Filter press equipped with a multi-functional robot for membrane maintenance, tracking and wear control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a filtration chamber, the method comprising: a plurality of filtration chambers, each of which is defined by two opposing filtration diaphragms sandwiched between a pair of containment plates, a moving device adapted to move the pair of containment plates between a closed state and an open state; an inlet hydraulic circuit for a liquid to be filtered; an outlet hydraulic circuit for the filtered liquid; and a cleaning robot adapted to clean the filtration diaphragms defining each of the filtration chambers, the cleaning robot being provided with a trolley adapted to move along a longitudinal direction relative to the containment plates; The filter press 100 is described as comprising a bar 445 movable laterally relative to the bar 445 and a number of nozzles 450 mounted on the bar 445 for ejecting a jet of cleaning liquid toward the filtration diaphragms 140, 145, a detection device for detecting a number of identification codes fixed to at least one each of the filtration diaphragms 140, 145 and the identification codes fixed to a trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400, at least one image capture device 600 mounted on the bar 445 of the cleaning robot 400 for capturing images of the filtration diaphragms 140, 145, and an electronic processing device connected to the detection device and the image capture device 600.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to filter presses used for filtering liquid materials containing suspended solids (known as solid-liquid suspensions), typical sludge which may result from municipal and industrial wastewater purification processes or from many other production processes, such as, but not limited to, chemical / pharmaceutical or mining in general. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, a filter press generally consists of an array of containment plates arranged one after the other along a predetermined horizontal direction.

[0003] Between each pair of containment plates are two opposing filtration membranes, typically two sections of filter cloth, each adapted to cover one of the major faces of the adjacent containment plate.

[0004] Each pair of containment plates is movable between a closed position and an open position.

[0005] In the closed position, the containment plates are clamped together against the interposed filtration diaphragm, thus defining a filtration chamber.

[0006] In the open position, the containment plates are spaced apart to separate the corresponding filtration diaphragms and open the filtration chambers laterally.

[0007] The sludge to be filtered is fed through a suitable inlet hydraulic circuit into the filtering chamber when all containment plates are in the closed position.

[0008] In this way, the solids of the sludge remain within the filtering chamber and form a compact residue, while the liquids pass through the filtering diaphragm to the hydraulic outlet circuit, from where they can be discharged or collected.

[0009] At the end of this filtration cycle, the pair of containment plates are opened simultaneously, or one at a time, to allow the solids to fall out of the filtration chamber.

[0010] Some of the solid material may foul the filtration membranes that define the filtration chambers, so the filtration membranes may be subjected periodically to a cleaning step using high-pressure water jets.

[0011] This cleaning step can generally be carried out automatically with the aid of a robot comprising a trolley adapted to move along the arrangement direction of the containment plates and a bar designed to move laterally on the trolley and to be inserted and slid between each pair of open containment plates and thus between the corresponding filtration diaphragms.

[0012] This bar is fitted with discharge nozzles and connected to a suitable water supply circuit, allowing high pressure water jets to be sprayed onto both filtration membranes, washing away any solid residues.

[0013] Apart from such periodic cleaning work, the filtration membrane gradually wears out and must be replaced periodically.

[0014] Currently, this exchange can be accomplished through two different approaches.

[0015] The first approach is based on the logic of so-called "preventive maintenance," which involves preventatively replacing all filtration membranes after a certain number of filtrations have been performed.

[0016] However, for this approach to be effective, the number of filtration cycles leading to membrane replacement must be sufficiently low so that no membranes fail before replacement, which obviously means that some membranes will be replaced early, wasting resources and increasing costs.

[0017] Furthermore, this determination of the number of filtration cycles can only be made based on the average wear pattern of the filtration membrane and does not take into account random events that may cause unexpected damage.

[0018] In fact, filter membranes can be damaged and fail prematurely not only by wear and tear but also by other factors, such as the presence of large particles (several millimeters) that collide violently against the filter membrane due to the high flow rates / velocities at which the sludge is fed.

[0019] To overcome these drawbacks, a second approach has been proposed, which follows the logic of so-called "contingency or event-based maintenance".

[0020] This involves replacing one or more filtration membranes only if a fault in the filter press is detected.

[0021] In particular, a turbidimeter is typically used to measure the turbidity of the filtrate exiting the filter press through a hydraulic outlet circuit.

[0022] If the measured turbidity exceeds a predefined threshold, this means that part of the solid phase contained in the sludge has passed through the break formed in at least one filtration membrane.

[0023] When such an incident occurs, the operator must manually inspect all the filtration membranes installed in the filter press, identify those that are substantially damaged, and replace them.

[0024] However, this second method obviously requires more downtime and operator effort to inspect the filtration membrane.

[0025] This can be a time-consuming and difficult task to perform, as depending on the type of filter press, the space available between the two open containment plates may be quite narrow, making it very difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to accurately inspect the filtration membrane. Summary of the Invention

[0026] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least significantly mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to reach the aforementioned objectives within the context of a simple, rational and relatively inexpensive solution.

[0028] These and other objects are achieved by the features of the invention set out in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention, but are not strictly necessary for its implementation.

[0029] In particular, embodiments of the present invention make available a filter press comprising: - a plurality of filtration chambers aligned along a predetermined longitudinal direction, each filtration chamber being defined by two opposing filtration diaphragms sandwiched between a pair of containment plates; a moving device configured to move each pair of containment plates along the longitudinal direction between a closed state in which the containment plates are clamped together onto each of the filtration diaphragms to close the filtration chamber, and an open state in which the containment plates are spaced apart to separate each of the filtration diaphragms and laterally open the filtration chamber; an inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply a liquid to be filtered into each of the filtering chambers when all pairs of the containment plates are in a closed state; an outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge filtered liquid exiting each of the filtration chambers through each of the filtration diaphragms when all pairs of the containment plates are in a closed state; a cleaning robot adapted to clean the filtration diaphragms defining each of the filtration chambers when each pair of containment plates is in an open position; The cleaning robot - a trolley adapted to move along the longitudinal direction relative to the containment plate; a bar that is installed on the trolley and is relatively movable in a transverse direction to the longitudinal direction, and that slides between the filtration diaphragms sandwiched between the pair of containment plates in an open state; - a plurality of nozzles installed on the bar for discharging a cleaning liquid toward the filtration diaphragm; Furthermore, the filter press is configured as follows: - a plurality of (unique) identification codes, each fixed to at least one respective one of said filtration diaphragms; - a detection device for detecting the identification code installed on the trolley of the cleaning robot; - at least one image capture device mounted on the bar of the cleaning robot for capturing images of the filtration membrane; - an electronic processing device connected to said detection device and said image acquisition device.

