Filter press with multifunctional robot for maintenance, tracking and wear control of filter diaphragms

Abstract

A filter press (100) comprising: a plurality of filter chambers (155), each of which is delimited by two mutually facing filter septa (140, 145) interposed between a pair of containment panels (105); a mobile device suitable to move each pair of containment panels (105) between a closed configuration and an open configuration; an inlet hydraulic circuit of the liquid to be filtered; an outlet hydraulic circuit of the filtered liquid; and a washing robot (400) suitable to wash the filter septa (140, 145) delimiting each filter chamber (155). Wherein the washing robot (400) comprises: a trolley (405) suitable to move along a longitudinal direction (A) with respect to the containment panels (105); a bar (445) mounted on the trolley (405) and movable with respect to the trolley (405) in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction (A); and a plurality of nozzles (450) mounted on the bar (445) to dispense jets of washing liquid towards the filter septa (140, 145). The filter press further comprises: a plurality of identification codes, each of which is fixed to at least one respective filter septum (140, 145); means for detecting the identification codes mounted on the trolley (405) of the washing robot (400); at least one image acquisition device (600) mounted on the bar (445) of the washing robot (400) to acquire images of the filter septa (140, 145); and an electronic processing unit connected to the identification code detection means and to the image acquisition device (600).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filter press, which is typically used to filter liquid substances containing suspended solids (referred to as solid-liquid suspensions), which may typically originate from both domestic and industrial wastewater purification processes or from sludge from many other production processes (typically, but not exclusively, chemical / pharmaceutical or mining processes). Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, a filter press typically consists of an array of containment plates arranged sequentially along a predetermined horizontal direction.

[0003] Between each pair of enclosure panels are two mutually facing filter septa, typically two parts of a filter cloth, each of which is adapted to cover one of the main surfaces of the adjacent enclosure panel.

[0004] Each pair of enclosure panels can move between the closed and open configurations.

[0005] In the closed structure, the enclosure panels are clamped together to form a package, which abuts against the filter partitions inserted between the enclosure panels, thereby defining the filter chamber.

[0006] In the open structure, the enclosure panels are spaced apart, separating the corresponding filter diaphragms and opening the filter chamber laterally.

[0007] When all enclosure panels are in closed configuration, the sludge to be filtered is fed into the filtration chamber through a suitable inlet hydraulic circuit.

[0008] In this way, the solid portion of the sludge remains confined within the filter chamber, where it forms a dense residue, while the liquid portion passes through the filter diaphragm to the hydraulic outlet circuit, through which the liquid portion can be discharged or collected.

[0009] At the end of the filtration cycle, the paired enclosure panels open simultaneously or one at a time, allowing solid deposits to fall out of the filtration chamber.

[0010] Since some solid materials may contaminate the filter septa that define the filter chamber, the filter septa may be periodically subjected to a cleaning step using a high-pressure water jet.

[0011] This cleaning phase can be carried out automatically with the help of a robot, which typically includes a trolley adapted to move along the alignment direction of the enclosure panels and a rod that moves laterally on the trolley. The rod is designed to insert itself between each pair of enclosure panels in the open configuration and slide between each pair of enclosure panels in the open configuration, thereby inserting itself between the corresponding filter panes and sliding between the corresponding filter panes.

[0012] The dispensed nozzles are mounted on the rod and connected to a suitable water supply circuit, enabling the delivery of high-pressure water jets to the two filter panes to remove solid residue.

[0013] In addition to these regular cleaning operations, the filter media will gradually wear down and therefore must be replaced periodically.

[0014] Currently, this replacement can be carried out using two different methods.

[0015] The first approach follows the so-called "preventive maintenance" logic, which involves preventively replacing all filter media after a certain number of filtration cycles.

[0016] However, for this method to be effective, the number of filter cycles required to replace the filter media must be low enough that no filter media is damaged before replacement. This obviously means that some filter media may be replaced prematurely, resulting in significant waste of resources and increased costs.

[0017] Furthermore, the determination of the number of filtration cycles can only be based on the average wear pattern in the filter media, without taking into account unexpected events that could lead to accidental damage.

[0018] In fact, filter plates can be damaged not only by wear and tear, but also by other factors such as the presence of large particles (a few millimeters). Due to the high flow rate / velocity of the sludge being fed in, these large particles can violently impact the filter plates, causing them to fail prematurely.

[0019] In an attempt to overcome these shortcomings, a second approach has been proposed that follows the logic of so-called "accidental or event-based maintenance".

[0020] The second method involves replacing one or more filter plates only when a malfunction of the filter press is detected.

[0021] Specifically, turbidimeters are typically used to measure the turbidity of filtered liquid leaving the filter press via the hydraulic outlet circuit.

[0022] If the measured turbidity is higher than a predetermined threshold, it means that some of the solid phase contained in the sludge has passed through at least one break in the filter.

[0023] When this happens, the operator will manually inspect all the filter plates installed on the filter press to identify those that have actually broken and replace them.

[0024] However, it is clear that the second method may result in longer production downtime and create a lot of work for operators who have to inspect the filter diaphragms.

[0025] This activity is not only laborious but also difficult to perform because, in some types of filter presses, the available space between the two enclosures in the open structure can be quite narrow, making it very difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to accurately inspect the filter plates. Summary of the Invention

[0026] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to solve or at least significantly mitigate the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0027] Another objective of this invention is to achieve the above objectives with a simple, reasonable and relatively inexpensive solution.

[0028] These and other objectives are achieved by means of the features of the invention as described in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention; however, these aspects are not strictly required to achieve them.

[0029] Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides a usable filter press, the filter press comprising:

[0030] - Multiple filter chambers arranged along a predetermined longitudinal direction, each of the multiple filter chambers being defined by two facing filter septa inserted between a pair of cladding plates.

[0031] - A mobile device adapted to move each pair of enclosure panels along the longitudinal direction between a closing configuration and an opening configuration, wherein in the closing configuration the enclosure panels are clamped into packs on the respective filter septa, thereby closing the filter chamber, and in the opening configuration the enclosure panels are spaced apart to separate the respective filter septa, thereby laterally opening the filter chamber.

[0032] - An inlet hydraulic circuit, adapted to supply the fluid to be filtered into each filter chamber when all pairs of enclosures are in the closed configuration.

[0033] - An outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge filtered liquid leaving each filter chamber through corresponding filter diaphragms when all paired enclosure panels are in the closed configuration, and

[0034] - A cleaning robot adapted to clean the filter septa defining each filter chamber when the corresponding pair of enclosures are in the open configuration.

[0035] The cleaning robot includes:

[0036] - A trolley adapted to move relative to the enclosure panel along the longitudinal direction.

[0037] A rod, mounted on the trolley and movable relative to the trolley in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal direction, is used to slide between filter septa inserted between a pair of enclosure panels in the open configuration.

[0038] - Multiple nozzles (450) mounted on the rod to dispense jets of cleaning fluid toward the filter septum.

[0039] Furthermore, the filter press also includes:

[0040] - Multiple (unique) identification codes, each of which is fixed to at least one corresponding filter spacer.

[0041] - A device for detecting identification codes, which is mounted on the trolley of the cleaning robot.

