FILTER PRESS FABRIC REPLACEMENT SYSTEM

Description

1 / 13 FILTER PRESS FABRIC REPLACEMENT SYSTEM

[001] The present utility model relates to a filter press fabric replacement system and, in particular, relates to a filter press comprising such a system.

[002] A filter press is a machine used in many fields to filter a suspension in order to separate the solid parts from the liquid parts.

[003] The filter presses of the prior art comprise a load-bearing structure in which a series of filter plates are installed.

[004] There are two known types of filter presses: side-beam filter presses and top-beam filter presses.

[005] In side-beam filter presses, the load-bearing structure consists of two longitudinal side beams arranged on either side of the filter plate assembly.

[006] On the other hand, in top-beam filter presses, the support structure comprises at least one top beam, but there may also be two top beams, to which the filter plate array is slidingly attached. The filter plate array is arranged above the filter plate array.

[007] The filter press of the present utility model is of the top beam type.

[008] The operation of a filter press is known and allows the fixing of the filter plates, by mechanical or hydraulic means, in order to form between two adjacent filter plates an internal chamber, which is divided into multiple environments by the presence of a filter cloth.

[009] The suspension to be filtered is pumped under high pressure into the chamber. The solid parts are retained by the filter fabric in an environment, while the liquid parts pass through the filter fabric in Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 7 / 65 2 / 13 direction to an outlet conduit.

[0010] The filtering efficiency of a filter press decreases with use and wear of the filter cloths, which therefore need to be replaced after several cycles.

[0011] The method of replacing a filter cloth is extremely complex and time-consuming, especially in large filter presses, used, for example, in the mining industry.

[0012] Due to the complex mechanisms for attaching the filter fabric, specialized operators must position themselves between two filter plates to remove the filter fabric to be replaced and then attach the new filter fabric. The placement of the new filter fabric must also be carried out as precisely as possible.

[0013] These lengthy and complex operations inevitably lead to prolonged downtime of the filter press, which reduces productivity and increases costs.

[0014] One objective of the present utility model is to provide a filter press in which the filter cloth can be replaced easily and quickly.

[0015] Another objective of the present utility model is to provide a filter press in which the risks to an operator are reduced.

[0016] According to the present utility model, these and other objectives are achieved by a filter press comprising a support structure that defines a housing area extending in a longitudinal direction, the support structure comprising at least one upper beam extending along the longitudinal direction and positioned above the housing area; and a set of filter plates adapted to be housed in the housing area and slidably connected to the upper beam along said longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates comprises a wall that defines at least one filtering facade. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 8 / 65 3 / 13 and an upper perimeter portion that delimits the filtering facade at the top and faces the upper beam; at least one filter cloth adapted to cover the filtering facade; and engagement means configured to removablely engage the filter cloth to the filtering facade; wherein the engagement means comprise a rod fixed to an upper edge of the filter cloth and at least one hook disposed in the upper perimeter portion and adapted to receive and support the rod.

[0017] Other features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0018] This solution has several advantages over solutions from the previous technique.

[0019] The characteristics of the filter press according to the invention allow for simple and quick replacement of the filter cloth, reducing downtime and inactivity of the filter press, thus increasing productivity.

[0020] In addition, the presence of the rod allows the filter cloth to be lifted easily, allowing for inspection and thus reducing the risk to the operator.

[0021] In addition, filter cloth replacement operations are simplified, as the operator can be positioned sideways in relation to the filter press, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

[0022] The features and advantages of the present utility model will be evident from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment thereof, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section of a filter press according to the present utility model;

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 show a filter plate, respectively with the filter cloth removed and fitted; Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 9 / 65 4 / 13

[0025] Figure 4 shows a side view of a detail of the coupling mechanism.

[0026] Referring to the attached Figures, the filter press according to the present utility model is indicated with the reference number 1. The filter press 1 is configured to receive and filter a suspension comprising solid parts dispersed in a liquid.

[0027] The filter press 1 comprises a support structure 2 that defines a housing area 3.

[0028] Accommodation area 3 extends in a longitudinal direction. In use, the longitudinal direction is substantially horizontal.