[0030] Thanks to this solution, by utilizing the mechanical infrastructure already present in the filter press, namely the cleaning robot, it is advantageously possible to identify the filtration membranes installed in the filter press and, if necessary, to store their respective position, the number of filtration cycles carried out and many other characteristic data, the latter data being effectively represented and / or evaluated by images taken by an acquisition device that is able to effectively scan the filtration membranes by moving a bar.

[0031] In this way, the movement of the bar allows the acquisition device to take images of each zone of the filtration diaphragm, which advantageously does not require the operator to physically enter between the containment plates of the filter press, making it possible to check the usage status of the filtration diaphragm in a simpler and faster way, and generally more effectively, with respect to known techniques.

[0032] Precisely because of this simplicity and speed of scanning, the filtration diaphragm can also be checked more frequently, for example during or after each cleaning operation, and not just when a fault is detected.

[0033] In particular, it is possible to follow the progressive wear of each filtration membrane up to its failure.

[0034] This allows for the collection of vast amounts of data and information, which, when combined with information about the filtration process, such as the abrasiveness of the liquid (sludge) being filtered and the filtration pressure, allows for the construction of models (e.g., mathematical, statistical, or empirical) that effectively describe the wear trends of the filtration membrane in relation to time of use and number of filtration cycles.

[0035] From this model, evaluation logic can then be developed that can recognize the progressive deterioration of a filtration membrane based on images acquired for each filtration membrane and predictively diagnose the length of time or number of filtration cycles that the filtration membrane can still be used before it is damaged or becomes useless.

[0036] This model and / or this evaluation logic can be obtained, for example, by an artificial intelligence system that self-learns the wear evolution over time, i.e. through analysis and / or processing of images of each filtration membrane taken by an acquisition device, i.e. after a gradually increasing number of filtration cycles performed.

[0037] In this way, it is advantageously possible to implement a predictive logic that makes it possible to replace each filtration membrane only when it is actually necessary, before a failure occurs in the filter press, thus reducing machine downtime, maximizing the lifespan of the filtration membranes and minimizing maintenance costs.

[0038] In this regard, one aspect of the present invention contemplates that an electronic processing device may be configured as follows: - identifying at least one filtration diaphragm by detecting a corresponding identification code with a detection device; - acquiring at least one image of the filtration diaphragm with an image acquisition device; - determining a remaining life of the filtration diaphragm based on the at least one image.

[0039] This solution allows the electronic processing device to automatically provide the operator, for example via an appropriate interface system (typically a monitor), with an estimated remaining life of each filtration membrane, allowing the operator to appropriately schedule its replacement.

[0040] In particular, the electronic processing device may be configured to determine the remaining life of the filtration membrane by executing evaluation logic (such as that outlined above) that receives the at least one image as an input and provides a remaining life as an output.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, the electronic processing device may also be configured as follows: - sequentially acquiring a plurality of images of a plurality of said filtration membranes with an image acquisition device; - modifying said evaluation logic based on said images, for example by an artificial intelligence system;

[0042] In this way, the electronic processing device can implement self-learning functionality that allows it to provide safer and more reliable predictive assessments that also take into account the conditions of use of each filter press.

[0043] Another aspect of the invention (alternatively or in addition to the above) provides that the electronic processing device may be configured as follows: - identifying at least one filtration diaphragm by detecting a corresponding identification code using a detection device; - acquiring at least one image of the filtration diaphragm with an image acquisition device; - Based on the at least one image, determining whether or not there is damage to the filtration membrane; the damage can be determined to be present in an early stage (e.g., scratches or minor scratches) and / or in an advanced stage (e.g., larger scratches).

[0044] This solution allows the electronic processing device to automatically detect damage that has led to and / or may lead to the failure of the filtration membrane within a short time and, for example, to notify an operator of such an event so that the operator can intervene quickly.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, the filter press may further comprise a second plurality of (unique) identification codes, each of which is fixed to a respective containment plate and adapted to be detected by an identification code detection device, for example the same one that also detects the identification codes of the filtration diaphragms, or possibly by a separate dedicated detection device.

[0046] With this solution, it is advantageous to track each containment plate, for example to know / monitor its position within the filter press or to count its usage time (typically in terms of the number of filtration cycles performed), which in turn helps to enable containment plate maintenance and / or replacement to be scheduled.

[0047] More particularly, one aspect of the present invention contemplates that each identification code is embedded in an RFID tag and that the detection device includes at least one receiving antenna capable of picking up radio signals emitted by said RFID tag.

[0048] This embodiment provides a particularly simple and reliable solution for equipping each filtration diaphragm with an identification code that can be read by an automated system.

[0049] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments the identification code may be encoded in a graphical format, such as a barcode or a QR code, and the detection device may be an optical device capable of reading said graphical format.

[0050] Another aspect of the present invention is that the RFID tag can be of the writeable type.

[0051] In this way, the RFID tag can store some relevant information for each filtration membrane (e.g., manufacturer and model, location within the containment plate pack, number of filtration cycles performed), which can also be updated periodically depending on usage.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the detection device may also comprise a reader connected to a receiving antenna, for example via a PROFINET interface, and adapted to decode the radio signals emitted by the RFID tags.

[0053] This reader can also be mounted on the trolley of the cleaning robot, but is preferably placed at a different position relative to the receiving antenna, for example at a higher position, for better protection.

[0054] In another aspect of the invention, the image capture device may be a camera or video camera.

[0055] In this way, the image capture device can capture not only still images but also actual films of the filtration membrane.

[0056] In particular, the filter press may include at least two of said image acquisition devices mounted on the bar of the cleaning robot, with a first image acquisition device directed towards said filtration membrane and a second image acquisition device directed towards another filtration membrane.

[0057] This solution effectively makes it possible to capture images of both filtration membranes with just one stroke of the cleaning robot's bar.

[0058] Of course, if the size of the filtration diaphragms is particularly large and / or the distance between the containment plates in the open state is particularly small, the filter press can also consist of more image acquisition devices mounted on the bar of the cleaning robot, for example two or more image acquisition devices facing towards one filtration diaphragm and even more image acquisition devices facing towards the other filtration diaphragm.

[0059] Another embodiment of the present invention also provides a method of operating the above-described filter press, the method comprising the steps of: - stopping the trolley of the cleaning robot at the position of the pair of open containment plates; - detecting at least one identification code of the filtration diaphragm sandwiched between the pair of containment plates by the detection device; - moving a bar of the cleaning robot between the filtration diaphragms sandwiched between a pair of the containment plates; - acquiring at least one image of the at least one filtration membrane by an image acquisition device mounted on a bar of the cleaning robot.