[0042] - At least one image acquisition device, mounted on the pole of the cleaning robot, to acquire images of the filter diaphragm, and

[0043] - An electronic processing unit, which is connected to the identification code detection device and the image acquisition device.

[0044] This solution, by utilizing the same mechanical infrastructure already present on the filter press—namely, the cleaning robot—advantageously identifies the filter plates already installed on the filter press, and, if necessary, advantageously identifies the storage location of each filter plate, the number of filtration cycles performed, and many other characteristic data, which can be effectively represented and / or evaluated by images captured by a data acquisition device that can effectively scan the filter plates due to the movement of the rod.

[0045] In this way, it is advantageous to be able to check the condition of the filter media in a simpler, faster and more efficient manner than known technologies, without requiring the operator to physically enter between the filter press enclosures, as the movement of the rods allows the acquisition device to take images of each area of ​​the filter media.

[0046] Because of the simplicity and speed of scanning, the filter septum can be checked more frequently, for example, during or after each cleaning operation, rather than just when a fault is detected.

[0047] Specifically, it is possible to track the gradual wear and tear of each filter septum until it breaks.

[0048] This allows for the collection of a large amount of data and information, which can be combined with information about the filtration process, such as the degree of abrasion of the liquid being filtered (sludge) or the filtration pressure, and makes it possible to build models (e.g., mathematical, statistical, or empirical models) that effectively describe the wear trend of filter media in relation to usage time or the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0049] Then, an evaluation logic can be developed based on the model, which allows for the identification of the gradual degradation of the filter based on the acquired images of each filter, and predictively diagnoses how long or how many filtration cycles the filter will remain usable before it is damaged or fails.

[0050] The model and / or the evaluation logic can be obtained, for example, by means of an artificial intelligence system that analyzes and / or processes images of each filter septum captured by the acquisition device to learn the evolution of wear over time, i.e., the evolution of wear after a gradually increasing number of filtration cycles.

[0051] In this way, predictive logic can be advantageously implemented, which allows each filter element to be replaced before a failure occurs in the filter press, but only when it is actually needed, thereby reducing machine downtime, maximizing filter element life and minimizing maintenance costs.

[0052] In this respect, one aspect of the invention envisions that the electronic processing unit can be configured as follows:

[0053] - Identify at least one filter element by detecting the corresponding identification code using a detection device.

[0054] - Acquire at least one image of the filter pane using a data acquisition device.

[0055] - Determine the remaining duration of the filter pane based on the at least one image.

[0056] With this solution, the electronic processing unit will be able to automatically provide the operator with the estimated remaining duration of each filter pane, for example, through a suitable interface system (typically a monitor), thereby allowing them to schedule the replacement of the filter panes appropriately.

[0057] Specifically, the electronic processing unit may be configured to determine the remaining duration of the filter pane by running evaluation logic, the evaluation logic receiving the at least one image as input and providing the remaining duration as output.

[0058] According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic processing unit may also be configured as:

[0059] -Use the acquisition device to continuously acquire multiple images of the multiple filter panes.

[0060] - For example, using an artificial intelligence system to modify the evaluation logic based on the image.

[0061] In this way, the electronic processing unit can put its self-learning function into practice, enabling it to provide safer and more reliable predictive assessments while taking into account the operating conditions of each filter press.

[0062] Another aspect of the present invention (as an alternative or supplement to the foregoing) provides that the electronic processing unit can be configured as follows:

[0063] - Identify at least one filter element by detecting the corresponding identification code using a detection device.

[0064] - Acquire at least one image of the filter pane using a data acquisition device.

[0065] - Determine whether the filter septum is subject to any damage based on the at least one image; the damage can be determined when it exists in an early stage (e.g., abrasion or micro-damage) and / or when it exists in a late stage (e.g., large damage).

[0066] Thanks to this solution, the electronic processing unit will be able to automatically detect any damage to the filter media that causes or may cause it to break in a short period of time, and notify the operator of such a potential situation, thus allowing them to intervene in a timely manner.

[0067] According to another aspect of the invention, the filter press may also include a plurality of (unique) second identification codes, each of which is fixed to a corresponding enclosure plate and adapted to be detected by an identification code detection device, for example by the same device that also detects the identification code of the filter spacers or may be detected by another dedicated detection device.

[0068] Using this solution, it is advantageous to track each enclosure panel, for example, to locate / monitor the position of each enclosure panel inside the filter press or (typically based on the number of filtration cycles performed) calculate the usage time of each enclosure panel, which can also help schedule any maintenance and / or replacement of the enclosure panels.

[0069] More specifically, one aspect of the invention envisions that each identification code may be embedded in an RFID tag, and the detection device may include at least one receiving antenna capable of picking up radio frequency signals emitted by the RFID tag.

[0070] This provides a particularly simple and reliable solution for equipping each filter spacer with an identification code that can be read by an automated system.

[0071] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, the identification code may be encoded in graphic form, such as a barcode or QR code, and the detection device may be an optical device capable of reading the graphic form.

[0072] Another aspect of the invention is that the RFID tag can be writable.

[0073] In this way, RFID tags can store relevant information about the corresponding filter (e.g., brand and model, location within the enclosure, and number of filtration cycles performed), which can also be updated periodically based on usage.

[0074] According to one aspect of the invention, the detection device may further include a reader, which is connected to a receiving antenna, for example via a PROFINET interface, and is adapted to decode radio frequency signals emitted by the RFID tag.

[0075] The reader can also be placed on the cleaning robot's cart, but it is preferably placed at a different position relative to the receiving antenna, for example, at a higher horizontal height, so as to be better protected.

[0076] Another aspect of the present invention is that the image acquisition device can be a camera or a video camera.

[0077] In this way, the image acquisition device can not only capture still images, but also capture the actual image of the filter.

[0078] Specifically, the filter press may include at least two of the image acquisition devices mounted on the rod of a cleaning robot, wherein a first image acquisition device faces one of the filter plates and a second image acquisition device faces the other filter plate.

[0079] Thanks to this solution, images of both filter panes can be effectively captured with just one stroke of the cleaning robot's rod.

[0080] Of course, if the filter plates are particularly large and / or the distance between the enclosures in the open configuration is particularly small, the filter press may include a large number of image acquisition devices mounted on the rod of a cleaning robot, such as two or more image acquisition devices facing one filter plate and two or more additional image acquisition devices facing another filter plate.

[0081] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for operating the above-described filter press, the method comprising the following steps:

[0082] - Park the cleaning robot's cart at the pair of enclosure panels in the open configuration.

[0083] - The identification code of at least one of the filter panes inserted between the pair of enclosure panels is detected using a detection device.

[0084] - This allows the cleaning robot's rod to move between the filter panes inserted between the pair of enclosure panels.

[0085] - At least one image of the filter pane is acquired by an image acquisition device mounted on the pole of the cleaning robot.

[0086] This method essentially achieves the same advantages as described above, particularly allowing for a simple and accurate assessment of the wear condition and / or integrity of each filter septum.

[0087] Consistent with the foregoing, the method may further include the step of determining the presence and / or remaining duration of any damage to the at least one filter septum based on the acquired image.

[0088] The determination of the remaining duration can be performed according to evaluation logic that receives the at least one image as input and provides the remaining duration as output.

