FILTER PRESS CLOTH REPLACEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

The filter press (1) comprises a support structure (2) having at least one upper beam (6) and an array of filter plates (7) connected to the upper beam (6) in a sliding manner along the longitudinal direction; each of the filter plates (7) comprising a wall (8) having at least one filter face and an upper peripheral portion that delimits the filter face at the top; at least one filter cloth adapted to cover the filter face; and means for engaging the filter cloth, configured to removably engage the filter cloth with the filter face, comprising a rod fixed to an upper edge of the filter cloth, and a hook arranged at the upper peripheral portion and adapted to receive and support the rod. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM OF FILTER PRESS CLOTH REPLACEMENT

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

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

[0003] Filter presses of the prior art comprise a load-bearing structure on which a network of filter plates is mounted.

[0004] Two types of filter presses are known: side beam filter presses and high beam filter presses.

[0005] In side-beam filter presses, the load-bearing structure comprises two longitudinal lateral beams arranged on the sides of the filter plate array.

[0006] On the other hand, in high-beam filter presses, the load-bearing structure comprises at least one high beam, but there could also be two high beams, onto which the filter plate array is slidably mounted. The high beam is arranged above the filter plate array.

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

[0008] The operation of a filter press is known and it involves clamping the filter plates together, by means of mechanical or hydraulic means, so as to form an internal chamber between two adjacent filter plates, which is divided into multiple environments by the presence of a filter cloth.

[0009] The suspension to be filtered is pumped at high pressure into the chamber. The solid parts are retained by the filter cloth in an environment, while the liquid parts pass through the filter cloth towards an outlet conduit.

[0010] The filtration 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 lengthy, particularly in large filter presses, for example used in the mining industry.

[0012] Due to the complex mechanisms for engaging the filter cloth, it is necessary for specialized operators to be positioned between two filter plates to remove the filter cloth to be replaced and then to install the new filter cloth. The installation of the new filter cloth must also be carried out as precisely as possible.

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

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a filter press in which the filter cloth can be replaced easily and quickly.

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

[0016] According to the present invention, these and other objectives are achieved by a filter press, comprising a support structure that defines a housing zone extending in a longitudinal direction, the support structure comprising at least one upper beam extending along the longitudinal direction and positioned above the housing zone; and an array of filter plates adapted to be housed in the housing zone and slidably connected to the upper beam along said longitudinal direction; wherein each of the filter plates comprises a wall that defines at least one filter face and an upper peripheral portion that delimits the filter face at the level of the upper part and is oriented towards the upper beam; at least one filter cloth adapted to cover the filter face;and means for attaching the filter cloth to the filter front in a removable manner; wherein the means for attaching the filter cloth include a rod fixed to an upper edge of the filter cloth, and at least one hook arranged at the upper peripheral part and adapted to receive and support the rod.

[0017] Other features of the invention are described in the following description.

[0018] This solution has several advantages compared to solutions of the prior art.

[0019] The characteristics of the filter press according to the invention make it possible to replace the filter cloth simply and quickly, reducing downtime and inactivity of the filter press, thereby increasing productivity.

[0020] In addition, the presence of the rod makes it easy to lift the filter cloth for inspection, thus reducing the risk to the operator.

[0021] In addition, filter cloth replacement operations are simplified, and the operator can therefore be positioned laterally relative to the filter press, 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, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig.1] schematically represents a cross-section of a filter press according to the present invention;

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 show a filter plate, respectively with the filter cloth removed and mounted;

[0025] [Fig.4] represents a side view of a detail of the engagement means.

[0026] With reference to the accompanying figures, the filter press according to the present invention is indicated by reference 1. The filter press 1 is configured to receive and filter a suspension which includes solid parts dispersed in a liquid.

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

[0028] The housing zone 3 extends in a longitudinal direction. In use, the longitudinal direction is substantially horizontal.

[0029] The housing area 3 houses a network of filter plates 7 supported by the support structure 2.

[0030] The support structure 2 defines a lateral access 4 to the housing area 3, positioned next to the filter plate network 7 in order to allow the lateral removal of a filter cloth.

[0031] The lateral access 4 is substantially a vacant space in which the support structure 2 is unobstructed so as to allow an operator to access the filter plates laterally.

[0032] Two lateral access points 4 may be present, arranged on both sides of the filter plate network 7.