[0060] This method essentially achieves the same advantages as those described above, in particular making it possible to easily and accurately assess the wear state and / or integrity of each filtration membrane.

[0061] As before, the method may further comprise the step of determining the presence or absence of damage and / or remaining life of said at least one filtration membrane based on the acquired images.

[0062] The determination of the remaining time may be performed according to evaluation logic that receives said at least one image as an input and provides the remaining time as an output.

[0063] The method may also include the additional steps of: - acquiring, at successive times, a plurality of images of a plurality of said filtration diaphragms using an acquisition device; - modifying said evaluation logic based on said image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent after reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] [Figure 1] 1 is an axonometric view of a filter press according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1A] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a pack of containment plates of the filter press of FIG. 1 taken in a vertical cross-sectional plane and including the longitudinal axis A. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded axial view of a filtration diaphragm associated with a containment plate of the filter press of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is an axial view of a pair of successive containment plates of the cleaning robot of the filter press of FIG. 1 in an open state. [Figure 4] 4 is a view of FIG. 3 with one of the containment plates hidden to better illustrate some of the details of the invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an axial view of a filter press according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded axial view of a containment plate and associated filtration diaphragm of the filter press of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is an axial view of a pair of successive containment plates of the cleaning robot of the filter press of FIG. 5 in an open state. [Figure 8] 8 is a view of FIG. 7 with one of the containment plates hidden to better illustrate some of the details of the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the cleaning robot in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the assembly of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an axial view of a filter press according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded axial view of a containment plate and associated filtration diaphragm of the filter press of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is an axial view of a pair of consecutive containment plates in an open position. [Figure 14] 14 is a view of FIG. 13 with one of the containment plates hidden to better illustrate some of the details of the invention. [Figure 15] 12 is an axial view of a pair of successive containment plates of the cleaning robot of the filter press of FIG. 11 in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The accompanying drawing shows a filter press 100 which is suitable for filtering liquid substances having suspended solids dispersed therein, commonly referred to as solid-liquid suspensions.

[0067] For example, the filter press 100 can be used to filter sludge from both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes, or from other technological processes, typically but not limited to chemical / pharmaceutical or mining.

[0068] Each filter press 100 is comprised of a plurality of containment plates 105 aligned with one another along a predetermined longitudinal direction A, preferably horizontally.

[0069] Each of these containment plates 105 is generally shaped like a thin body having two major surfaces that are large, opposite and substantially parallel to each other, and have a thickness that is (much) smaller than the size of the major surfaces.

[0070] The containment plates 105 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, and thus substantially parallel to their thickness, and are arranged successively along said longitudinal direction A so as to be adjacent to one another.

[0071] In particular, each containment plate 105 may have a substantially rectangular or square shape consisting of a lower flank, an upper flank, and two lateral flanks that define the perimeter of a major surface.

[0072] Regardless of their particular shape, the containment plates 105 of each filter press 100 may be identical to one another or may be arranged so that they are mirror images of each other.

[0073] The containment plate 105 is slidably coupled to the support structure 300 so as to be able to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0074] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the support structure 300 consists of two guide rails 305 (only one of which is visible in Figure 1) parallel to the longitudinal direction A and preferably lying in a horizontal plane.

[0075] Brackets 110 cantilever from the lateral flanks of each containment plate 105 and are slidably supported on respective guide rails 305 of support structure 300 .

[0076] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the support structure 300 comprises a longitudinal member 310 that extends parallel to the longitudinal direction A over the containment plate 105 .

[0077] Each containment plate 105 may have a hook (not shown) fixed to its upper flank, which is slidably suspended from an equal number of guide bars (also not shown) fixed to the support structure 300 and extending parallel to the longitudinal members 310.

[0078] In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the support structure 300 has a pair of longitudinal members 315 parallel to the sliding direction A, with the containment plate 105 interposed therebetween.

[0079] A support bar 115 is fixed to the upper flank of each containment plate 105 and is slidably supported at its ends on guide rails 320 attached to the respective longitudinal members 315 (see also Figure 15).

[0080] The containment plates 105 in any embodiment are mounted to respective support structures 300 and are preferably interposed in the longitudinal direction A between the fixed head 325 and the movable head 330 .

[0081] Each containment plate 105 therefore comprises a front major surface 120 facing the fixed head 325 and a rear major surface 125 facing the movable head 330 .

[0082] Both the front surface 120 and the rear surface 125 may be configured with a recess 130 and side frames 135 that define the recess 130 around its perimeter.

[0083] The movable head 330 is movable relative to the fixed head 325 while sliding in the longitudinal direction A.

[0084] This movement of the movable head 330 can be achieved by a suitable movement system, for example consisting of one or more hydraulic jacks 335 .

[0085] By moving towards the fixed head 325, the movable head 330 can pack all of the containment plates 105 of the filter press 100 together and close the fixed head 325 against itself.

[0086] Conversely, by moving away from the fixed head 325, the movable head 330 can leave sufficient space for each successive set of containment plates 105 to move from a closed state (clamped as a pack) to an open state in which the containment plates 105 of that set are spaced apart from each other.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the transition from the closed state to the open state can be achieved by multiple chains (not shown), one of which connects the movable head 330 to the first containment plate 105 closest to it, and each of the other chains connects each pair of consecutive containment plates 105 to each other.

[0088] In this way, when moving away from the fixed head 325, the movable head 330 will initially move away from the first containment plate 105 until it extends the first chain, and then the first containment plate 105 will be forced to follow the movement of the movable head 330 and move away from the second containment plate until it extends the next chain, and so on until all sets of containment plates 105 reach the open state.

[0089] In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 5, movement from the closed state to the open state can be achieved by a separating device (not shown) that slides in the longitudinal direction A and can engage one containment plate 105 at a time, starting with the one closest to the movable head 330 and moving a predetermined amount away from the next containment plate 105.

[0090] Notwithstanding all these considerations, two filtration diaphragms are associated with each containment plate 105, a first filtration diaphragm 140 adapted to align with its front surface 120 and a second filtration diaphragm 145 adapted to align with its rear surface 125.

[0091] In particular, each of these filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 can be adapted to be adhered to the peripheral frame 135 on its respective main surface and to completely cover its recess 130, for example by assuming its shape and adhering to its bottom.

[0092] In the illustrated example, each of the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 is made up of a portion of filtration cloth.

[0093] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, each of the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 may consist of a grid, mesh or perforated sheet made, for example, of a metallic material.

[0094] The first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 may be secured to their respective containment plates 105 in many different ways without thereby departing from the scope of this discussion.

[0095] For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 6, the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 are partially wrapped and secured to the lateral flanks of the containment plate 105 .