[0089] The method may also include the following additional steps:

[0090] - Multiple images of the multiple filter panes are acquired consecutively using a data acquisition device, and

[0091] -Based on the image modification evaluation logic. Attached Figure Description

[0092] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a filter press according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 1 A is Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of a portion of the enclosure of a filter press, obtained in a plane containing a vertical section and the longitudinal axis A.

[0095] Figure 2 It belongs to Figure 1 Exploded isometric view of the filter press enclosure and related filter plates.

[0096] Figure 3 It belongs to Figure 1 An isometric view of a cleaning robot for a filter press, shown positioned at a pair of continuous enclosures in an open configuration.

[0097] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The illustration shows that one of the enclosure panels has been hidden to better illustrate some details of the invention.

[0098] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of a filter press according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 6 It belongs to Figure 5 Exploded isometric view of the filter press enclosure and related filter plates.

[0100] Figure 7 It belongs to Figure 5 An isometric view of a cleaning robot for a filter press, shown positioned at a pair of continuous enclosures in an open configuration.

[0101] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The illustration shows that one of the enclosure panels has been hidden to better illustrate some details of the invention.

[0102] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A magnified detail of the cleaning robot.

[0103] Figure 10 It shows Figure 7 It is part of the components.

[0104] Figure 11 This is an isometric view of a filter press according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 12 It belongs to Figure 11 Exploded isometric view of the filter press enclosure and related filter plates.

[0106] Figure 13 It is an axonometric view of a pair of continuous enclosure panels in an open structure.

[0107] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The illustration shows that one of the enclosure panels has been hidden to better illustrate some details of the invention.

[0108] Figure 15 It belongs to Figure 11 An isometric view of a cleaning robot for a filter press, shown positioned at a pair of continuous enclosures in an open configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0109] The accompanying drawing shows a filter press 100, which is generally suitable for filtering liquid substances in which suspended solids (referred to as a solid-liquid suspension) are dispersed.

[0110] For example, filter press 100 can be used to filter sludge from domestic and industrial wastewater treatment processes or from other technological processes (typically, but not exclusively, chemical / pharmaceutical or mining processes).

[0111] Each filter press 100 includes a plurality of enclosure panels 105 aligned with each other along a predetermined longitudinal direction A (preferably horizontal).

[0112] Each of these enclosure panels 105 is typically shaped as a thin body having two large, opposing and generally parallel main surfaces, and a thickness that is much smaller than the main surfaces.

[0113] The enclosure panels 105 are orthogonally oriented relative to the longitudinal direction A, whereby the longitudinal direction A is approximately parallel to their thickness, and the enclosure panels 105 are arranged continuously along the longitudinal direction A such that they are adjacent to each other.

[0114] Specifically, each enclosure panel 105 may have a generally rectangular or square shape, including a lower edge, an upper edge, and two lateral edges defining the perimeter of the main surface.

[0115] Regardless of their specific shape, the enclosures 105 of each filter press 100 may be identical to each other and may be arranged in pairs as mirror images.

[0116] The enclosure panel 105 is slidably associated with the support structure 300, and the enclosure panel 105 can slide relative to the support structure 300 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0117] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the support structure 300 includes two guide rails 305 parallel to the longitudinal direction A and preferably located in a horizontal plane. Figure 1 Only one of them can be seen in the middle).

[0118] The bracket 110 cantilevered out from the lateral edge of each enclosure panel 105 and was slidably supported on the corresponding guide rail 305 of the support structure 300.

[0119] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the support structure 300 includes a longitudinal member 310 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction A and superimposed on the enclosure panel 105.

[0120] Hooks (not shown) can be fixed to the upper side edge of each enclosure panel 105, and the hooks are slidably suspended on the same number of guide rods (also not shown) fixed to the support structure 300 and extending parallel to the longitudinal member 310.

[0121] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the support structure 300 includes a pair of longitudinal members 315 parallel to the sliding direction A, and the enclosure plate 105 is inserted between the pair of longitudinal members 315.

[0122] Support rods 115 are fixed to the upper edge of each enclosure panel 105, and the ends of the support rods 115 are slidably supported on guide rails 320 attached to the corresponding longitudinal members 315 (see also...). Figure 15 ).

[0123] On the corresponding support structure 300, the enclosure panel 105 of any embodiment is preferably inserted along the longitudinal direction A between the fixed head 325 and the movable head 330.

[0124] Therefore, each enclosure panel 105 includes a front main surface 120 facing the fixed head 325 and a rear main surface 125 facing the movable head 330.

[0125] Both the front surface 120 and the rear surface 125 may include a recess 130 and a side frame 135 that defines the recess 130.

[0126] The movable head 330 can move toward and away from the fixed head 325, thereby sliding along the longitudinal direction A.

[0127] Such movement of the movable head 330 can be achieved by a suitable movement system, which may include, for example, one or more hydraulic jacks 335.

[0128] The movable head 330 moves toward the fixed head 325 and is able to close all the enclosure plates 105 of the filter press 100 together and abut against the fixed head 325 itself.

[0129] Conversely, by moving away from the fixed head 325, the movable head 330 can leave sufficient space for each pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 to move from a closed configuration (in which the enclosure panels 105 are clamped as a package) to an open configuration in which the pair of enclosure panels 105 are spaced apart from each other.

[0130] exist Figure 11 In one embodiment, the transition from a closed configuration to an open configuration can be achieved by multiple chains (not shown), one of which connects the movable head 330 to the first enclosure 105 closest to it, while each of the other chains connects a corresponding pair of consecutive enclosures 105.

[0131] In this manner, the movable head 330 moves away from the fixed head 325. The movable head 330 is initially separated from the first guard plate 105 until it stretches the first chain. Then the first guard plate 105 is forced to follow the movement of the movable head 330 away from the second guard plate until the first guard plate 105 stretches the next chain, and so on, until all pairs of guard plates 105 reach the open configuration.

[0132] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the movement from the closed structure to the open structure can be achieved by a separation device (not shown) that slides along the longitudinal direction A. This separation device is capable of engaging one enclosure panel 105 at a time, starting from the one closest to the movable head 330, and moving it away by a predetermined distance from the next enclosure panel 105.

[0133] Regardless of all these considerations, two filter septa are associated with each cladding panel 105, wherein a first filter septa 140 is adapted to the front surface 120 of the lining cladding panel 105 and a second filter septa 145 is adapted to the rear surface 125 of the lining cladding panel 105.

[0134] Specifically, each of these filter septa 140 and 145 may be adapted, for example, by presenting its shape and adhering to its bottom, to adhere to the peripheral frame 135 of the respective main surface and completely cover its recess 130.

[0135] In the example shown, each of the filter septa 140 and 145 includes a portion of filter cloth.

[0136] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, each of the filter panes 140 and 145 may include, for example, a grid, mesh, or perforated sheet made of a metallic material.

[0137] The first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 can be fixed to the respective enclosure 105 in many different ways without departing from the scope of the present discussion.

[0138] For example, in Figure 2 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, filter septa 140 and 145 partially wrap around and are secured to the lateral edge of the enclosure 105.

