK Vietnam is committed to bringing 100% brand-new products, according to Korean technology, produced in Vietnam directly. We are always ready to provide the machine and support in time. In addition, every customer wants to try ARK's sludge press honestly, and see their economic benefits. We have a service to test run for all types of sludge. 

Please contact us immediately for an enthusiastic and fast consultant.

The company is the world’s best membrane filter press supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

number: .675.754 (Mr Truc)
Website: www.arkvietnam.com
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Hanoi Office: 5th floor, N03-T7 Diplomatic Urban Area, Xuan Tao Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
HCMC Office: 68 - 70 Hoang Dieu Street, Ward 13, District 4, HCM City.