Filter press cloth replacement system

Abstract

Filter press (1), comprising a support structure (2) defining a housing area (3) extending longitudinally, wherein the support structure (2) comprises at least one bridge beam (6) extending along the longitudinal direction and positioned above the housing area (3); and an arrangement of filter plates (7) which can be accommodated in the housing area (3) and are connected to the bridge beam (6) in a manner slidable along the longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates (7) comprises a wall (8) having at least one filter surface (9) and an upper circumferential section (11) that limits the filter surface (9) in its upper part and is oriented towards the bridge girder (6); at least one filter cloth (19) designed to cover the filter surface (9); and engagement means (23) configured to detachably engage the filter cloth (19) with the filter surface (9); wherein the intervention means (23) comprise a rod (24) which is attached to an upper edge (20) of the filter fabric (19) and at least one hook (27) which is arranged on the upper circumferential section (11) and is designed to receive and support the rod (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter press cloth replacement system and in particular to a filter press comprising such a system.

[0002] A filter press is a machine used in many fields to filter a suspension in order to separate solid components from liquid components.

[0003] Previous filter presses comprise a support structure on which an arrangement of filter plates is mounted.

[0004] There are two known types of filter presses: side-beam filter presses and bridge-beam filter presses.

[0005] In side-beam filter presses, the support structure comprises two lateral longitudinal beams arranged on the sides of the arrangement of filter plates.

[0006] In bridge-beam filter presses, the support structure comprises at least one bridge beam, but there can also be two bridge beams, on which the arrangement of filter plates is slidably mounted. The bridge beam is positioned above the arrangement of filter plates.

[0007] The filter press of the present invention is of the bridge-beam type.

[0008] The operating principle of a filter press is known and involves pressing the filter plates together using mechanical or hydraulic means, creating an inner chamber between two adjacent filter plates, which is divided into several areas by the presence of a filter cloth.

[0009] The suspension to be filtered is pumped into the chamber under high pressure. Solid components are retained by the filter cloth in one area, while liquid components pass through the filter cloth into an outlet pipe.

[0010] The filter 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 process of replacing a filter cloth is extremely complex and time-consuming, especially with large filter presses, such as those used in the mining industry.

[0012] Due to the complex mechanisms for inserting the filter cloth, specialized technicians must be positioned between two filter plates to remove the old filter cloth and then install the new one. The installation of the new filter cloth should also be carried out as precisely as possible.

[0013] Such lengthy and complex processes inevitably lead to a longer downtime of the filter press, which reduces productivity and increases costs.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is to provide a filter press in which the filter cloth can be changed easily and quickly.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a filter press in which the risks for an installer are reduced.

[0016] According to the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a filter press comprising a support structure defining a housing area extending longitudinally, wherein the support structure includes at least one bridge beam extending along the longitudinal direction and positioned above the housing area; and an arrangement of filter plates that can be accommodated in the housing section and are slidably connected to the bridge beam along the longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates comprises a wall defining at least one filter area, as well as an upper circumferential section that limits the filter area in the upper part and is oriented towards the bridge beam; at least one filter cloth designed to cover the filter area; and engagement means configured to detachably engage the filter cloth with the filter area;wherein the intervention means comprise a rod attached to an upper edge of the filter cloth and at least one hook arranged on the upper circumferential section and designed to receive and support the rod.

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

[0018] This solution has several advantages over state-of-the-art solutions.

[0019] The features of the filter press according to the invention enable a simple and quick replacement of the filter cloth, thereby reducing downtime and inactivity of the filter press and thus increasing productivity.

[0020] Furthermore, the presence of the rod allows for easy lifting of the filter cloth to enable its inspection, thereby reducing the risk to the installer.

[0021] Furthermore, the work involved in replacing the filter cloth is simplified, and the technician can position himself to the side of the filter press, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

[0022] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by means of a non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 schematically shows a cross-section of a filter press according to the present invention; Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Show a filter plate with the filter cloth removed and attached; Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of a detail of the engagement device.