[0139] exist Figure 12 In one embodiment, filter panes 140 and 145 are generally suspended on connecting rod 150, which is fixed to the upper lateral edge of enclosure 105, wherein connecting rod 150 is substantially coplanar with enclosure 105, for example, the connecting rod 150 is located on support rod 115.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, independent and distinct first filter panes 140 and second filter panes 145 are associated with each enclosure panel 105.

[0141] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 may be joined together to form a single body.

[0142] In any case, the end result of this configuration is that two mutually facing filter partitions 140 and 145 are always inserted between each pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105, the first of the two filter partitions 140 and 145 being associated with the enclosure panel 105 closest to the movable head 330, and the second of the two filter partitions 140 and 145 being associated with the enclosure panel 105 closest to the fixed head 325.

[0143] When these enclosure panels 105 are in the closed configuration, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 inserted therebetween are substantially in contact with each other at the peripheral frame 135, while they may be at least slightly spaced apart at the recess 130.

[0144] Therefore, the narrow, essentially enclosed filter chamber 155 remains confined between these first filter septa 140 and second filter septa 145, as shown in the simplified diagram of FIG16, and the filter chamber 155 is adapted to receive the liquid to be filtered.

[0145] The liquid to be filtered can be supplied to the filter chamber 155 through one or more inlet pipes, each of which is made of a series of through holes obtained directly in the enclosure 105.

[0146] For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Implementation examples and Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the filter press 100 includes a single inlet conduit made of a series of through holes 160 individually manufactured in a respective enclosure 105.

[0147] In fact, each enclosure panel 105 includes a through hole 160, the axis of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis A and is substantially coaxial with the corresponding through holes 160 of all other enclosure panels 105 of the filter press 100.

[0148] The through-hole 160 can be manufactured in the center of the enclosure 105, for example, in the bottom surface of the recess 130.

[0149] At a position coaxial with the through hole 160, the first filter 140 and the second filter 145 associated with the same enclosure 105 also have corresponding through holes 165.

[0150] Each enclosure panel 105 is also provided with two distribution rings arranged coaxially with the through hole 160, wherein the first distribution ring 170 is fixed to the front surface 120 of the enclosure panel 105, for example, fixed to the bottom surface of its recess 130, and the second distribution ring 175 is fixed to the rear surface 125 of the same enclosure panel 105, for example, fixed to the bottom surface of its recess 130.

[0151] In this case, the through holes 165 of the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 preferably have a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the distribution rings 170 and 175, such that the first distribution ring 170 is also adapted to clamp the first filter septum 140 against the front surface 120 of the enclosure plate 105, while the second distribution ring 175 is also adapted to clamp the second filter septum 145 against the rear surface 125 of the enclosure plate 105.

[0152] When all pairs of enclosure panels 105 are in the closed configuration, that is, when all enclosure panels 105 are stacked together, the first distribution ring 170 of each enclosure panel 105 can contact the second distribution ring 175 of the adjacent enclosure panel 105, thereby forming a section of pipe through the filter chamber 155.

[0153] However, in the area where they come into contact, these first distribution rings 170 and second distribution rings 175 can be shaped in such a way as to define a lateral opening that allows the pipe section to be hydraulically connected to the filter chamber 155.

[0154] With the aid of the through hole 160 obtained in the enclosure 105, the pipe segment is then hydraulically connected to similar pipe segments defined between all other pairs of enclosure 105, thereby integrally forming the aforementioned inlet pipe.

[0155] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter press 100 includes two inlet pipes, each of which is made of a series of through holes 180 individually manufactured in a respective enclosure 105.

[0156] In other words, each enclosure panel 105 includes two through holes 180, each of the two through holes 180 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction A and coaxial with the corresponding through holes 180 of all other enclosure panels 105.

[0157] The through hole 180 may be formed at the peripheral frame 135 of the enclosure 105, outside the recess 130, for example near the upper edge of the enclosure 105 itself.

[0158] In a position coaxial with each of these through holes 180, the first filter 140 and the second filter 145 associated with the enclosure 105 have corresponding through holes 185.

[0159] For each through-hole 180, the enclosure 105 is also provided with two distribution rings arranged coaxially with the corresponding through-hole 180: a first distribution ring 190, which is fixed to the front surface 120 of the enclosure 105, for example embedded in a suitable base obtained in its peripheral frame 135; and a second distribution ring 195, which is fixed to the rear surface 125 of the same enclosure 105, for example embedded in a suitable base obtained in its peripheral frame 135.

[0160] In the same case, the through holes 185 of the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 preferably have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distribution rings 190 and 195, such that the first distribution ring 190 is also adapted to clamp the first filter septum 140 against the front surface 120 of the enclosure plate 105, while the second distribution ring 195 is also adapted to clamp the second filter septum 145 against the rear surface 125 of the enclosure plate 105.

[0161] When all pairs of enclosure panels 105 are in the closed configuration, that is, when all enclosure panels 105 are stacked together, the first distribution ring 190 of each enclosure panel 105 can come into face contact with the corresponding second distribution ring 195 of the adjacent enclosure panel 105, thereby forming a pipe segment together.

[0162] In the area where they come into contact, each of the first distribution rings 190 and the second distribution rings 195 may be shaped to define a lateral opening that allows the defined section of tubing to be hydraulically connected to the filter chamber 155.

[0163] Then, each pipe segment defined by the first distribution ring 190 and the second distribution ring 195 is hydraulically connected to all similar pipe segments defined by other pairs of enclosure plates 105, thereby forming the aforementioned inlet pipe in general.

[0164] Regardless of the embodiment used, each inlet pipe is then connected to an inlet hydraulic circuit suitable for supplying the fluid to be filtered.

[0165] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet hydraulic circuit may include: a first supply pipe 340 that engages with a through-hole 160 of a first retaining plate 105 near the fixed head 325; a possible second supply pipe 345 that (on the other side) engages with a through-hole 160 of a last retaining plate 105 near the movable head 330; and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into the first supply pipe 340 and the possible second supply pipe 345.

[0166] exist Figure 5 In one embodiment, the inlet hydraulic circuit may include: a single supply pipe 350 that engages with a through hole 160 in a first enclosure 105 near the fixed head 325; and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into the supply pipe 350.

[0167] exist Figure 11 In one embodiment, the inlet hydraulic circuit may include: a supply pipe 355 that branches off to engage a first distribution ring 190 of a retaining plate 105 near the fixed head 325; and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into the supply pipe 355.

[0168] In all cases, the liquid to be filtered that reaches the filter chamber 155 tends to pass through the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 that define each of the filter chambers 155, while the solid portion remains inside to form a relatively dense deposit.

[0169] After passing through filter septa 140 and 145, the filtered liquid flows into one or more collection tubes, each of which may be made by a series of through holes 200 obtained directly in the enclosure 105, similar to the inlet tube previously described.

[0170] In fact, each enclosure panel 105 includes one or more through holes 200, each of the one or more through holes 200 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction A and coaxial with the corresponding through holes 200 of all other enclosure panels 105.

[0171] Each of these through-holes 200 may be manufactured in the peripheral frame 135 of the corresponding enclosure 105, outside the recess 130.

[0172] exist Figure 2 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, each enclosure panel 105 includes, for example, four through holes 200 located at the edge of the enclosure panel 105 itself.