[0033] The support structure 2 comprises a basic frame 5 adapted to be fixed or placed on a bearing surface, such as the ground. The basic frame 5 comprises two heads, arranged opposite each other along the longitudinal direction, adapted to contain the filter plate array.

[0034] Preferably, the basic frame 5 may include a platform arranged at the level of the side access 4 to support an operator.

[0035] The filter press 1 is of the high beam type. Therefore, the support structure 2 comprises at least one high beam 6 extending along the longitudinal direction. The high beam 6 is positioned above the housing area 3. The high beam 6 is supported by the base frame 5.

[0036] In this description, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used to indicate the normal operating conditions of the filter press 1, as shown in [Fig. 1].

[0037] The upper beam 6 has a lower part which is oriented towards the housing area 3. This lower part carries connection means at the level of the filter plates 7.

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

[0039] As mentioned above, the filter press 1 comprises an array of filter plates 7 adapted to be housed in the housing area 3. The filter plates 7 are arranged aligned along the longitudinal direction. In particular, the filter plates 7 are mounted vertically on the support structure 2, that is, orthogonally to the longitudinal direction.

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

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

[0042] In the closed configuration, two consecutive filter plates 7 form between them a chamber adapted to receive the suspension.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The wall 8 has at least one filter face 9. The filter face 9 is configured to obtain, in its closed configuration, with another filter face 9, a chamber suitable for receiving and containing the suspension. Such a chamber is obtained from a recess 10 formed on the filter face 9.

[0050] The filter plates 7 include a locking system which, in closed configuration, makes the chamber airtight.

[0051] The filter plate array 7 comprises two end filter plates 7 and a plurality of central filter plates 7, situated between the end plates. The end filter plates 7 each comprise only one filter face 9. The central filter plates 7 define a pair of filter faces 9. Such filter faces 9 are arranged opposite each other.

[0052] The wall 8 defines an upper peripheral part 11 which delimits the filtering facade at the upper part and is oriented towards the upper beam 6. In this case, the wall 8 has a peripheral part which delimits the recess 10. The peripheral part has two lateral peripheral parts 12, arranged opposite each other and vertically, a lower peripheral part 13 and the lower peripheral part 11, the latter two extending horizontally between the two lateral peripheral parts 12.

[0053] The upper peripheral part 11 is connected to the upper beam 6. One of the lateral peripheral parts 12 is oriented towards the lateral access 4.

[0054] The filter front 9 has grooves which allow the outlet flow of the filtered liquid towards the peripheral part, in particular the lower part 13.

[0055] The wall 8 includes an inlet hole 14a configured to be connected to the inlet conduit of the suspension so as to allow the latter to enter the chamber. The inlet hole 14a is located near the upper peripheral portion 11. Furthermore, the inlet hole 14a is in a substantially central position.

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

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

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

[0059] Preferably, the outlet hole 15a is arranged at the level of the lower peripheral part 13. However, it cannot be excluded that the outlet hole 15a may be obtained at the level of the lateral peripheral part.

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

[0061] Each filter plate 7 includes a support structure 16 connected to the upper peripheral part 11.

[0062] The support structure 16 includes at least one element 17 for a connection to the upper beam 6. The support structure 16 includes a cross member 18 which extends parallel to the upper peripheral part 11. The cross member 18 is connected to the wall 8 by means of lateral support rods fixed to both sides of the wall 8.

[0063] Each filter plate 7 comprises at least one filter cloth 19 which is adapted to cover the filter face 9, as in [Fig. 3]. The filter cloth 19 is configured to allow the passage of liquids, while preventing the passage of solids.

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

[0065] The central filter plates 7 comprise two filter cloths 19 adapted to cover a respective filter face 9. Consequently, in a chamber, two filter cloths 19 are present, dividing it into a central space and two lateral spaces. The two lateral spaces are in fluidic communication with the outlet hole 15a. The inlet conduit introduces the suspension into the central space; the liquid parts, passing through the filter cloths 19, reach the lateral spaces; the solid parts, on the contrary, are retained in the central space, forming a solid panel.

[0066] The filter fabric 19 is preferably made of a material chosen from polypropylene, polyester, PBT, polyamide, PTFE.