[0096] In the embodiment of Figure 12, the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 are substantially suspended from a coupling bar 150, which is fixed to the upper lateral flank of the containment plate 105 and lies substantially coplanar with the latter, for example overlapping the support bar 115.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, first and second separate filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 are associated with each containment plate 105 .

[0098] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 may be joined together to form a single body.

[0099] In any event, the net result of this structure is that there are always two opposing filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 interposed between each successive pair of containment plates 105, the first of which is associated with the containment plate 105 closest to the movable head 330 and the second of which is associated with the containment plate 105 closest to the fixed head 325.

[0100] When these containment plates 105 are in a closed state, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 interposed therebetween may be at least slightly spaced apart in the recess 130 while being substantially in contact with each other in the peripheral frame 135.

[0101] Thus, as shown in the simplified diagram of Figure 16, a narrow, substantially closed filtration chamber 155 remains defined between these first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145, suitable for receiving the liquid to be filtered.

[0102] The liquid to be filtered can be fed into the filtration chamber 155 through one or more inlet ducts, each of which is made up of a series of through holes provided directly in the containment plate 105 .

[0103] For example, in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 and Figures 5 and 6, the filter press 100 is configured with a single inlet line created by a series of through holes 160 individually drilled into each of the containment plates 105.

[0104] In practice, each containment plate 105 comprises a through-hole 160 having an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A and substantially coaxial with corresponding through-holes 160 in all other containment plates 105 of the filter press 100 .

[0105] This through hole 160 can be provided in the center of the containment plate 105, for example, in the bottom surface of the recess 130.

[0106] Coaxially with this through-hole 160, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with the same containment plate 105 also have respective through-holes 165.

[0107] Each containment plate 105 further comprises two distribution rings arranged coaxially with the through-hole 160, of which a first distribution ring 170 is fixed to the front face 120 of the containment plate 105, e.g., to the bottom surface of its recess 130, and a second distribution ring 175 is fixed to the rear face 125 of the same containment plate 105, e.g., to the bottom surface of its recess 130.

[0108] In this case, the through holes 165 of the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 preferably have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distribution rings 170 and 175, so that the first distribution ring 170 is also adapted to clamp the first filtration diaphragm 140 against the front surface 120 of the containment plate 105, and the second distribution ring 175 is also adapted to clamp the second filtration diaphragm 145 against the back surface 125 of the containment plate 105.

[0109] When all pairs of containment plates 105 are in a closed state, i.e., when all containment plates 105 are packed together, the first distribution ring 170 of each containment plate 105 can be in face-to-face contact with the second distribution ring 175 of the adjacent containment plate 105 to form a section of the tube passing through the filtration chamber 155 therewith.

[0110] In the mutual contact zone, these first and second distribution rings 170 and 175 may, however, be shaped to define lateral openings that put the sections of pipe in fluid communication with the filtering chamber 155 .

[0111] Through holes 160 in the containment plates 105 place this section of pipe in fluid communication with similar sections of pipe provided between all other pairs of containment plates 105, thus collectively forming the aforementioned inlet duct.

[0112] In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the filter press 100 has two inlet ducts, each created by a series of through holes 180 provided individually in a respective containment plate 105.

[0113] In other words, each containment plate 105 comprises two through holes 180 , each of which has an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction A and is coaxial with the corresponding through holes 180 of all other containment plates 105 .

[0114] The through holes 180 may be formed in the peripheral frame 135 of the containment plate 105 outside of the recess 130, for example near the upper lateral flanks of the containment plate 105 itself.

[0115] Coaxial with each of these through-holes 180 , the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with the containment plate 105 have respective through-holes 185 .

[0116] For each through hole 180, the containment plate 105 further comprises two distribution rings arranged coaxially with the respective through hole 180, a first distribution ring 190 being fixed to the front face 120 of the containment plate 105, for example by being recessed in a suitable seat provided in its peripheral frame 135, and a second distribution ring 195 being fixed to the rear face 125 of the same containment plate 105, for example by being recessed in a suitable seat provided in its peripheral frame 135.

[0117] Also in this case, the through holes 185 of the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 preferably have a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distribution rings 190 and 195, so that the first distribution ring 190 is also adapted to clamp the first filtration diaphragm 140 against the front surface 120 of the containment plate 105, and the second distribution ring 195 is also adapted to clamp the second filtration diaphragm 145 against the back surface 125 of the containment plate 105.

[0118] When all pairs of containment plates 105 are in a closed state, i.e., when all containment plates 105 are packed together, the first distribution ring 190 of each containment plate 105 can be in face-to-face contact with the respective second distribution ring 195 of the immediately adjacent containment plate 105, thereby creating a section of pipe.

[0119] At the mutual contact zone, each first distribution ring 190 and second distribution ring 195 may be shaped to define a lateral opening thereby placing the degassed pipe section in fluid communication with the filtration chamber 155.

[0120] Each section of pipe defined by the first distribution ring 190 and the second distribution ring 195 is then in fluid communication with all similar sections of pipe defined by other pairs of containment plates 105, collectively forming the aforementioned inlet duct.

[0121] Regardless of the embodiment adopted, each inlet duct is connected to an inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply the fluid to be filtered.

[0122] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , this inlet hydraulic circuit may consist of a first supply duct 340 that engages with the through-hole 160 in the first containment plate 105 adjacent the fixed head 325, a second supply duct 345 that engages (on the other hand) with the through-hole 160 in the last containment plate 105 adjacent the movable head 330, and a pump (not shown) that delivers the liquid to be filtered to the first supply duct 340 and possibly the second supply duct 345.

[0123] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the inlet hydraulic circuit may consist of a single supply duct 350 that engages with the through hole 160 in the first containment plate 105 proximal to the fixed head 325, and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into the supply duct 350.

[0124] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the inlet hydraulic circuit may consist of a supply duct 355 that branches and engages with the first distribution ring 190 of the containment plate 105 proximal to the fixed head 325, and a pump (not shown) that pumps the liquid to be filtered into this supply duct 355.

[0125] In either case, the liquid to be filtered that reaches the filtration chamber 155 tends to pass through the first and second filtration membranes 140 and 145 that define each of them, while the solid portion remains inside, forming a relatively compact deposit.

[0126] After passing through the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145, the filtered liquid flows into one or more collection ducts, each of which may be made up of a series of through holes 200 provided directly in the containment plate 105, similar to the inlet ducts described above.

[0127] In practice, each containment plate 105 has one or more through holes 200 , each of which has an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction A and is coaxial with the corresponding through holes 200 in all other containment plates 105 .

[0128] Each of these through holes 200 may be formed in the perimeter frame 135 of the respective containment plate 105 outside the recess 130 .

[0129] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 6, each containment plate 105 is provided with, for example, four through holes 200 located on the edge of the containment plate 105 itself.