[0173] At a location coaxial with each through-hole 200, the first filter 140 and the second filter 145 associated with the enclosure 105 also have corresponding through-holes 205.

[0174] exist Figure 12 In one embodiment, each enclosure panel 105 includes six through holes 200, wherein a first pair of through holes 200 are located at the top side edge of the enclosure panel 105, a second pair of through holes 200 are obtained in an attachment of the enclosure panel 105 protruding from the right side to the side edge, and a third pair of through holes 200 are obtained in an attachment protruding from the left side to the side edge.

[0175] In a position coaxial with each through-hole 200 in the first pair, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 have corresponding through-holes 205, while the through-holes 200 in the second and third pairs remain completely uncovered.

[0176] Regardless of the specific embodiment, when all pairs of enclosure panels 105 are in the closed configuration, that is, when all enclosure panels 105 are stacked together, each through hole 200 of enclosure panel 105 is hydraulically connected to a series of similar through holes 200 of all other enclosure panels 105, thereby forming one of the aforementioned collection conduits in general.

[0177] Each through-hole 200 also communicates, for example, with a suitable channel system obtained in the body of the enclosure 105, with a narrow cavity defined between the front surface 120 of the enclosure 105 and the first filter septum 140, for example, with a narrow cavity defined between the first filter septum 140 and the bottom surface of the recess 130 formed in the front surface 120, and / or with a narrow cavity defined between the rear surface 125 of the enclosure 105 and the second filter septum 145, for example, with a narrow cavity defined between the second filter septum 145 and the bottom surface of the recess 130 formed in the rear surface 125.

[0178] In this way, the filtered liquid passing through the filter septa 140 and 145 first flows into the cavity, then through the internal channel to the through hole 200, and then to the collection tube.

[0179] These collection pipes are preferably connected at a fixed head 325 to a hydraulic outlet circuit, which is adapted to discharge the filtered fluid and deliver it to, for example, a storage tank, a treatment system or other purpose.

[0180] The hydraulic outlet circuit may include, for example, a plurality of delivery pipes 360, which individually engage with corresponding through holes 200 of the first enclosure 105 near the fixed head 325, and which may then converge to a single discharge pipe.

[0181] It should be noted that the supply of the fluid to be filtered inside the filter chamber 155 and the subsequent extraction of the filtered liquid do not occur continuously, but are interrupted after a certain period of time when the filter chamber 155 is substantially filled with solid residue that forms the aforementioned dense deposits.

[0182] At this point, each pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 enters the open structure, as described above.

[0183] In this way, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145, which are inserted between the pair of enclosure plates 105, are separated in the longitudinal direction A, thereby opening the filter chamber 155 laterally and thus allowing dense deposits to fall downwards to the outside of the filter press 100.

[0184] The dense sediment can then be collected in a specific compartment, for example, located below the enclosure 105, for disposal or further treatment.

[0185] However, during long-term use, some of the solid material separated from the filtered liquid may still adhere to the filter septa 140 and 145, thus contaminating them and reducing their efficiency.

[0186] For this purpose, the filter press 100 typically includes a cleaning robot, indicated by 400, which is responsible for cleaning the filter diaphragms 140 and 145 located between each pair of consecutive enclosure plates 105, for example, after each filtration cycle or after a certain number of filtration cycles.

[0187] The cleaning robot 400 may include a trolley 405 that can move relative to the enclosure 105 in the longitudinal direction A.

[0188] Specifically, the trolley 405 can be slidably connected to the support structure 300 and can be configured to move at the enclosure 105 (which remains stationary) without interfering with the enclosure 105.

[0189] For example, in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the vehicle 405 may have a platform structure located in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction A, and defining a passage facing and aligned with a series of enclosure panels 105.

[0190] Specifically, the trolley 405 may include: two vertical columns 410 positioned on opposite sides of the enclosure panel 105; and an upper crossbar 415 placed on the enclosure panel 105 by engaging the two vertical columns 410.

[0191] The base of each vertical column 410 can be slidably connected to a corresponding guide rail 365 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0192] The sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure can be delegated to any known drive device, such as an electromechanical device or an electro-hydraulic device.

[0193] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400, although having a different shape and design, retains the same frame structure as described above.

[0194] However, in this case, the trolley 405 is slidably connected to the support structure 300 via an upper transverse member 415, which is supported and slides along a longitudinal member 310 that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction A and is placed above the enclosure 105.

[0195] The sliding of the trolley 405 can be delegated to an electromechanical system, which includes: a linear rack 370 fixed to the longitudinal member 310; and at least one pinion (not visible) mounted on the upper crossbar 415, the at least one pinion being driven by an electric motor and rotating in a manner that meshes with the linear rack 370.

[0196] However, the sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure 300 can be delegated to any other known drive device, such as an electromechanical device or an electro-hydraulic device.

[0197] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 no longer includes the frame structure described above, but can simply include an upper crossbar 435 that extends laterally relative to the longitudinal direction A and is located above the enclosure panel 105 (see...). Figure 15 ).

[0198] The opposite ends of the upper crossbar 435 can be slidably connected to two guide rails 365, which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction A and can be individually fixed to the corresponding longitudinal member 315.

[0199] The sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure 300 can be delegated to any known drive device, such as an electromechanical device or an electro-hydraulic device.

[0200] The cleaning robot 400 of any type may also include a rod 445, which is mounted on a carriage 405 and movable relative to the carriage 405 in a direction laterally (e.g. orthogonal) to the longitudinal direction A, so that it can move in the space between any pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 when any pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 are in an open configuration.

[0201] Specifically, the rod 445 can be straight, preferably horizontal and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A, and can be configured to move vertically between the upper and lower positions of the trolley 405 on which the rod 445 is mounted.

[0202] At the upper position, the rod 445 can be placed at a higher horizontal height than the enclosure panel 105, while at the lower position, the rod 445 can be placed at or below the same horizontal height as its lower edge.

[0203] Multiple nozzles 450 may be associated with rod 445, each of the multiple nozzles 450 being able to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid, typically water, toward a first filter septum 140 and / or a second filter septum 145 that respectively cover the front surface 120 of one of the pair of enclosures 105 and the rear surface 125 of the other of the pair of enclosures 105.

[0204] For example, the rod 445 may be provided with: a first nozzle array 450, which is arranged in a row, for example, extending longitudinally along the rod 445 and pointing toward the fixed head 325; and / or a second nozzle array 450, which is arranged in a row, for example, extending longitudinally along the rod 445 and pointing toward the movable head 330.

[0205] To distribute the jet of cleaning fluid, nozzle 450 may be connected to a suitable hydraulic cleaning fluid supply system, which typically includes a pump, preferably a high-pressure pump, adapted to draw cleaning fluid from a tank or supply network and deliver it under pressure to nozzle 450, from which the cleaning fluid flows out.

[0206] Specifically, the hydraulic supply system may include at least one manifold 455, which is attached to a rod 445 and / or forms an integral part of the rod 445.

[0207] The manifold 455 is formed as a hollow body, such as a tube, which preferably has a straight extension and is oriented parallel to the rod 445.

[0208] The nozzle 450 can be directly inserted into the corresponding through hole in the side wall of the aforementioned manifold 455 or directly defined by the side wall of the aforementioned manifold 455.