[0023] With reference to the accompanying figures, the filter press according to the present invention is characterized by reference numeral 1. The filter press 1 is configured to receive and filter a suspension containing solid particles dispersed in a liquid.

[0024] The filter press 1 includes a support structure 2 that defines a housing section 3.

[0025] Housing section 3 extends longitudinally. During operation, the longitudinal direction is essentially horizontal.

[0026] The housing section 3 contains an arrangement of filter plates 7, which are supported by the support structure 2.

[0027] The support structure 2 defines a lateral access 4 to the housing area 3, which is positioned next to the arrangement of filter plates 7 to allow the lateral removal of a filter cloth.

[0028] The lateral access 4 is essentially a free space in which the support structure 2 has no obstacles, allowing a fitter to access the filter plates from the side.

[0029] There can be two lateral access points 4, which are arranged on the two sides of the arrangement of filter plates 7.

[0030] The support structure 2 comprises a base frame 5 designed to be attached to or placed on a support surface, such as the floor. The base frame 5 includes two heads arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal direction and designed to accommodate the arrangement of filter plates.

[0031] Preferably, the basic framework 5 can include a platform arranged at the lateral access 4 to support a fitter.

[0032] The filter press 1 is of the bridge-beam type. Therefore, the supporting structure 2 includes at least one bridge beam 6 extending along the longitudinal direction. The bridge beam 6 is positioned above the housing section 3. The bridge beam 6 is supported by the base frame 5.

[0033] In the present description and in the following claims, the terms "top" and "bottom" are used to indicate the normal operating conditions of the filter press 1, as described in Fig. 1 shown.

[0034] The bridge spar 6 has a lower section that is oriented towards the housing area 3. This lower section carries connecting elements on the filter plates 7.

[0035] Preferably, the support structure 2 comprises a single bridge beam 6, which is positioned centrally with respect to the housing section 3. It cannot be ruled out that the support structure 2 comprises multiple bridge beams.

[0036] As mentioned above, the filter press 1 comprises an arrangement of filter plates 7 designed to be accommodated in the housing section 3. The filter plates 7 are arranged oriented along the longitudinal direction. In particular, the filter plates 7 are attached vertically, i.e., orthogonally to the longitudinal direction, to the support structure 2.

[0037] The filter plates 7 are connected to the bridge beam 6 so that they can be moved longitudinally. Each filter plate 7 comprises individual slides mounted on rails arranged on the bridge beam 6. Each filter plate 7 can therefore be moved towards or away from the others.

[0038] By moving 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 pressed together.

[0039] In the closed configuration, two successive filter plates 7 form a chamber between them that is suitable for receiving the suspension.

[0040] In the open configuration, however, the filter plates 7 are spaced apart to allow for the removal of solid residues and maintenance of the filter plates 7. The filter plates 7 are moved by means of special moving devices attached to the filter press 1, which can be hydraulic or mechanical.

[0041] The suspension is introduced into the chambers formed between two successive filter plates 7 via a hydraulic supply line equipped with an inlet line and a pump system.

[0042] After filtration, the liquid parts are removed via an outlet line with an outlet pipe.

[0043] The operation of the filter press 1 and thus the movement of the filter plates 7, the introduction of the suspension and the removal of the filtered liquid are disclosed in the prior art and are therefore not described in detail.

[0044] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a filter plate 7. The filter plate 7 comprises a wall 8. The latter has a substantially flat orientation, preferably in a rectangular shape.

[0045] The wall 8 has at least one filter surface 9. The filter surface 9 is configured such that, in a closed configuration, it forms a chamber together with another filter surface 9, which is suitable for receiving and retaining the suspension. This chamber is formed by a recess 10 formed on the filter surface 9.

[0046] The filter plates 7 include an engagement system that allows the chamber to be sealed in a closed configuration.

[0047] The arrangement of filter plates 7 comprises two end filter plates 7 and a plurality of central filter plates 7 arranged between the end plates. The end filter plates 7 comprise only one filter surface 9. The central filter plates 7 define a pair of filter surfaces 9. These filter surfaces 9 are arranged opposite each other.