[0130] Coaxial with each through-hole 200 , first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with containment plate 105 also include respective through-holes 205 .

[0131] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, each containment plate 105 includes six through holes 200, of which a first pair of through holes 200 is located on the upper flank of the containment plate 105, a second pair of through holes 200 is provided in an attachment of the containment plate 105 protruding from the right flank, and a third pair of through holes 200 is provided in an attachment protruding from the left flank.

[0132] The first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 each have a through hole 205 at a position coaxial with each of the first pair of through holes 200, while the second and third pairs of through holes 200 remain completely uncovered.

[0133] Regardless of the particular embodiment, when all pairs of containment plates 105 are in a closed state, i.e., when all containment plates 105 are packed together, each through-hole 200 in a containment plate 105 is in fluid-tight communication with a series of matching through-holes 200 in all other containment plates 105, forming one entire collection duct as described above.

[0134] Each through hole 200 also communicates, for example via an appropriate system of channels provided in the body of the containment plate 105, with a narrow cavity that remains defined between the front face 120 of the containment plate 105 and the first filtration diaphragm 140, for example between the first filtration diaphragm 140 and the bottom surface of the recess 130 formed in said front face 120, and / or between the rear face 125 of the containment plate 105 and the second filtration diaphragm 145, for example between the second filtration diaphragm 145 and the bottom surface of the recess 130 made in said rear face 125.

[0135] In this way, the filtrate that has passed through the filtration membranes 140 and 145 first flows into the cavity, then, via the internal channels, reaches the through-holes 200 and then the collection duct.

[0136] These collection ducts are in turn connected, preferably at fixed head 325, to a hydraulic outlet circuit adapted to discharge the filtered liquid and convey it, for example, to a storage tank, a disposal system or other use.

[0137] The hydraulic outlet circuit may, for example, consist of a plurality of conveying ducts 360 which individually engage with respective through holes 200 in the first containment plate 105 near the fixed head 325 and then converge into a single discharge pipe.

[0138] It is specified herein that the supply of the liquid to be filtered in the filtration chamber 155 and the resulting extraction of the filtered liquid are not carried out continuously, but are interrupted after a certain period of time when the filtration chamber 155 is substantially filled with solid residues forming the aforementioned compact deposits.

[0139] At this point, each successive pair of containment plates 105 is opened as outlined above.

[0140] In this way, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 interposed between the pair of containment plates 105 separate in the longitudinal direction A, opening the filtration chamber 155 laterally and thus allowing the compressed sediment to fall downwardly outside the filter press 100.

[0141] This compacted pile can then be collected in a special compartment, for example provided under the containment plate 105, for disposal or further processing.

[0142] However, over time, some of the solid material that separates from the filtered liquid may remain attached to the filtration membranes 140 and 145, fouling them and reducing their efficiency.

[0143] For this reason, the filter press 100 is generally equipped with a cleaning robot, generally designated 400, which is responsible for cleaning the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 located between each successive pair of containment plates 105, for example after each filtration cycle or after a certain number of filtration cycles.

[0144] The cleaning robot 400 may include a trolley 405 that is movable along a longitudinal direction A relative to the containment plate 105 .

[0145] In particular, the trolley 405 may be slidably coupled to the support structure 300 and configured to move with the containment plate 105 without interfering with the containment plate 105 (which remains stationary).

[0146] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the trolley 405 may have a gantry structure lying in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction A and defining a passageway facing and aligned with the continuous containment plate 105.

[0147] In particular, the trolley 405 may include two vertical uprights 410 positioned on opposite sides of the containment plate 105, and an upper crossbar 415 that overlaps the containment plate 105 by connecting the two vertical uprights 410.

[0148] The base of each vertical upright 410 may be slidably coupled to a respective guide rail 365 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0149] The sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure can be entrusted to any known drive, for example electromechanical or electrohydraulic.

[0150] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 has the same gantry structure as outlined above, although with a different shape and design.

[0151] In this case, however, the trolley 405 is slidably coupled to the support structure 300 by an upper cross member 415, which is supported and slides along longitudinal members 310 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction A above the containment plate 105.

[0152] The sliding of the trolley 405 can be performed by an electromechanical system having a linear rack 370 fixed to the longitudinal member 310 and at least one pinion (not visible) on the upper crossbar 415, which is driven by an electric motor and engages with and rotates the linear rack 370.

[0153] However, the sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure 300 can be entrusted to other known driving devices, for example electromechanical or electrohydraulic.

[0154] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 no longer forms the gantry structure outlined above, but can simply consist of an upper crossbar 435 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction A and overriding the containment plate 105 (see FIG. 15).

[0155] Both ends of this upper crossbar 435 may be slidably coupled to two guide rails 365 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction A and individually fixed to each longitudinal member 315 .

[0156] The sliding of the trolley 405 on the support structure 300 can be entrusted to any known drive device, for example electromechanical or electrohydraulic.

[0157] Any type of cleaning robot 400 may be mounted on a trolley 405 and may be movable relative to the trolley 405 in a transverse direction (e.g., perpendicular direction) to the longitudinal direction A, and may further include a bar 445 so as to be able to move within the space defined between any pair of consecutive containment plates 105 when those containment plates 105 are in an open state.

[0158] In particular, the bar 445 may be linear, preferably horizontal, oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A, and may be arranged to be vertically translatable relative to the trolley 405 on which it is mounted between upper and lower end positions.

[0159] In the upper end position, the bars 445 may be positioned higher than the containment plates 105, while in the lower end position, they may be positioned substantially at the same height as or below their lower flanks.

[0160] A plurality of nozzles 450 may be associated with the bar 445, each of which is capable of delivering a jet of cleaning liquid, typically water, toward the first and / or second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 respectively covering the front surface 120 of one containment plate 105 of the pair and the rear surface 125 of the other containment plate 105.

[0161] For example, the bar 445 may have a first array of nozzles 450 directed towards the fixed head 325, e.g., arranged in a row along its longitudinal extension, and / or a second array of nozzles 450 directed towards the movable head 330, e.g., arranged in a row along its longitudinal extension.

[0162] To eject a jet of cleaning liquid, the nozzle 450 may be connected to a suitable hydraulic cleaning liquid supply system, which may generally consist of a pump, preferably a high-pressure pump, adapted to take in cleaning liquid from a tank or supply network and deliver it under pressure to the nozzle 450 through which it flows.

[0163] In particular, the hydraulic supply system may consist of at least one manifold 455 attached to and / or forming an integral part of the bar 445 .

[0164] The manifold 455 is shaped as a hollow body, for example a tube, which preferably has a straight extension and is oriented parallel to the bar 445 .