[0209] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the rod 445 includes two parallel manifolds 455 preferably located in the same horizontal plane, one of which carries a nozzle 450 facing the fixed head 325, and the other carries a nozzle 450 facing the movable head 330.

[0210] The rod 445 is shaped like a frame that supports the two manifolds 455 mentioned above.

[0211] The movement of the rod 445 on the carriage 405 is driven by an articulated arm motion mechanism 460 (e.g., a pantograph), which connects the rod 445 to the crossbar 415 of the carriage 405 and can be operated by an electric motor 465.

[0212] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the rod 445 includes and is substantially defined by a single manifold 455, with both a nozzle 450 facing the fixed head 325 and a nozzle 450 facing the movable head 330 associated with the single manifold 455.

[0213] The movement of lever 445 on carriage 405 can be operated by any drive system, such as an electromechanical system or an electro-hydraulic system.

[0214] Also in Figure 14In one embodiment, the rod 445 includes and is substantially defined by a single manifold 455, with both a nozzle 450 facing the fixed head 325 and a nozzle 450 facing the movable head 330 associated with the single manifold 455.

[0215] In this configuration, the movement of the lever 445 on the trolley 405 is driven by a pair of vertically oriented chains (or belts) 470, each of which has a lower end attached to a corresponding end of the lever 445 and an upper end attached to a collection reel 475 (see [link]). Figure 15 The collection spool 475 is pivotally mounted on the trolley 405, specifically on the crossbar 415 placed above the enclosure 105.

[0216] The collecting reel 475 has a horizontal axis of rotation and is driven simultaneously and in the same direction, for example by a single electric motor 480, such that the unwinding and winding of the corresponding belt 470 cause the rod 445 to descend and rise, respectively.

[0217] The operation of the cleaning robot 400 causes the trolley 405 to slide along the longitudinal direction A on the support structure 300 and to stop the trolley 405 one after another at all the consecutive pairs of enclosure panels 105 in the open structure.

[0218] During the sliding of the trolley 405, the rod 445 remains in the upper position to avoid interference with the guardrail 105.

[0219] When the trolley 405 stops, the rod 445 is then vertically aligned with the space included between a pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 and in the open configuration.

[0220] Therefore, lever 445 can be operated to move vertically from the upper position to the lower position relative to trolley 405 (which remains stationary) and then return.

[0221] During one or both of these processes, the cleaning fluid supply hydraulic system can be operated such that the nozzle 450 mounted on the rod 445 delivers a jet of cleaning fluid (preferably under high pressure) to the filter septa 140 and 145 of the lining cladding 105, thereby cleaning them and removing any solid deposits that may still be attached.

[0222] However, after repeated filtration cycles, the filter septa 140 and 145 associated with the enclosure 105 will undergo gradual wear under any circumstances and / or may be damaged by accident, thus requiring replacement.

[0223] In order to monitor the integrity and wear condition of filter plates 140 and 145, it is envisioned that the filter press 100 is equipped with an electronic processing unit (not shown) that controls and manages the systems for identifying filter plates 140 and 145 and for screening filter plates 140 and 145.

[0224] The identification system requires each filter septum 140 and 145 installed in the filter press 100 to be equipped with a unique identification code.

[0225] Specifically, this unique identification code can be incorporated into the RFID 500 tag.

[0226] Each RFID tag typically includes an antenna that emits a radio frequency signal encoded with its unique identification code.

[0227] Each RFID tag 500 may also include a (small) local memory unit, preferably of the readable and rewritable / reprogrammable type, in which further information of the corresponding filter septum 140 or 145 may be stored.

[0228] This information may include, for example, the brand and model of the filter cloth, the location of a series of enclosures 105 (i.e., their “distance” from the fixed head 325 and / or the movable head 330), and the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0229] This information can also be encoded in the radio frequency signal emitted by the antenna of the corresponding RFID tag 500.

[0230] Therefore, the identification system may include a detection device adapted to read / detect the unique identification code attached to each filter septum 140 and 145.

[0231] The detection device can be connected to the electronic processing unit via any known connection system (wired or wireless).

[0232] Preferably, the detection device is mounted on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 so as to be suitable for reading the identification code of the filter plates 140 and 145 when the filter plates 140 and 145 undergo the cleaning operation as described above.

[0233] The detection device may include, for example, an antenna 505 adapted to pick up radio frequency signals emitted by each RFID tag 500, and a unique identification code and information that may be stored in its local memory unit are encoded in the radio frequency signal.

[0234] Possibly, antenna 505 may also be adapted to send radio frequency signals to each RFID tag 500, thereby allowing it to write / rewrite its local storage unit, for example, to periodically update the number of filtering cycles performed by the corresponding filter septum 140 or 145.

[0235] In any case, preferably, the antenna 505 is configured to receive radio frequency signals and / or exchange radio frequency signals with each RFID tag 500 only when its distance from each RFID tag 500 is relatively small, for example less than the distance that separates a pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 in an open configuration.

[0236] For example, this effect can be achieved by appropriately reducing the power of antenna 505.

[0237] In this way, during the movement of the trolley 405, the antenna 505 can advantageously pick up the signals of a small number of RFID tags 500 at a time, preferably only one RFID tag 500 at a time, thereby allowing the identification system to "isolate" the picked-up signals and thus assign their correct positions to the corresponding filter septum 140 or 145.

[0238] To ensure compatibility of the identification system with European and American standards, the RFID 500 tag can be configured to emit and potentially receive radio frequency signals at frequencies from 860 MHz to 960 MHz.

[0239] Accordingly, the antenna 505 of the detection device can be configured to operate in the European region at a frequency between 865 MHz and 868 MHz, or in the Americas at a frequency between 902 MHz and 928 MHz.

[0240] The detection device may also include a reader (not shown) connected to the antenna 505 and adapted to decode radio frequency signals from the RFID tags 500 to obtain their unique identification codes and any additional information.

[0241] The reader can also prepare information to be transmitted and written to the local storage unit of the RFID 500 tag.

[0242] The reader can be connected to the antenna 505 via any cable connection system, and then connected to the processing unit via wired or wireless means.

[0243] Alternatively, an integrated system that integrates the antenna 505 and the reader into a single device can be used.

[0244] Preferably, both the antenna 505 and the reader are mounted on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400.

[0245] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, only the antenna 505 is mounted on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400, and the reader can be mounted at any other fixed position on the support structure 300 of the filter press 100.

[0246] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 associated with each enclosure panel 105 may carry the corresponding RFID tag 500 at the lateral edge of the enclosure panel 105 itself, preferably at a position closer to the upper edge than to the lower edge (e.g., above the bracket 110).

[0247] The antenna 505 of the detection device can be fixed to a post 410 on the side of the lateral edge of the enclosure 105 of the trolley 405, which is supported, for example, by a connecting bracket. The antenna 505 is positioned at approximately the same horizontal level as the RFID tags 500 so that it can pass by the RFID tags 500 (without touching them).

[0248] The reader can be positioned on the trolley 405 at a higher horizontal level than the antenna 505, for example, but not necessarily at the crossbar 415.

[0249] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 associated with each enclosure panel 105 may carry a corresponding RFID tag 500 at the lateral edge of the enclosure panel 105 itself, preferably at a position closer to the lateral edge than the upper edge (e.g. at the edge separating the lateral edge from the lower edge).

