Api filter press

Types of API filter presses

An API filter press is a solid-liquid separation device commonly used in industrial sectors to dewater sludge, slurry, or pulp. It comprises a series of plates and frames used to hold filters between the plates. When a pump introduces the slurry into the press, the filtrate passes through the clog, leaving the solid material behind. The filter press operates in three stages corresponding to the clog's passing phases: squeezing, filtration, and stripping.

The filter press has three primary types based on its operational mechanism:

• Mechanical jacks filter press: These filter presses employ mechanical jacks to extract the pressed plates, thus enabling the cake removal procedure. Manual, pneumatic, and hydraulic jacks are some of the mechanical jacks filter presses that fall into this category. The manual jack filter press relies on human effort to push the filter plates, which is a physically demanding task. Mechanical jacks thus tend to be less efficient and more labor-intensive compared to hydraulic ones.
• Membrane filter press: They are also known as squeezers or blow pipes. The filter presses operate by injecting air or water into the membranes of the filter cloth. This action increases the pressure within the filter cloth, thereby increasing the water extraction rate from the slurry. The membrane filter presses have a higher efficiency than the regular filter presses.
• Hydraulic filter press: The pressing action in these filter presses is influenced by hydraulically controlled pumps. They are integrated with a hydraulic system that utilizes a motor-driven pump to apply pressure to the filtrate. The cakes are removed for disposal after the filtration process is complete. This type of filter press offers high filtration efficiency and automation, thus meeting the demands of large-scale production lines. Additionally, the filter presses are equipped with multiple safety guards designed to protect operators and prevent equipment damage in case of a system failure.

There are also other machines based on their structure and usage:

• Plates and Frames Structure: The structure has PP plates and frames. The plates have PP membrane plates. The membranes improve water permeability, thereby increasing the dewatering rate. Moreover, the filter presses are corrosion resistant and extend the service life of the filter plates.
• Hinged Door Structure: The filter doors are automatic or manual filter presses with a hinged door opening for operator access during maintenance and cleaning.
• Drum filter press: They are also known as rotary drum filters. The automatic filter presses operate by moving a drum in a horizontally tilted position. The cake forming, washing, drying, and discharging take place through the segment of the drum that is submerged in a filtrate pool.
• Belt filter press: The filter belts combine a dewatering screw press with a porous filter belt. The press filters operate by squeezing a pulp between two porous belts. The filtrate passes through the slits of the belts during the pressing action.

Specifications of API filter press

• Diameter: The diameter varies depending on the types and models of the API filter press. Typical round filter presses have diameters that range from 1,200 mm to 2,400 mm.
• Filtration area: The filtration area is related to the length and diameter. The larger the length and diameter, the larger the filtration area will be, and the more fluids can be filtered within a given period. For example, an API filter press with a length of 2,000 mm and a diameter of 1,600 mm will have a filtration area of approximately 2,560 m2.
• Operating pressure: The operating pressure of the API filter press affects the filtration speed and separation efficiency. The higher the operating pressure, the faster the filtration speed and the better the separation efficiency. However, in order to protect the equipment and ensure its safe operation, the operating pressure should be within the allowable range.
• Power: The filter press's power determines how much power it consumes and the motor's operating speed. For example, a Power of 30 kilowatts might be used in a small API filter press for household use, while a bigger filter press for industrial use might have a power of 75 kilowatts.
• Material: The material of the API filter press determines the equipment's filtration precision, separation efficiency, and durability. Stainless steel, carbon steel, and other materials are used in different types of filter presses.

Maintenance of API filter press

• Before the operation: Check whether the air source pipeline, interface, and gas valves are leaking; Inspect the motor and transmission parts for looseness and abnormal noise. Check whether the filter plates are aligned and whether filter cloths are damaged. Check whether the hydraulic system leaks, especially the hydraulic cylinder and pipeline connections. Check and confirm that the working pressure and temperature are within the specified ranges. Ensure the surroundings are clean, and no tools or materials are left inside the machine. Ensure that no one is underneath the filter frame during the operation of the machine. Do not exceed the prescribed quantities and time to filter the oily mud to avoid damaging the equipment.
• During the operation: Pay attention to observing whether the current and operating temperature are stable. Use a pressure gauge to monitor the operating pressure. Regularly inspect filter cakes to check whether they are forming normally and promptly deal with abnormal conditions. Inspect the pump, motor, and hydraulic system for abnormalities and deal with them in time. Keep the surroundings clean, and do not allow others to touch the equipment to prevent accidents.
• After the operation: Clean the filter plates and the chamber. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of equipment and components, checking for leaks, loosening, and damage, along with timely repairs. Lubricate the moving parts of the equipment to ensure smooth operation. Shut the gas valve and disconnect the gas source. Maintain a clean and tidy operating environment.

