Filter Press

A standard filter press application for metal hydroxide sludge, for example, with plates that provide a 32mm cake thickness generally takes about 4 hours to fill. The unit is usually 80% full at about the 2 hour mark. Due to the high pressure (100 psi from the diaphragm pump being counteracted by the 4,000 psi of hydraulic pressure), resistance builds and the diaphragm pump begins to slow down considerably.The safest way to inflate the membranes is to use water instead of air. If you are using air to inflate the membrane and you experience a tear, you run the risk of plastic breaking which can be extremely hazardous. However, if you use water and experience a rupture, you may end up with a water leak, which is much safer and easier to contain. A tank and pump are used to fill the membranes with water via the manifold piping which would be stainless, PVC or steel (depending on the application) and flexible tubing to connect the manifold to the plates. The water pumps into the membranes during the squeeze process and once that is complete, it is drawn back to the water tank for reuse.