[0067] The filter cloth 19 has a similar shape to the filter face 9 to cover it. In the illustrated example, the filter cloth 19 is substantially rectangular.

[0068] The filter cloth 19 defines an upper edge 20, oriented in use towards the upper beam 6 and arranged adjacent to the upper peripheral part 11 of the wall 8. In addition, the filter cloth 19 includes two lateral edges and a lower edge.

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

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

[0071] The filter cloth 19 also includes at least one outlet hole 15b configured to be connected to the outlet duct. Such an outlet hole 15b is aligned in use with the outlet hole 15a of the wall 8.

[0072] In the example shown, the filter cloth 19 comprises four outlet holes 15b, which are preferably located at the four vertices. Each filter plate 7 comprises sealing coupling means 21 configured to be interposed between the filter plate 9 and the wall 8 to seal the passage provided by the inlet holes 14a, 14b. Such a solution ensures that the suspension transported by The inlet duct is directed towards the central space, avoiding entry into the side spaces.

[0073] The sealing coupling means 21 include a seal 22 arranged around one of the inlet holes 14a, 14b, preferably around that of the filter cloth 19, and configured to be coupled to the part arranged around the other inlet hole 14a, 14b, preferably that of the wall 8.

[0074] The seal 22 can be coupled by simply pressing on it, thus facilitating the removal of the filter cloth. Indeed, a secure seal is achieved by tightening the filter plates under pressure.

[0075] Fig. 4 shows in detail the coupling between the filter cloth 19 and the wall 8.

[0076] The filter plate 7 includes gripping means 23 configured for to attach the filter cloth 19 to the filter front 9 in a removable manner.

[0077] In the case of the central filter plates 7, a pair of interlocking means 23 are present, one for each filter cloth 19.

[0078] The engagement means 23 facilitate the removal of the filter cloth 19 so as to replace it laterally through the lateral access 4.

[0079] The means for gripping 23 include a rod 24 fixed to the upper edge 20 of the filter cloth 19. The rod 24 extends substantially parallel to the upper edge 20, preferably through the latter to ensure greater support.

[0080] As shown in [Fig.2], the rod 24 is arranged spaced from the upper edge 20 of the filter cloth 19.

[0081] The filter cloth 19 includes a receiving portion 25 arranged above the upper edge 20. The receiving portion 25 is configured to receive and house the rod 24. In fact, the receiving portion 25 defines a sleeve into which the rod 24 is inserted.

[0082] The receiving part includes at least one slot 26 which releases a part of the rod 24, the part designed to be engaged by a hook.

[0083] The slot 26 also defines an insertion space under the rod 24, into which the hook can be inserted.

[0084] In the preferred embodiment, the receiving portion 25 has a plurality of slots 26, preferably three. Such slots 26 are distributed along the receiving portion 25 so as to ensure uniform support.

[0085] The rod 24 has a thickness, understood as a diameter, of 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably 16 mm.

[0086] The rod 24 is made of a material selected from carbon, steel and stainless steel.

[0087] The gripping means 23 comprise at least one hook 27 arranged at the upper peripheral part 11 of the wall 8. In particular, the hook 27 is mounted on the support structure 16 of the filter plate 7, preferably on the cross member 18.

[0088] The hook 27 is adapted to receive and support the rod 24. Therefore, the hook 27 defines a seat 28 adapted to house the rod 24.

[0089] The seat 28 has a top opening to allow the rod 24 to enter from above. In particular, the hook 27 has a curved body that defines the seat 28; the curvature is oriented upwards.

[0090] The body of the hook 27 is configured so that it can be inserted into the slot 26 of the receiving part 25.

[0091] Preferably, the hook 27 is fixed to the support structure 16, in particular to the cross member 18, in a movable manner along a vertical direction. Between the support structure 16 and the hook 27 is a spring element that supports the hook 27. This allows the hook 27 to be moved, for example by means of an adjusting screw, so as to adjust the position of the filter cloth and / or to shake the filter cloth to facilitate the detachment of solid residues.

[0092] In the illustrated example, the engagement means 23 comprise a plurality of hooks 27 arranged along the upper peripheral part 11.

[0093] Preferably, the number of brackets 27 is the same as the number of slots 26, and consequently the example shows three.