Scenarios of API filter presses

The API filter press has diverse application across multiple industries.

• Chemical industry:

  The API filter press is widely used in the chemical industry to separate solids from liquids. It efficiently removes impurities from chemical products, resulting in high-quality chemicals.

• Mining and metallurgy:

  In the mining and metallurgy sector, the filter press is employed for ore tailings dewatering, concentrate separation, and extraction solution clarification. It aids in reducing waste solid volume, enhancing material recovery, and improving process efficiency.

• Food and beverage:

  In the food and beverage industry, the API filter press is utilized for juice clarification, beverage filtration, and protein and starch recovery. It enables the separation of solid particles, such as fruit pulp and yeast, ensuring clear and pure final products.

• Pharmaceuticals:

  In the pharmaceutical industry, the filter press is employed for drug separation, purification, and concentration. It plays a crucial role in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other pharmaceutical additives, ensuring the quality and purity of pharmaceutical products.

• Textiles:

  The filter press is used in the textile industry for sludge dewatering, dye solution filtration, and oil and emulsions separation. It assists in removing solid particles, such as fibers and dyes, from liquids, contributing to the clarity and quality of textile processes and products.

• Biotechnology:

  In the biotechnology field, the API press filter is utilized for cell separation, clarification of fermentation broths, and protein recovery. It facilitates the separation of cells, microorganisms, and other biological solids from liquid streams, enabling the recovery and purification of valuable bioproducts.

How to choose API filter presses

• Feed Characteristics Analysis

  Analyze the features of the feed. Examine the viscosity, solid content, temperature, and chemical properties of the liquid materials to be filtered. Considering the characteristics of the feed helps select suitable filter cloths and filter plates.

• Cake Discharge Methods

  Consider the filter press' cake discharge methods. Depending on the production needs, choose the manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic filter press. Fully automatic or semi-automatic models could improve productivity and efficiency.

• Sizes and Capacities

  Select the right sizes and capacities for the filter press according to the amount of liquid to be processed and the filtration demand. Consider factors such as the number of filter plates, effective filtration areas, and maximum handling capacities.

• Materials and Structures

  Choose suitable materials and structures for the filter presses. For example, select anti-corrosive, high-strength plates for the filter plates and frames. For the filter presses used in high-temperature or corrosive environments, it's essential to select appropriate materials and designs for durability and stability.

• Energy Efficiency

  Consider the energy consumption and hydraulic systems of the filter presses. Choose models with energy-saving and efficient hydraulic systems to help reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

• Integration and Automation

  Consider the integration and automation functions of the filter presses. For example, the automatic control, data monitoring, and system integration capabilities of the presses. These functions can improve automation levels and simplify operating processes.

• Maintenance and After-Sales Services

  Consider the maintenance and after-sales services offered by the manufacturers. Choose those with reliable technical support and easily replace parts to ensure equipment maintenance and repair needs in the future.

Api filter press Q uestions and Answers

Q1: Which filters apply in an API filter press?

A1: In an API filter press, the assembly of plates and membranes function as filters. The plates contain cavities for holding the material being filtered. On the other hand, the membrane/ pie filter press is a plate fitted with a membrane that can be inflated at the end of the filtration cycle.

Q2: What is the process carried out by an API filter press?

A2: An API filter press executes the process of cake filtration. It separates liquids from solids by pushing the slurry into a series of closed chambers created by filter plates.

Q3: What are the phases of operation in an API filter press?

A3: Three phases of operation take place in an API filter press. They include the filling phase, the filtration phase, and the cleaning phase. In the filling phase, the pump pushes slurry into the filter press. The solids get trapped in the filter press while the pump compresses the water and air bubbles on the solids. This task runs in the filtration phase. In the cleaning phase, the pump reverses and allows the water and air bubbles to flow back to the filter press.

Q4: Is the filter press automatic?

A4: The filter presses are automatic or semi-automatic. They combine the advantages of automation in the pumping system and the lock system for the filter press opening/closing.