[0250] The antenna 505 of the detection device can be fixed in the lower part of the trolley 405, near the aforementioned lateral edge of the trolley 405 facing the enclosure 105, for example, fixed to the top of a bracket originating from a rod 490, which is adapted to connect two rods 410 and stand below the enclosure 105.

[0251] Specifically, the support bracket positions the antenna 505 and the RFID tag 500 at substantially the same horizontal height, allowing the antenna 505 to pass close to the RFID tag 500 without contacting them.

[0252] Furthermore, the reader can be positioned on the vehicle 405 at a higher horizontal level than the antenna 505, for example, but not necessarily at the crossbar 415.

[0253] exist Figure 15In the embodiment shown, the first filter septum 140 and the second filter septum 145 associated with each enclosure panel 105 may carry a corresponding RFID tag 500 at their upper edge (which protrudes above the upper side edge of the enclosure panel 105 itself), for example at the center of the upper edge.

[0254] The antenna 505 of the detection device can be fixed to the crossbar 435 of the trolley 405, at which point the antenna 505 and the RFID tag 500 associated with the filter septa 140 and 145 are substantially located in the same vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0255] For example, antenna 505 can be carried on the lower end of a support bracket that is fixed to the crossbar 435 of the trolley 405 and extends downward, so that antenna 505 can pass close to RFID tags 500 without contacting them.

[0256] Furthermore, the reader can be placed on the trolley 405 at a higher horizontal height than the antenna 505, for example, on the crossbar 435.

[0257] In some embodiments, the filter press 100 may also include a detection system for the enclosure panel 105.

[0258] The system is similar to the aforementioned system and provides each enclosure 105 with its own unique identification code, which may be incorporated, for example, into an RFID tag (not shown), which may have the same characteristics as outlined for the RFID tag 500 associated with the filter panels 140 and 145.

[0259] RFID tags can store information such as the brand and model of enclosure 105, a series of locations within enclosure 105 (i.e., their "distance" from fixed head 325 and / or movable head 330), and the number of filtering cycles performed.

[0260] The unique identification code attached to the enclosure panel 105 can be detected by a corresponding detection device, which is preferably mounted on the trolley 405 and can have the same characteristics as those shown by the device used to detect the identification codes of the filter plates 140 and 145.

[0261] Specifically, the unique identification code affixed to the enclosure 105 can be detected using a dedicated detection device or possibly the same detection device used for the codes associated with filter panels 140 and 145. Turning now to the screening system, which includes at least one image acquisition device 600 mounted on the rod 445 of the cleaning robot 400, for example, at a horizontal height higher than the nozzle 450 dispensing the cleaning fluid jet.

[0262] The acquisition device 600 can be connected to the central processing unit via any connection system (wired or wireless).

[0263] The acquisition device 600 may be, for example, a camera, a video camera, or any other device suitable for acquiring still images and / or video of the filter panes 140 and 145.

[0264] In this manner, by moving the rod 445 between a pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 in the open configuration, the acquisition device 600 is able to acquire one or more images of the first filter pane 140 and / or the second filter pane 145 inserted between the enclosure panels 105.

[0265] These images can be processed and combined by an electronic processing unit to obtain a complete image of each filter septum 140 and 145, effectively obtaining their true scans.

[0266] In order to perform the scan on both filter plates 140 and 145, the acquisition device 600 can be movably mounted on the rod 445, so that it can change its orientation toward the fixed head 325 or toward the movable head 330.

[0267] However, more preferably, the screening system includes at least two collection devices 600, wherein the first collection device 600 faces the fixed head 325 and the second collection device 600 faces the movable head 330.

[0268] In this way, by moving the rod 445 in a single motion, it is advantageous to scan both filter plates 140 and 145 simultaneously.

[0269] For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 This approach is used in the embodiment shown.

[0270] However, using only one acquisition device 600 or only one acquisition device 600 on each side may result in a need for its field of view to be wide enough to frame the entire strip of filter septa 140 and 145, i.e., the strip that extends continuously from one lateral edge of the enclosure 105 to the opposite lateral edge.

[0271] For this to be possible, the distance between the acquisition device 600 and the filter septum 140 or 145 to be scanned must be large enough.

[0272] However, the available space between each pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 in the open structure may sometimes be very narrow, so that the field of view of the acquisition device 600 mounted on the rod 445 passing through the pair of consecutive enclosure panels 105 may not be large enough to ensure the envisioned conditions.

[0273] To overcome this drawback, the screening system may therefore include a set of collection devices 600 arranged in a row and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal extension of the rod 445 of the cleaning robot 400, all of which may be oriented toward the fixed head 325 or toward the movable head 330.

[0274] More preferably, the screening system may include two sets of the acquisition devices 600, wherein one set of acquisition devices 600 are all oriented toward the fixed head 325, while the other set of acquisition devices 600 are all oriented toward the movable head 330.

[0275] In this way, the images captured by each set of acquisition devices 600 can be combined to obtain images of the complete strips of filter septa 140 and 145.

[0276] For example, in Figure 8 The embodiments shown and Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, this solution is employed, whereby two collection devices 600 facing the fixed head 325 and two additional collection devices 600 facing the movable head 330 are mounted on the rod 445 of the washing robot 400.

[0277] Another possibility for increasing the field of view of each acquisition device 600 is to position the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 in such a way that the rod 445 is not completely equidistant from the two enclosure plates 105.

[0278] For example, when scanning the first filter 140, the trolley 405 can be positioned in such a way that the rod 445 and therefore the acquisition device 600 are closer to the second filter 145.

[0279] Conversely, when scanning the second filter 145, the trolley 405 can be positioned in such a way that the rod 445 and therefore the acquisition device 600 are closer to the first filter 140.

[0280] Another possibility for increasing the field of view of each acquisition device 600 is to equip it with a translational movement along the horizontal direction and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A on the rod 445.

[0281] To improve image acquisition, the screening system of any embodiment may also include one or more lights adapted to illuminate the filter septa 140 and 145, which may also be mounted on the trolley 405 and / or pole 445 of the cleaning robot 400.

[0282] For example, Figure 10The embodiment shown includes: a lamp 605, which is mounted in parallel on each post 410 of the trolley 405; and possibly another lamp (not shown), which is mounted in parallel on the rod 445, for example, below the manifold 455 that carries the nozzle 450.

[0283] In view of the foregoing, the operation of the identification and screening system causes the trolley 405 to slide along the longitudinal direction A on the support structure 300 and stop sequentially at all consecutive pairs of enclosure panels A in the open configuration.

[0284] During the sliding of the trolley 405, the rod 445 remains in the upper position to avoid interference with the guardrail 105.

[0285] When the vehicle 405 stops or passes by, the antenna 505 of the identification system picks up the radio frequency signals emitted by the RFID tags 500 associated with the first filter 140 and the second filter 145 inserted between the pair of enclosure panels 105, thereby obtaining their unique identification codes.

[0286] If necessary, the antenna 505 of the identification device can also detect radio frequency signals emitted by RFID tags attached to the enclosure 105 (with filter septa 140 and 145 inserted between the enclosure 105), and in this case, also obtain their unique identification codes.