[0048] The wall 8 defines an upper circumferential section 11, which limits the filter area in its upper part and is oriented towards the bridge girder 6. In this case, the wall 8 has a circumferential section that limits the recess 10. The circumferential section has two lateral circumferential sections 12, which are arranged opposite each other and vertically, a lower circumferential section 13, and the upper circumferential section 11, the latter two extending horizontally between the two lateral circumferential sections 12.

[0049] The upper circumferential section 11 is connected to the bridge girder 6. One of the lateral circumferential sections 12 is aligned towards the lateral access 4.

[0050] The filter surface 9 has grooves that allow the filtered liquid to flow towards the circumferential section, in particular the lower circumferential section 13.

[0051] Wall 8 includes an inlet opening 14a configured to connect to the suspension inlet line, allowing the suspension to flow into the chamber. The inlet opening 14a is located near the upper circumferential section 11 and is situated in a substantially central position.

[0052] The inlet openings 14a of the filter plates 7 are aligned with each other in use to provide a passage channel for the suspension.

[0053] The wall 8 includes at least one outlet opening 15a, which is configured to be connected to an outlet line for the filtered liquid.

[0054] The outlet openings 15a of the filter plates 7 are aligned with each other in use to form an outlet channel.

[0055] Preferably, the outlet opening 15a is arranged on the lower circumferential section 13. However, it cannot be ruled out that the outlet opening 15a is provided on the lateral circumferential section.

[0056] Preferably, the wall 8 comprises four outlet openings 15a. The four outlet openings 15a are arranged at the four corners of the wall 8.

[0057] Each filter plate 7 includes a support structure 16 which is connected to the upper circumferential section 11.

[0058] The support structure 16 comprises at least one element 17 for connection to the bridge girder 6. The support structure 16 includes a transverse section 18 that extends parallel to the upper circumferential section 11. The transverse section 18 is connected to the wall 8 by means of lateral support rods attached to both sides of the wall 8.

[0059] Each filter plate 7 includes at least one filter cloth 19 designed to cover the filter area 9, as shown in Fig. The filter cloth 19 is configured to allow liquid particles to pass through while preventing the flow of solid particles.

[0060] The filter cloth 19 divides the chamber into at least two spaces. After high-pressure pumping, the liquid components of the suspension pass through the filter cloth 19 and enter the space between the two spaces.

[0061] The central filter plates 7 comprise two filter cloths 19, each designed to cover a specific filter area 9. Therefore, each chamber contains two filter cloths 19, dividing it into a central space and two lateral spaces. The two lateral spaces are in fluid communication with the outlet opening 15a. The inlet line directs the suspension into the central space; the liquid particles pass through the filter cloths 19 into the lateral spaces; the solid particles, however, are retained in the central space and form a solid plate.

[0062] The filter cloth 19 preferably consists of a material selected from polypropylene, polyester, PBT, polyamide or PTFE.

[0063] The filter fabric 19 has a similar shape to the filter area 9 in order to cover it. In the example shown, the filter fabric 19 is essentially rectangular.

[0064] The filter fabric 19 defines an upper edge 20, which in use is oriented towards the high beam 6 and is located adjacent to the upper circumferential section 11 of the wall 8. In addition, the filter fabric 19 comprises two side edges and a lower edge.

[0065] The filter cloth 19 also includes an inlet opening 14b which is configured to be connected to the inlet line.

[0066] The inlet opening 14b of the filter fabric is aligned with that of wall 8 in order to maintain the passage channel for the suspension. Therefore, its positioning is similar to that of the inlet opening 14a of wall 8.

[0067] The filter cloth 19 also includes at least one outlet opening 15b, which is configured to be connected to the outlet pipe. This outlet opening 15b is aligned with the outlet opening 15a of the wall 8 during use.

[0068] In the example shown, the filter fabric 19 comprises four outlet openings 15b, which are preferably arranged at the four corner points.