[0165] The nozzles 450 may be inserted directly into respective through-holes in the sidewall of the aforementioned manifold 455 or may be directly defined by the manifold 455 .

[0166] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the bar 445 consists of two parallel manifolds 455 preferably lying in the same horizontal plane, one of which carries the nozzles 450 facing the fixed head 325 and the other of which carries the nozzles 450 facing the movable head 330.

[0167] The bar 445 is shaped like a kind of frame that supports both manifolds 455 .

[0168] Movement of a bar 445 mounted on the trolley 405 is driven by an articulated arm kinematic mechanism 460 (eg, a pantograph) that connects the bar 445 to the crossbar 415 of the trolley 405 and is operable by an electric motor 465 .

[0169] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the bar 445 consists of, and is substantially defined by, a single manifold 455, with both the nozzles 450 facing the fixed head 325 and the nozzles 450 facing the movable head 330 associated therewith.

[0170] The movement of the bar 445 mounted on the trolley 405 can be operated by any drive system, for example electromechanical or electrohydraulic.

[0171] Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the bar 445 consists of, and is substantially defined by, a single manifold 455, with both the nozzles 450 facing the fixed head 325 and the nozzles 450 facing the movable head 330 associated therewith.

[0172] In this case, the movement of the bar 445 mounted on the trolley 405 is driven by a pair of vertically oriented chains (or belts) 470, each having a lower end attached to a respective end of the bar 445 and an upper end attached to a recovery reel 475 (see Figure 15) pivotally mounted to the trolley 405, and in particular to the crossbar 415 covering the containment plate 105.

[0173] The recovery reels 475 have horizontal axes of rotation and are driven simultaneously and in the same direction, for example by a single electric motor 480, so that the unwinding and winding of the respective belts 470 causes the lowering and raising of the bar 445, respectively.

[0174] The cleaning robot 400 operates by sliding the trolley 405 along the longitudinal direction A on the support structure 300 and stopping sequentially at every pair of successive containment plates 105 that are in the open position.

[0175] During sliding of the trolley 405 , the bar 445 is maintained in an upper position so as not to interfere with the containment plate 105 .

[0176] When the trolley 405 comes to a stop, the bar 445 is aligned vertically with the space defined between successive pairs of containment plates 105 and is in an open position.

[0177] As a result, the bar 445 can be manipulated to move vertically relative to the trolley 405 (which remains stationary) from an upper end position to a lower end position and back again.

[0178] During one or both of these strokes, the cleaning fluid supply hydraulic system can be operated so that nozzles 450 mounted on the bar 445 send jets of cleaning fluid (preferably at high pressure) onto the filtering diaphragms 140 and 145 lining the containment plate 105 to clean them and remove any solid deposits that may remain attached.

[0179] However, after repeated filtration cycles, the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with the containment plate 105 may in any event be subject to progressive wear and / or be damaged by accidental events, and therefore require replacement.

[0180] In order to monitor the integrity and wear state of the filtration membranes 140 and 145, it is assumed that the filter press 100 is equipped with an electronic processing device (not shown) that manages the system for recognizing the filtration membranes 140 and 145 and the system for sorting them.

[0181] The recognition system requires that each filtration membrane 140, 145 installed in the filter press 100 be provided with a unique identification code.

[0182] In particular, this unique identification code can be embedded in an RFID 500 tag.

[0183] Each RFID tag generally includes an antenna capable of emitting a radio signal encoded with its unique identification code.

[0184] Each RFID tag 500 may also preferably be provided with a (small) local memory unit of the readable and rewritable / reprogrammable type in which further information about the corresponding filtration membrane 140 or 145 may be stored.

[0185] This information may include, for example, the make and model of the filter cloth, its position in the array of containment plates 105 (i.e., its "distance" from the fixed head 325 and / or the movable head 330), and the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0186] This information may also be encoded in the radio signal emitted by the antenna of each RFID tag 500 .

[0187] The recognition system may therefore consist of a detection device adapted to read / detect the unique identification code attached to each filtration diaphragm 140 and 145 .

[0188] The detection device can be connected to the electronic processing device via any known connection system, either wired or wireless.

[0189] Preferably, the detection device is mounted on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 and is adapted to read the identification codes of the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 when they are subjected to the cleaning operation as described above.

[0190] The detection device may, for example, comprise an antenna 505 adapted to pick up the radio signal emitted by each RFID tag 500 and encoded with a unique identification code and possibly information stored in its local memory unit.

[0191] Possibly, the antenna 505 can also be adapted to transmit a radio signal to each RFID tag 500 that enables the RFID tag 500 to write / rewrite its local memory unit, for example, to periodically update the number of filtration cycles performed by the respective filtration membrane 140 or 145.

[0192] In any event, the antenna 505 is preferably configured to receive and / or exchange radio signals with each RFID tag 500 only when it is located at a relatively small distance from the RFID tag 500, e.g., a distance less than the distance separating a pair of consecutive containment plates 105 in the open state.

[0193] This effect can be achieved, for example, by appropriately reducing the power of the antenna 505.

[0194] 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, and the identification system can therefore "separate" the picked-up signals and thus assign their correct positions to the corresponding filtration diaphragms 140 or 145.

[0195] To make the identification system compatible with both European and American standards, RFID tag 500 can be configured to emit, and possibly receive, radio signals at frequencies between 860 MHz and 960 MHz.

[0196] Correspondingly, the antenna 505 of the detection device may be configured to operate at a frequency comprised between 865 MHz and 868 MHz in the European region, or at a frequency comprised between 902 MHz and 928 MHz in the American region.

[0197] The detection device may further comprise a reader (not shown) connected to the antenna 505 and adapted to decode the radio signal from the RFID tag 500 and obtain its unique identification code and any additional information.

[0198] This reader may also be able to prepare and write information to be transmitted into the local memory unit of the RFID 500 tag.

[0199] The reader can be connected to an antenna 505 via any cabling system, which in turn will be connected to a processing device either wired or wirelessly.

[0200] Alternatively, an integrated system in which the antenna 505 and the reader are integrated may be employed.

[0201] Preferably, both the antenna 505 and the reader are mounted on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 .

[0202] However, this does not exclude that in other embodiments only the antenna 505 is installed on the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 and the reader can be installed at any other fixed position on the support structure 300 of the filter press 100.

[0203] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with each containment plate 105 may be provided with respective RFID tags 500 on the lateral flanks of the containment plate 105 itself, preferably closer to the upper flank than the lower flank, for example above the bracket 110.

[0204] The antenna 505 of the detection device can be fixed to the upright 410 of the trolley 405 adjacent to said lateral flank of the containment plate 105, carried for example by a connecting bracket, so as to pass close to (without touching) the RFID tag 500 at substantially the same height level.