[0287] These unique identification codes can be transmitted to an electronic processing unit, which can then identify the two filter panes 140 and 145 and possibly the enclosure panel 105.

[0288] In this way, the electronic processing unit can first track each filter septum 140 and 145 and / or each enclosure 105 to, for example, find / monitor its position within the filter press 100 and / or the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0289] Simultaneously or subsequently, lever 445 can be operated to move vertically from the upper position to the lower position relative to trolley 405 (which remains stationary) and return, repeating the movement once or more if necessary.

[0290] During at least one of these processes, the acquisition device 600 may scan the first filter 140 and the second filter 145 and acquire their images.

[0291] These images can be transmitted to an electronic processing unit, which can associate them with a corresponding unique identifier or a corresponding filter septum 140 or 145.

[0292] As can be easily understood, these operations are preferably performed simultaneously with the cleaning operation.

[0293] For example, after the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 is stopped at a pair of consecutive enclosures 105 in an open configuration, the lever 445 can perform one or more strokes in which the nozzle 450 is operated, and subsequently perform one or more strokes in which the collection device 600 is operated.

[0294] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, screening and washing can be performed independently of each other.

[0295] In any case, screening is preferably performed one after another on all consecutive pairs of enclosure panels 105 of the filter press.

[0296] Images of each filter septum 140 and 145 can be used by a computer processing unit to verify whether the filter septum is damaged, such as whether it is damaged in an early stage (scratches or micro-damage) and / or damaged in a late stage (major damage), and / or to predict and assess its remaining duration.

[0297] For example, the electronic processing unit may be configured to determine the wear condition of the filter septum and / or predict how many filtration cycles the filter septum can still perform before it becomes damaged or inefficient based on an image of each of the filter septums 140 and 145.

[0298] In fact, the electronic processing unit will be able to detect any defects in the filter diaphragms 140 and 145 in advance, even before the defect may develop into permanent damage to the rear enclosure 105.

[0299] The determination of the remaining duration can be performed by the electronic processing unit by executing appropriate evaluation logic, such as based on a properly trained artificial intelligence algorithm that receives the image of the filter septum 140 or 145 as input and automatically provides its remaining duration as output.

[0300] The evaluation logic may also take into account other aspects, such as the degree of abrasion of the liquid to be filtered and / or the filtration pressure.

[0301] The remaining duration can then be communicated to the operator, for example, via an interface system, allowing them to plan the replacement of different filter panes 140 and 145.

[0302] For example, the evaluation logic used by the electronic processing unit may be based on a model (e.g., a mathematical, statistical, or empirical model) that describes the wear patterns of the filter septa 140 and 145 relative to the time of use or the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0303] The model can be modified / updated by the electronic processing unit through a self-learning process, which analyzes and / or processes (historical) images of each filter 140 and 145 taken by the screening system multiple times consecutively after each filter 140 and 145 has undergone an increasing number of filtration cycles, thereby understanding the evolution of wear on the filter 140 and 145 over time.

[0304] In other words, after acquiring multiple images of the multiple filter panes 140 and 145 in succession, the electronic processing unit will be advantageously able to use all these images, for example through the aforementioned AI-based self-learning process, to modify the model on which the evaluation logic for the remaining duration is based.

[0305] In this way, the model will be continuously updated and will be able to more faithfully reflect the actual behavior of the filter press 100.

[0306] It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various technically applicable modifications to all of the above without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

1. A filter press (100), comprising: - A plurality of filter chambers (155) are arranged along a predetermined longitudinal direction (A), each of the plurality of filter chambers (155) being defined by two mutually facing filter septa inserted between a pair of enclosure plates (105). - A mobile device adapted to move each pair of enclosure panels (105) along the longitudinal direction (A) between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the enclosure panels (105) are clamped into a wrapping on the respective filter septum, thereby closing the filter chamber (155), and in the open configuration the enclosure panels (105) are spaced apart to separate the respective filter septum, thereby laterally opening the filter chamber (155). - An inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply the liquid to be filtered into each filter chamber (155) when all pairs of enclosure panels (105) are in the closed configuration. - An outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge filtered liquid exiting each filter chamber (155) through the corresponding filter septa when all pairs of enclosure panels (105) are in the closed configuration, and - A cleaning robot (400) adapted to clean the filter septa defining each filter chamber (155) when the respective pair of enclosures (105) are in the open configuration. The cleaning robot (400) includes: - A trolley (405) adapted to move relative to the enclosure panel (105) along the longitudinal direction (A), A rod (445), mounted on the trolley (405) and movable relative to the trolley (405) in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction (A), is slidable between filter septa inserted between a pair of enclosure plates (105) in the open configuration, and - Multiple nozzles (450) are mounted on the rod (445) to dispense jets of cleaning fluid toward the filter septum. The filter press (100) is characterized in that it further includes: - Multiple identification codes, each of which is fixed to at least one corresponding filter spacer. - A device for detecting the identification code, which is mounted on the trolley (405) of the cleaning robot (400), - At least one image acquisition device (600), mounted on the rod (445) of the cleaning robot (400), to acquire images of the filter panes, and - An electronic processing unit connected to the identification code detection device and the image acquisition device (600), wherein the electronic processing unit is configured to: - At least one filter element is identified by detecting the corresponding identification code using the detection device. - Use the image acquisition device (600) to acquire at least one image of the filter pane. - Determine whether the filter pane is damaged based on the at least one image.

2. The filter press (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic processing unit is configured as follows: - At least one filter element is identified by detecting the corresponding identification code using the detection device. - Use the image acquisition device (600) to acquire at least one image of the filter pane. - Determine the remaining duration of the filter pane based on the at least one image.

3. The filter press (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The electronic processing unit is configured to determine the remaining duration of the filter pane by executing evaluation logic, the evaluation logic receiving the at least one image as input and providing the remaining duration as output.

4. The filter press (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The electronic processing unit is configured as follows: -The image acquisition device (600) continuously acquires multiple images of the multiple filter panes. - Modify the evaluation logic based on these images.

5. The filter press (100) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of second identification codes, each of the plurality of second identification codes being fixed to a corresponding enclosure plate (105) and adapted to be detected by the identification code detection device.

6. The filter press (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Each identification code is incorporated into an RFID tag (500), and the detection device includes an antenna (505) adapted to pick up radio frequency signals emitted by the RFID tag (500).

7. The filter press (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The RFID tag (500) is writable.

8. The filter press (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The detection device includes a reader connected to the antenna (505) and adapted to decode radio frequency signals emitted by the RFID tag (500).

9. The filter press (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The image acquisition device (600) is a camera or a video camera.

10. The filter press (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least: The first image acquisition device is turned toward one of the filter panes; as well as The second image acquisition device is turned to another filter.

11. A method for operating a filter press (100) according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: - Park the trolley (405) of the cleaning robot (400) at the pair of enclosures (105) in the open configuration. - The detection device is used to detect the identification code of at least one of the filter panes inserted between the pair of enclosure panels (105). - To move the rod (445) of the cleaning robot (400) between the filter panes inserted between the pair of enclosure plates (105), - At least one image of the filter pane is acquired by the image acquisition device (600) mounted on the rod (445) of the cleaning robot (400).

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