[0069] Each filter plate 7 includes a sealing coupling device 21 configured to be positioned between the filter plate 9 and the wall 8 to seal the passage formed by the inlet openings 14a, 14b. This solution ensures that the suspension conveyed by the inlet line is directed into the central chamber and does not enter the lateral chambers.

[0070] The sealing coupling means 21 comprise a seal 22 which is arranged around one of the inlet holes 14a, 14b, preferably around that of the filter fabric 19, and is configured so that it can be coupled to the section arranged around the other inlet hole 14a, 14b, preferably that of the wall 8.

[0071] The seal 22 can be coupled by simply placing it on top, which facilitates the removal of the filter cloth. In fact, the seal is reliably achieved thanks to the pressure clamping of the filter plates.

[0072] Fig. shows in detail the connection between the filter cloth 19 and the wall 8.

[0073] The filter plate 7 includes engagement means 23 which are configured to detachably engage the filter cloth 19 with the filter surface 9.

[0074] The middle filter plates 7 have two engagement devices 23, one for each filter cloth 19.

[0075] The intervention devices 23 facilitate the removal of the filter fabric 19 in order to replace it laterally through the lateral access 4.

[0076] The engagement device 23 comprises a rod 24 which is attached to the upper edge 20 of the filter fabric 19. The rod 24 runs substantially parallel to the upper edge 20, preferably over its entire length, to ensure better support.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the rod 24 is arranged at a distance from the upper edge 20 of the filter cloth 19.

[0078] The filter cloth 19 includes a receiving section 25 positioned above the upper edge 20. The receiving section 25 is configured to receive and accommodate the rod 24. In fact, the receiving section 25 defines a sleeve into which the rod 24 is inserted.

[0079] The receiving section includes at least one slot 26 that exposes a portion of the rod 24 which is intended to be hooked on.

[0080] The slot 26 also defines an insertion space below the rod 24 into which the hook can be inserted.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the lining section 25 has a plurality of slots 26, preferably three. These slots 26 are distributed along the lining section 25 to ensure uniform support.

[0082] The rod 24 has a thickness, understood as diameter, between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably 16 mm.

[0083] The rod 24 is made of a material selected from carbon, steel and stainless steel.

[0084] The engagement means 23 comprise at least one hook 27, which is arranged on the upper circumferential section 11 of the wall 8. In particular, the hook 27 is attached to the support structure 16 of the filter plate 7, preferably to the crossbar 18.

[0085] The hook 27 is designed to receive and hold the rod 24. Therefore, the hook 27 defines a seat 28 designed to receive the rod 24.

[0086] The seat 28 has an upper opening to allow the insertion of the rod 24 from above. In particular, the hook 27 has a curved body that defines the seat 28; the curvature is directed upwards.

[0087] The body of the hook 27 is configured so that it can be inserted into the slot 26 of the receiving section 25.

[0088] Preferably, the hook 27 is movably attached to the support structure 16, in particular to the crossbar 18, along a vertical direction. A spring element is located between the support structure 16 and the hook 27, which supports the hook 27. This makes it possible, for example, to move the hook 27 by means of an adjusting screw in order to adjust the position of the filter cloth and / or to shake the filter cloth to facilitate the removal of solid residues.

[0089] In the example shown, the engagement means 23 comprise a plurality of hooks 27 arranged along the upper circumferential section 11.

[0090] Preferably, the number of hooks (27) corresponds to the number of slots (26), which is why the example shows three hooks.

[0091] The filter press 1 includes means for changing the filter cloth, which are not shown in the illustrations. The changing means are configured to allow the insertion / removal of the rod 24 into / out of the hook 27 and its lateral movement. The lateral direction extends from the housing area to the lateral access 4 and is therefore transverse to the longitudinal direction and horizontal.

[0092] In this particular case, the means for changing are configured to allow the gripping of the rod 24 and its vertical movement in order to release it from or insert it into the hook 27 and then move it along the lateral direction.