[0094] The filter press 1 includes means for replacing the filter cloth not shown in the figures. The replacement means are configured to allow the rod 24 to be mounted / dismounted in / from the hook 27 and the hook 27 to be moved along a lateral direction. The lateral direction extends from the housing area to the side access 4, and is therefore transverse to the longitudinal and horizontal direction.

[0095] In this specific case, the replacement means are configured so as to allow the rod 24 to be grasped and to allow its vertical movement, so as to separate it from or insert it from / into the hook 27, and then along the lateral direction.

[0096] In one embodiment, the means for replacing the canvas are manual, meaning they can be used manually by an operator to facilitate access to the rod 24 and its raising / removal from the wall 8. In such an embodiment, the replacement means include an elongated bar. The elongated bar includes a handle for an operator. The handle is located at one end of the bar and allows the operator to grip it. The bar also includes a gripping element adapted to engage with the rod 24. The gripping element is located at the other end of the bar.

[0097] The operator can use the bar to engage the rod 24 and remove it, first by moving it vertically and then along the lateral direction.

[0098] In another embodiment, the replacement means are automatic. Therefore, the replacement means comprise a displacement system mounted on the support structure 2. The displacement system is configured to grasp the rod 24, for example by means of a specific gripping element, and move it along at least the lateral direction. Such a displacement system includes, for example, pulleys and / or sliding guides.

[0099] The displacement system also includes a lifting device which is configured to move the rod 24 in the vertical direction in order to separate it from the seat 28 or to place it on it.

[0100] The replacement means also include an actuator operationally connected to the movement system so as to activate its movement. The actuator may, for example, be of the electric and / or hydraulic and / or pneumatic type.

[0101] The operation of the invention seems clear to a person skilled in the art, given that it has been described and in particular it is as follows.

[0102] After carrying out various filtration cycles, it is planned to replace the filter cloths 19. To carry out such a replacement, the filter plates 7 are brought into the open configuration; then, using the replacement means, each filter cloth 19 is lifted to release the rod 24 from the hook 27, and then moved along the lateral direction towards the lateral access 4; this allows the operator to take the filter cloth 19 and replace it with a new filter cloth 19.

Claims

Demands

1. Filter press (1), comprising a support structure (2) which defines a housing zone (3) extending in a longitudinal direction, said support structure (2) comprising at least one upper beam (6) extending along said longitudinal direction and positioned above said housing zone (3); and an array of filter plates (7) adapted to be housed in said housing zone (3) and connected to said upper beam (6) in a sliding manner along said longitudinal direction; wherein each of said filter plates (7) comprises a wall (8) which has at least one filter face (9) and an upper peripheral portion (11) which delimits said filter face (9) at the level of the upper portion and which is oriented towards said upper beam (6); at least one filter cloth (19) adapted to cover said filter face (9);and engagement means (23) configured to removably engage said filter cloth (19) onto said filter front (9); wherein said engagement means (23) comprise a rod (24) fixed to an upper edge (20) of said filter cloth (19), and at least one hook (27) arranged at said upper peripheral part (11) and adapted to receive and support said rod (24).

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

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

4. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said hook (27) defines a seat (28) adapted to house said rod (24); said seat (28) having a top opening to permit entry from above of said rod (24).

5. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said engagement means (23) comprise a plurality of hooks (27) arranged along said upper peripheral part (11).

6. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said wall (8) of said filter plate (7) and said filter cloth (19) each comprise an inlet hole (14a, 14b) configured to be connected to an inlet conduit of a suspension, said inlet holes (14a, 14b) being in use aligned with each other to obtain a channel for the through passage of said solid-liquid suspension; each of said filter plates (7) comprises sealing coupling means (21) configured to be interposed between said filter cloth (19) and said wall (8) to seal said passage.

7. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of said filter plates (7) comprises a pair of filter faces (9), a pair of filter cloths (19) and a pair of engagement means (23).

8. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises means for replacing said filter cloth (19) configured to allow the mounting / removal of said rod (24) from said hook (27) and its movement along a lateral direction, transverse to said longitudinal direction.

9. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said replacement means comprise an elongated bar which includes a handle which can be grasped by an operator and a gripping element adapted to be engaged in said rod (24).

10. Filter press (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said replacement means comprise a displacement system mounted on said support structure (2) and configured to grasp said rod (24) and move it along said lateral direction, and an actuator operationally connected to said displacement system to activate it.

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