[0205] The reader may be located on the trolley 405 at a higher position than the antenna 505, for example on the crossbar 415, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0206] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with each containment plate 105 may be provided with respective RFID tags 500 on the lateral flanks of the containment plate 105 itself, preferably closer to the lateral flanks than to the upper flanks, for example at the edges separating the lateral flanks from the lower flanks.

[0207] The antenna 505 of the detection device can be fixed at the bottom of the trolley 405, close to the upright 410 of the trolley 405 facing said lateral flank of the containment plate 105, for example on the top of a bracket provided from a bar 490 adapted to connect the two uprights 410 when standing under the containment plate 105.

[0208] In particular, the support bracket places the antenna 505 at substantially the same height level as the RFID tag 500, allowing the antenna 505 to pass close to the RFID tag 500 without touching it.

[0209] Again, the reader may be located on the trolley 405 at a higher position than the antenna 505, for example on the crossbar 415, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0210] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 associated with each containment plate 105 may be provided with a respective RFID tag 500 on its upper edge that protrudes beyond the upper flank of the containment plate 105 itself, for example at a central position along the upper edge.

[0211] The antenna 505 of the detection device may be fixed to the crossbar 435 of the trolley 405 in a position where the antenna 505 and the RFID tags 500 associated with the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 are substantially aligned in the same vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction A.

[0212] For example, the antenna 505 may be secured to the crossbar 435 of the trolley 405 and carried at the lower end of a downwardly extending support bracket, allowing the antenna 505 to pass near the RFID tag 500 without touching it.

[0213] Again, the reader may be located on the trolley 405 at a higher position than the antenna 505, for example on the crossbar 435.

[0214] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the filter press 100 may also include a detection system for the containment plate 105.

[0215] This system is similar to the previous system and provides that each containment plate 105 has its own unique identification code, which may be incorporated into an RFID tag (not shown), for example, which may have the same characteristics as outlined in connection with the RFID tag 500 associated with the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145.

[0216] The RFID tag can store information such as the make and model of the containment plate 105, the position of the containment plate 105 in the array (i.e., its "distance" from the fixed head 325 and / or the movable head 330), and the number of filtration cycles performed.

[0217] The unique identification code attached to the containment plate 105 may be detected by a corresponding detection device, which is preferably mounted on the trolley 405 and may have the same characteristics as illustrated for the device for detecting the identification codes of the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145.

[0218] In particular, the unique identification code fixed to the containment plate 105 can be detected using dedicated detection equipment, or possibly using the same detection equipment as that used for the codes associated with the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145. Turning now to the screening system, it consists of at least one image capture device 600, which is mounted on the bar 445 of the cleaning robot 400, for example at a higher position than the nozzles 450 that eject the jets of cleaning liquid.

[0219] The acquisition device 600 can be connected to a central processing unit via either a wired or wireless connection system.

[0220] Acquisition device 600 may be, for example, a camera, a video camera, or any other device adapted to acquire still and / or video images of filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 .

[0221] In this way, by moving the bar 445 in an open state between a pair of consecutive containment plates 105, the acquisition device 600 can acquire one or more images of the first and / or second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 interposed between the containment plates 105.

[0222] These images can possibly be processed and combined by an electronic processing device to obtain a complete image of each filtration membrane 140 and 145, in effect a true scan thereof.

[0223] To perform this scan for both filtration diaphragms 140 and 145, acquisition device 600 may be movably mounted on bar 445 so that it can change its direction towards fixed head 325 and alternatively towards movable head 330.

[0224] More preferably, however, the screening system comprises at least two acquisition devices 600 , a first acquisition device 600 facing the fixed head 325 and a second acquisition device 600 facing the movable head 330 .

[0225] In this way, it is advantageously possible to simultaneously scan both filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 with one movement of bar 445 .

[0226] This solution is adopted, for example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS.

[0227] However, using only one acquisition device 600, or only one acquisition device 600 per side, may require that the field of view be wide enough to frame the complete strip of filtration diaphragms 140 and 145, i.e., the strip extending continuously from one lateral flank to the opposite flank of containment plate 105.

[0228] For this to be possible, the distance between the acquisition device 600 and the filtration diaphragm 140 or 145 being scanned must be large enough.

[0229] However, the space available between each pair of successive containment plates 105 in the open state may sometimes be very narrow, so that the field of view of an acquisition device 600 placed on the bar 445 passing through them may not be large enough to guarantee the expected conditions.

[0230] To overcome this drawback, the screening system may therefore consist of a group of acquisition devices 600 arranged in a row and spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extension of the bar 445 of the cleaning robot 400, all of which may be directed towards the fixed head 325 or towards the movable head 330.

[0231] More preferably, the screening system may include two of said groups of acquisition devices 600, with the acquisition devices 600 of one of said groups all facing towards the fixed head 325 and the acquisition devices 600 of the other group all facing towards the movable head 330.

[0232] In this way, the images taken by the acquisition devices 600 of each group can be combined to obtain an image of the complete strip of filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 .

[0233] This solution is adopted, for example, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 and in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, in which two acquisition devices 600 facing the fixed head 325 and two further acquisition devices 600 facing the movable head 330 are installed on the bar 445 of the cleaning robot 400.

[0234] Another possibility to increase the field of view of each acquisition device 600 is to position the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 so that the bar 445 is not perfectly equidistant from the two containment plates 105 .

[0235] For example, when scanning the first filtration diaphragm 140 , the trolley 405 can be positioned in such a way that the bar 445 , and thus the acquisition device 600 , is close to the second filtration diaphragm 145 .

[0236] Conversely, when scanning the second filtration diaphragm 145 , the trolley 405 can be positioned so that the bar 445 , and thus the acquisition device 600 , is closer to the first filtration diaphragm 140 .

[0237] Another possibility for increasing the field of view of each acquisition device 600 would be to provide a translation movement mounted on the bar 445 in the horizontal direction and orthogonal to the longitudinal direction A.

[0238] To improve image acquisition, the screening system of any embodiment may further include one or more lamps adapted to illuminate the filtration membranes 140 and 145, which may be mounted on the trolley 405 and / or bar 445 of the cleaning robot 400.

[0239] For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes lamps 605 mounted in parallel on each upright 410 of the trolley 405, and optionally further lamps (not shown) mounted in parallel on the bar 445, for example below the manifold 455 carrying the nozzles 450.

[0240] From the above, it is defined that the operation of the recognition and screening system is such that the trolley 405 slides on the support structure 300 along the longitudinal direction A and stops sequentially at all successive pairs of containment plates A that are in the open state.