[0029] Housing area 3 contains a set of filter plates 7 supported by support structure 2.

[0030] Support structure 2 defines a side access 4 to the housing area 3, positioned close to the filter plate assembly 7 to allow lateral removal of a filter cloth.

[0031] Side access 4 is essentially an empty space in which the support structure 2 has no obstacles to allow an operator to access the filter plates from the side.

[0032] There may be two side accesses 4, arranged on both sides of the filter plate assembly 7.

[0033] Support structure 2 comprises a base structure adapted to be fixed or placed on a supporting surface, such as, for example, the ground. Base structure 5 comprises two heads, arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal direction, adapted to contain the set of filter plates.

[0034] Preferably, the base structure 5 may comprise a platform located at the side access 4 to support an operator.

[0035] Filter press 1 is of the top beam type. Therefore, the support structure 2 comprises at least one top beam 6 that extends longitudinally. The top beam 6 is positioned above the Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 10 / 65 5 / 13 accommodation area 3. The upper beam 6 is supported by the base structure 5.

[0036] In the present description and subsequent claims, the terms “upper” and “lower” are used to indicate the normal conditions of use of the filter press 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0037] The upper beam 6 has a lower portion that faces the housing area 3. This lower portion carries connection means on the filter plates 7.

[0038] Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises a single upper beam 6, which is positioned centrally in relation to the housing area 3. It cannot be ruled out that the support structure 2 may comprise a plurality of high beams.

[0039] As mentioned above, the filter press 1 comprises a set of filter plates 7 adapted to be housed in the housing area 3. The filter plates 7 are arranged in alignment along the longitudinal direction. In particular, the filter plates 7 are fixed to the support structure 2 vertically, i.e., orthogonally to the longitudinal direction.

[0040] The filter plates 7 are slidingly connected to the upper beam 6 along the longitudinal direction. Each filter plate 7 comprises respective carriages mounted on rails arranged on the upper beam 6. Each filter plate 7 can therefore be moved closer to / further away from the others.

[0041] By sliding in both directions, the filter plates 7 can be moved between an open configuration, in which they are spaced apart from each other, and a closed configuration, in which they are brought closer together (clamped).

[0042] In the closed configuration, two consecutive filter plates form a chamber adapted to receive the suspension. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 11 / 65 6 / 13

[0043] On the other hand, in the open configuration the filter plates 7 are spaced to allow for the removal of solid debris and maintenance of the filter plates 7.

[0044] The filter plates 7 are moved by special moving means mounted on the filter press 1, which can be hydraulic or mechanical.

[0045] The suspension is introduced into the chambers formed between two consecutive filter plates 7 through a hydraulic supply line provided with an inlet conduit and a pumping system.

[0046] On the other hand, after filtration, the liquid parts are removed by means of an outlet line fitted with an outlet conduit.

[0047] The operation of the filter press 1, and therefore the movement of the filter plates 7, introduction of the suspension and removal of the filtered liquid, are disclosed in the prior art and, therefore, will not be described in detail.

[0048] Figures 2 and 3 show a filter plate 7. The filter plate 7 comprises a wall 8. The latter has a substantially flat wall, preferably rectangular in shape.

[0049] Wall 8 has at least one filtering facade 9. Filtering facade 9 is configured to form, in a closed configuration, with another filtering facade 9, a chamber adapted to receive and contain the suspension. This chamber is obtained from a depression 10 created in filtering facade 9.

[0050] The filter plates 7 comprise a coupling system which allows, in closed configuration, to seal the chamber.

[0051] The set of filter plates 7 comprises two terminal filter plates 7 and a plurality of central filter plates 7, arranged between the terminal plates. The terminal filter plates 7 comprise only one filter face 9. The central filter plates Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 12 / 65 7 / 13 define a pair of filtering facades 9. These filtering facades 9 are arranged opposite each other.

[0052] Wall 8 defines an upper perimeter portion 11 that delimits the filtering facade at the top and faces the upper beam 6. In this case, wall 8 has a perimeter portion that delimits the depression 10. The perimeter portion has two lateral perimeter portions 12, arranged opposite each other and vertically, a lower perimeter portion 13 and the lower perimeter portion 11, these last two extending horizontally between the two lateral perimeter portions 12.