[0093] In one embodiment, the means for changing the cloth are manual, i.e., they can be manually operated by an installer to more easily reach the rod 24 and insert or remove it from the wall 8. In such an embodiment, the changing means comprise an elongated rod. The elongated rod includes a handle for the installer. The handle is arranged at one end of the rod and allows the installer to grip it. The rod also includes an engagement element designed to engage with the rod 24. The engagement element is arranged at the other end of the rod.

[0094] The fitter can use the rod to engage and remove rod 24 by first moving it vertically and then laterally.

[0095] In another embodiment, the means for changing the rod are of an automatic type. Therefore, the means for changing the rod include a motion system attached to the support structure 2. The motion system is configured to grasp the rod 24, for example, by means of a special gripping element, and move it at least laterally. Such a motion system includes, for example, rollers and / or movable guides.

[0096] The movement system also includes a lifting device configured to move the rod 24 in a vertical direction in order to separate it from or place it on the seat 28.

[0097] The switching device also includes a drive unit that is functionally connected to the motion system to activate its movement. The drive unit can be, for example, electric and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic.

[0098] The functioning of the invention appears clear to a person skilled in the art in view of the description, in particular as follows.

[0099] After various filter cycles, the filter cloths 19 are to be replaced. To carry out this replacement, the filter plates 7 are brought into an open configuration; then, using the replacement device, each filter cloth 19 is lifted to release the rod 24 from the hook 27, and then moved laterally towards the side access 4; this allows the technician to pick up the filter cloth 19 and replace it with a new filter cloth 19.

Claims

[1] Filter press (1), comprising a support structure (2) defining a housing area (3) extending longitudinally, wherein the support structure (2) comprises at least one bridge beam (6) extending along the longitudinal direction and positioned above the housing area (3); and an arrangement of filter plates (7) which can be accommodated in the housing area (3) and are connected to the bridge beam (6) in a manner slidable along the longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates (7) comprises a wall (8) having at least one filter surface (9) and an upper circumferential section (11) that limits the filter surface (9) in its upper part and is oriented towards the bridge girder (6); at least one filter cloth (19) designed to cover the filter surface (9); and engagement means (23) configured to detachably engage the filter cloth (19) with the filter surface (9); wherein the intervention means (23) comprise a rod (24) which is attached to an upper edge (20) of the filter fabric (19) and at least one hook (27) which is arranged on the upper circumferential section (11) and is designed to receive and support the rod (24). [2] Filter press (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support structure (2) defines a lateral access (4) to the housing section (3), wherein the lateral access (4) is positioned next to the arrangement of filter plates (7) to allow lateral removal of the filter cloth (19). [3] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the filter cloth (19) comprises a receiving section (25) arranged above the upper edge (20) and configured to receive and accommodate the rod (24); wherein the receiving section (25) comprises at least one slot (26) that releases a portion of the rod (24) intended to engage with the hook (27). [4] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hook (27) defines a seat (28) designed to receive the rod (24); wherein the seat (28) has an upper opening to allow the rod (24) to be inserted from above. [5] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the intervention means (23) comprise several hooks (27) arranged along the upper circumferential section (11). [6] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the wall (8) of the filter plate (7) and the filter cloth (19) each have an inlet opening (14a, 14b) configured to be connected to an inlet line of a suspension, the inlet openings (14a, 14b) being aligned with each other in use to provide a channel for the passage of the solid-liquid suspension; each of the filter plates (7) includes a sealing coupling device (21) configured to be positioned between the filter cloth (19) and the wall (8) to seal the passage. [7] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the filter plates (7) comprises a pair of filter surfaces (9), a pair of filter cloths (19) and a pair of intervention devices (23). [8] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it includes means for replacing the filter cloth (19) which are configured to allow the rod (24) to be attached to / removed from the hook (27) and its movement in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. [9] Filter press (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the replacement device comprises an elongated rod which includes a handle which can be grasped by a fitter and an engagement element which is designed to engage with the rod (24). [10] Filter press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the replacement device comprises a motion system attached to the support structure (2) and configured to grasp the rod (24) and move it along the lateral direction, as well as a drive functionally connected to the motion system to activate it.

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