Guide to Recessed Chamber Filter Presses and Plates

Engineered for effective solid/liquid separation, recessed chamber filter presses and filter plates are widely used across various industries, including industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, as well as chemical processing. Discover how these advanced filtration systems operate and explore their key benefits. For expert guidance on whether a recessed chamber filter press suits your application, contact the Sales and Service Team at XUDA Filtration today.

What Are Recessed Chamber Filter Presses and Filter Plates?  

Recessed chamber filter presses operate using a pressure filtration system, similar to all filter presses. These systems consist of filter plates, typically made from polypropylene, suspended on a steel frame. The plates are available in gasketed and non-gasketed designs, each serving distinct purposes:  

- Gasketed filter plates minimize leakage by creating a tighter seal.  

- Non-gasketed filter plates allow for quicker filter cloth installation since the cloths do not need to be pounded in, though they may result in slight leakage.  

Regardless of the type, the filter plates are clamped together using a hydraulic cylinder and pump. The recessed design of each plate forms a chamber when pressed together, where solids collect on the filter cloths.  

During operation, slurry is typically fed through a central feed hole. Liquids pass through the filter cloth onto a drainage surface before being directed through discharge piping into a process tank or drain. Meanwhile, solids accumulate on the filter cloths within the formed cavity, creating filter cakes. Depending on the slurry composition, recessed chamber filter presses and plates can achieve solid content ranging from 20% to 85% in the resulting filter cakes.

Working Principle of a Recessed Chamber Filter Press  

The recessed chamber filter press operates through a pressure-driven filtration process, efficiently separating solids from liquids.  

1. Filling the Press  

   - The slurry is pumped into the filter press through a central feed port.  

   - As the slurry flows into the press, solids are evenly distributed within each chamber.  

2. Filter Cake Formation  

   - Solids begin accumulating on the filter cloths, gradually forming a filter cake.  

   - Liquid passes through the filter cloth and onto the drainage surface.  

   - The filtrate exits through corner ports and is directed into a manifold system.  

3. Filtration Completion  

   - As the feed pump builds pressure, solids continue accumulating in the chambers until they are completely filled with filter cake.  

   - Once full, the filling cycle ends, and filtration is complete.  

4. Cake Discharge  

   - The filter press is opened, and the plates are separated to release the filter cakes.  

   - The collected solids can then be easily removed for disposal or further processing.  

Applications  

Recessed chamber filter presses and plates are widely utilized across various industries for efficient liquid-solid separation. Common applications include:  

- Stone Fabrication – Removing stone slurry and wastewater from cutting and polishing processes.  

- Metal Finishing – Filtering out metal hydroxides and other contaminants from plating and finishing operations.  

- Mining & Energy – Dewatering mineral slurries and processing wastewater in mining and energy production.  

- Power – Managing wastewater and byproducts from power generation plants.  

- Industrial Wastewater – Treating process wastewater in manufacturing and industrial facilities.  

- Municipal Wastewater – Enhancing sludge dewatering in municipal water treatment plants.  

- Lime Softening – Separating lime sludge in water treatment processes.  

- Chemical Processing – Removing solid impurities and recovering valuable materials in chemical production.  

- Ready-Mixed Concrete – Filtering and recycling water used in concrete mixing and production.  

Advantages  

Recessed chamber filter presses offer several key benefits that enhance efficiency, longevity, and ease of operation:  

1. Optimized Feeding System  

With a large central feed hole, slurry fills the filter cavities swiftly and evenly, reducing the risk of clogging or blowouts. This design extends the lifespan of the filter plates, making it especially valuable in applications with high feed solids.  

2. Versatile Plate Options  

Recessed filter plates come in both gasketed and non-gasketed versions. Even in non-gasketed plates, an optional latex edging on the filter cloth helps minimize wicking, ensuring better containment of liquids with proper operation.  

3. Easy Filter Cake Removal  

When the press is opened, the plates shift, allowing the filter cakes to drop into a hopper or drum for effortless disposal. In cases where cakes remain adhered, a minor adjustment with a spatula is typically sufficient to release them.  

These advantages make recessed chamber filter presses a reliable solution for industries requiring efficient solid-liquid separation while ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term durability.