[0053] The upper perimeter portion 11 is connected to the upper beam. 6. One of the lateral perimeter portions 12 faces the lateral access 4.

[0054] The filtering facade 9 has grooves that allow the filtered liquid to flow towards the perimeter portion, especially the lower one 13.

[0055] Wall 8 comprises an inlet orifice 14a configured to be connected to the suspension inlet conduit, so as to allow the influx of the suspension into the chamber. The inlet orifice 14a is obtained close to the upper perimeter portion 11. Furthermore, the inlet orifice 14a is in a substantially central position.

[0056] The inlet holes 14a of the filter plates 7 are used aligned with each other to obtain a passage channel for the suspension.

[0057] The wall 8 comprises at least one outlet hole 15a configured to be connected to an outlet conduit for the filtered liquid.

[0058] The outlet holes 15a of the filter plates 7, in use, are aligned mutually to obtain an outlet channel.

[0059] Preferably, the outlet hole 15a is located in the lower perimeter portion 13. However, it cannot be ruled out that the hole of Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 13 / 65 8 / 13 output 15a can be obtained in the lateral perimeter portion.

[0060] Preferably, wall 8 comprises four outlet holes 15a. The four outlet holes 15a are arranged at the four vertices of wall 8.

[0061] Each filter plate 7 comprises a support structure connected to the upper perimeter portion 11.

[0062] The support structure 16 comprises at least one element 17 for connection to the upper beam 6. The support structure 16 comprises a crossbeam 18 that extends parallel to the upper perimeter portion 11. The crossbeam 18 is connected to the wall 8 by means of lateral support rods fixed to the two sides of the wall 8.

[0063] Each filter plate 7 comprises at least one filter cloth 19 that is adapted to cover the filter face 9, as in Figure 3. The filter cloth 19 is configured to be traversed by the liquid parts, obstructing the passage of the solid parts.

[0064] The filter cloth 19 divides the chamber into at least two spaces. The liquid parts of the suspension, after high-pressure pumping, pass through the filter cloth 19, passing between the two spaces.

[0065] The central filter plates 7 comprise two filter cloths 19 adapted to cover a respective filter facade 9. Therefore, in a chamber, there are two filter cloths 19 that divide it into a central space and two lateral spaces. The two lateral spaces are placed in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 15a. The inlet conduit introduces the suspension into the central space; the liquid parts, passing through the filter cloths 19, reach the lateral spaces; the solid parts, in turn, are retained in the central space, forming a solid panel.

[0066] Filter cloth 19 is preferably made of a material selected from polypropylene, polyester, PBT, polyamide, PTFE. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 14 / 65 9 / 13

[0067] The filter fabric 19 has a similar shape to the filter face 9 that covers it. In the example shown, the filter fabric 19 is substantially rectangular.

[0068] The filter cloth 19 defines an upper edge 20, in use facing the upper beam 6 and arranged adjacent to the upper perimeter portion 11 of the wall 8. In addition, the filter cloth 19 comprises two side edges and a lower edge.

[0069] The filter cloth 19 also comprises an inlet hole 14b configured to be connected to the inlet conduit.

[0070] The inlet hole 14b of the filter fabric is used aligned with that of wall 8 to obtain the passage channel for the suspension. Therefore, its positioning is similar to that of inlet hole 14a of wall 8.

[0071] The filter cloth 19 also comprises at least one outlet hole 15b configured to be connected to the outlet conduit. Such outlet hole 15b is used aligned with the outlet hole 15a of the wall 8.

[0072] In the example shown, the filter cloth 19 comprises four outlet holes 15b which are preferably obtained at the four vertices.

[0073] Each filter plate 7 comprises a sealing coupling device 21 configured to be interposed between the filter plate 9 and the wall 8 to seal the passage provided by the inlet holes 14a, 14b. This solution ensures that the suspension carried by the inlet conduit is directed to the central space, preventing entry into the lateral spaces.

[0074] The sealing coupling means 21 comprise a gasket 22 disposed around one of the inlet holes 14a, 14b, preferably around that of the filter cloth 19, and configured to be coupled to the portion disposed around the other inlet hole. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 15 / 65 10 / 13 14a, 14b, preferably the one on wall 8.

[0075] Joint 22 can be attached simply by resting on it, thus facilitating the removal of the filter cloth. In fact, the seal is securely achieved thanks to the pressure fixing of the filter plates.

[0076] Figure 4 shows in detail the coupling between the filter cloth 19 and the wall 8.

[0077] The filter plate 7 comprises engagement means 23 configured to removablely engage the filter cloth 19 to the filter face 9.

[0078] In the case of the central filter plates 7, there is a pair of coupling means 23, one for each filter cloth 19.

[0079] The coupling means 23 facilitate the removal of the filter cloth for lateral replacement via the side access 4.

[0080] The attachment means 23 comprise a rod 24 fixed to the upper edge 20 of the filter cloth 19. The rod 24 extends substantially parallel to the upper edge 20, preferably along the latter to ensure greater support.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, rod 24 is positioned spaced from the upper edge 20 of the filter cloth 19.

[0082] The filter cloth 19 comprises a receiving portion 25 disposed above the upper edge 20. The receiving portion 25 is configured to receive and house the rod 24. In fact, the receiving portion 25 defines a sleeve into which the rod 24 is inserted.

[0083] The receiving portion comprises at least one slot that releases a part of the rod 24, that designed to be engaged by a hook.

[0084] Slot 26 also defines an insertion space below rod 24 into which the hook can be inserted.

[0085] In the preferred mode, the receiving portion 25 has Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 16 / 65 11 / 13 a plurality of slots 26, preferably three. These slots 26 are distributed along the receiving portion 25 in order to ensure uniform support.

[0086] Rod 24 has a thickness, understood as diameter, between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably 16 mm.

[0087] Rod 24 is made from a material selected from carbon, steel and stainless steel.

[0088] The attachment means 23 comprise at least one hook 27 disposed on the upper perimeter portion 11 of the wall 8. In particular, the hook 27 is fitted into the support structure 16 of the filter plate 7, preferably on the crossbar 18.

[0089] Hook 27 is adapted to receive and support rod 24. Therefore, hook 27 defines a seat 28 adapted to house rod 24.

[0090] Seat 28 has an opening at the top to allow the rod 24 to enter from above. In particular, hook 27 has a curved body that defines seat 28; the curvature is facing upwards.

[0091] The body of hook 27 is configured so that it can be inserted into slot 26 of the receiving portion 25.

[0092] Preferably, hook 27 is attached to the support structure. 16, in particular to the crossbar 18, movably along a vertical direction. Between the support structure 16 and the hook 27 there is a spring element that supports the hook 27. This allows the hook 27 to be moved, for example, by means of an adjustment screw, in order to adjust the position of the filter fabric and / or shake the filter fabric to facilitate the removal of solid debris.

[0093] In the example shown, the attachment means 23 comprise a plurality of hooks 27 arranged along the upper perimeter portion 11.

[0094] Preferably, the number of hooks 27 is the same as the Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 17 / 65 12 / 13 number of slots 26 and therefore the example shows three.

[0095] The filter press 1 comprises devices for replacing the filter fabric not shown in the Figures. The replacement devices are configured to allow the installation / removal of the rod 24 in the hook 27 and its movement along a lateral direction. The lateral direction extends from the housing area to the lateral access 4 and is therefore transverse to the longitudinal direction and is horizontal.

[0096] In this specific case, the replacement means are configured in such a way as to allow gripping the rod 24 and allowing vertical movement of the same, so as to separate it from or insert it into the hook 27, and then along the lateral direction.

[0097] In one embodiment, the means for replacing the cloth are of a manual type, that is, they can be operated manually by an operator to allow easier access to rod 24 and its installation / removal from wall 8. In such embodiment, the replacement means comprise an elongated bar. The elongated bar comprises a handle for the operator. The handle is located at one end of the bar and allows the operator to hold it. The bar also comprises a coupling element adapted to be engaged with rod 24. The coupling element is located at the other end of the bar.

[0098] The operator can use the bar to engage rod 24 and remove it, first by moving it vertically and then laterally.

[0099] In another embodiment, the replacement means are of the automatic type. Therefore, the replacement means comprise a drive system mounted on the support structure 2. The drive system is configured to grip the rod 24, for example, by means of a specific gripping element, and move it along at least the lateral direction. Such a drive system comprises, for example, pulleys and / or sliding guides. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 18 / 65 13 / 13

[00100] The movement system also comprises a lifting device that is configured to move the rod 24 in the vertical direction to separate it or place it in the seat 28.

[00101] Replacement means also comprise an actuator operatively connected to the motion system to activate the motion thereof. The actuator may be, for example, of the electric and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic type.

[00102] The operation of the invention appears clear to those skilled in the art, as it has been described and, in particular, is as follows.

[00103] After several filtration cycles, the replacement of the filter cloths 19 is foreseen. To perform this replacement, the filter plates 7 are transported in an open configuration; then, using the replacement means, each filter cloth 19 is lifted to release the rod 24 from the hook 27 and then moved along the lateral direction towards the side access 4; this allows the operator to pick up the filter cloth 19 and replace it with a new filter cloth. Petition 870250083877, dated 09 / 17 / 2025, page 19 / 65

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Filter press (1), characterized in that it comprises a support structure (2) defining a housing area (3) extending in a longitudinal direction, said support structure (2) comprising at least one upper beam (6) extending along said longitudinal direction and positioned above said housing area (3); and a set of filter plates (7) adapted to be housed in said housing area (3) and connected to said upper beam (6) in a sliding manner along said longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates (7) comprises a wall (8) having at least one filter facade (9) and an upper perimeter portion (11) delimiting the filter facade (9) at the top and facing the upper beam (6); at least one filter cloth (19) adapted to cover the filter facade (9);and engagement means (23) configured for removablely engaging the filter cloth (19) to the filter face (9); wherein said engagement means (23) comprise a rod (24) fixed to an upper edge (20) of said filter cloth (19), and at least one hook (27) disposed in said upper perimeter portion (11) and adapted to receive and support said rod (24).

2. Filter press (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that said support structure (2) defines a lateral access (4) to said housing area (3), said lateral access (4) being positioned close to said set of filter plates (7) to allow lateral removal of said filter cloth (19).

3. Filter press (1), according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said filter cloth (19) comprises a receiving portion (25) disposed above said upper edge (20) and configured to receive and house said rod (24); said receiving portion (25) comprising at least one slot (26) that releases a portion of said rod (24) that is designed to be engaged in said hook (27).

4. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hook (27) defines a seat (28) adapted to house said rod (24); said seat (28) having an upper opening to allow entry above said rod (24).

5. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said engagement means (23) comprise a plurality of hooks (27) arranged along said upper perimeter portion (11).

6. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wall (8) of said filter plate (7) and said filter cloth (19) each comprise an inlet hole (14a, 14b) configured to be connected to an inlet conduit of a suspension, said inlet holes (14a, 14b) being in use aligned with each other to obtain a channel for the passage of said solid-liquid suspension; each of said filter plates (7) comprises sealing coupling means (21) configured to be interposed between said filter cloth (19) and said wall (8) to seal said passage.

7. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said filter plates (7) comprises a pair of filter faces (9), a pair of filter cloths (19) and a pair of engagement means (23). Petition 870250083877, dated 17 / 09 / 2025, p. 21 / 65 3 / 3 8. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for replacing said filter cloth (19) configured to allow the placement / removal of said rod (24) from said hook (27) and its movement along a lateral direction, transverse to said longitudinal direction.

9. Filter press (1), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said replacement means comprise an elongated bar comprising a handle that can be gripped by an operator and a coupling element adapted to be engaged in said rod (24).

10. Filter press (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said replacement means comprise a motion system mounted on said support structure (2) and configured to grasp said rod (24) and move it along said lateral direction, and an actuator operatively connected to said motion system to activate it. Petition 870250083877, dated 17 / 09 / 2025, p. 22 / 65

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