[0241] During the sliding of the trolley 405, the bar 445 is kept in the uppermost position so as not to interfere with the containment plate 105.

[0242] When the trolley 405 stops or passes, the antenna 505 of the recognition device picks up radio waves emitted by the RFID tag 500 associated with the first and second filtration diaphragms 140, 145 interposed between the pair of containment plates 105 and obtains their unique identification codes.

[0243] If necessary, the antenna 505 of the recognition device can also detect radio signals emitted by RFID tags attached to the containment plates 105 between which the filtration membranes 140 and 145 are interposed, and in this case, their unique identification codes can also be obtained.

[0244] These unique identification codes can be transmitted to an electronic processing device, which can identify the two filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 and, optionally, the containment plate 105 .

[0245] In this way, the electronic processing device can first track each filtration diaphragm 140 and 145 and / or each containment plate 105, for example, to know / monitor its position within the filter press 100 and / or to know / monitor the number of filtration cycles that have been performed.

[0246] Simultaneously or subsequently, the bar 445 can be operated to move vertically relative to the trolley 405 (which remains stationary) from an upper end position to a lower end position, and to repeat this movement one or more times as required.

[0247] During at least one of these strokes, the acquisition device(s) 600 may scan the first and second filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 and acquire images thereof.

[0248] These images can be transmitted to an electronic processing device, which can associate them with each unique identification code or each filtration membrane 140 or 145 .

[0249] As can be easily understood, these operations can preferably be carried out simultaneously with the washing operation.

[0250] For example, after stopping the trolley 405 of the cleaning robot 400 at a pair of consecutive containment plates 105 and opening it, the bar 445 may perform one or more strokes in which the nozzle 450 operates, followed by one or more strokes in which the acquisition device 600 operates.

[0251] However, it is not excluded that in other embodiments, screening and washing may be carried out independently of each other.

[0252] In any event, the screening operation is preferably carried out for all successive pairs of containment plates 105 of the filter press, one after the other.

[0253] The images of each filtration membrane 140 and 145 can be used by an electronic processing device to determine whether the filtration membrane is damaged, for example, whether it has damage in an early stage (scratches or minor scratches) and / or in an advanced stage (large scratches), and / or to perform a predictive assessment of its remaining life.

[0254] For example, the electronic processing device can be configured to determine the state of wear of the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 based on the images of each of the filtration diaphragms and / or to predict how many filtration cycles the filtration diaphragms can still perform before becoming damaged or otherwise inefficient.

[0255] In fact, the electronic processing device is able to detect any defects in the filtration diaphragms 140 and 145 in advance, even before the defects develop into permanent damage to the underlying containment plate 105 .

[0256] The determination of the remaining time can be performed by an electronic processing device by executing a suitable evaluation logic, for example based on a suitably trained artificial intelligence algorithm, which receives as input an image of the filtration membrane 140 or 145 and automatically provides as output its remaining time.

[0257] This evaluation logic may also take into account other aspects such as the degree of abrasiveness of the liquid being filtered and / or the filtration pressure.

[0258] The remaining time can then be communicated to the operator, for example by an interface system, to enable the operator to plan the replacement of the different filtration membranes 140 and 145 .

[0259] As an example, the evaluation logic used by the electronic processing device can be based on a model (e.g., mathematical, statistical, or empirical) that describes the wear pattern of the filtration membranes 140 and 145 with respect to time of use or number of filtration cycles performed.

[0260] This model can be corrected / updated by an electronic processing device through a self-learning process that makes it possible to understand the evolution of the wear over time of the filtration membranes 140 and 145 by analyzing and / or processing (historical) images of each filtration membrane 140 and 145 taken by the screening system over successive times, i.e. after increasingly more filtration cycles have been carried out.

[0261] In other words, after acquiring multiple images of the filtration membranes 140 and 145 at successive times, the electronic processing device can advantageously use all these images to correct the model on which the remaining life assessment logic is based, for example by means of the aforementioned artificial intelligence-based self-learning process.

[0262] In this way, the model can be constantly updated to more closely represent the actual operation of the filter press 100 .

[0263] Of course, one skilled in the art can make several technically applicable modifications to all of the above without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

1. a plurality of filtration chambers (155) aligned along a predetermined longitudinal direction (A), each of which is defined by two opposing filtration diaphragms (140, 145) sandwiched between a pair of containment plates (105); a moving device adapted to move each pair of said containment plates (105) along said longitudinal direction (A) between a closed state in which said containment plates (105) are clamped together on each of said filtration diaphragms (140, 145) to close said filtration chamber (155), and an open state in which said containment plates (105) are spaced apart to separate each of said filtration diaphragms (140, 145) and open said filtration chamber (155) laterally; an inlet hydraulic circuit adapted to supply the liquid to be filtered into each of said filtering chambers (155) when all pairs of said containment plates (105) are in the closed state; an outlet hydraulic circuit adapted to discharge the filtered liquid leaving each of the filtering chambers (155) through each of the filtering diaphragms (140, 145) when all pairs of the containment plates (105) are in the closed state; a cleaning robot (400) adapted to clean the filtering membranes (140, 145) defining each filtering chamber (155) when each pair of containment plates (105) is in the open position; The cleaning robot (400) a trolley (405) adapted to move along said longitudinal direction (A) relative to said containment plate (105); a bar (445) that is installed on the trolley (405), that is relatively movable transversely to the longitudinal direction (A), and that slides between the filtration diaphragms (140, 145) that are sandwiched between the pair of containment plates (105) in an open state; - a number of nozzles (450) mounted on said bar (445) for spraying a cleaning liquid towards said filtering membranes (140, 145); moreover, a plurality of identification codes, each fixed to at least one of said respective filtration diaphragms (140, 145); a detection device for detecting said identification code installed on said trolley (405) of said cleaning robot (400); at least one image acquisition device (600) installed on the bar (445) of the cleaning robot (400) for acquiring images of the filtration membranes (140, 145); a filter press (100) comprising an electronic processing device connected to said detection device and to said image acquisition device (600).

2. The electronic processing device - identifying at least one said filtration diaphragm (140, 145) by detecting said corresponding identification code by said detection device, - acquiring at least one image of said filtration diaphragm (140, 145) by said image acquisition device (600); The filter press (100) according to claim 1, wherein the presence or absence of damage to the filtration membrane (140, 145) is determined based on the at least one image.

3. The electronic processing device - identifying at least one said filtration diaphragm (140, 145) by detecting the corresponding said identification code using said detection device; - acquiring at least one image of said filtration diaphragm (140, 145) by said image acquisition device (600); The filter press (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the remaining life of the filtration membrane (140, 145) is determined based on said at least one image.

4. 4. The filter press (100) of claim 3, wherein the electronic processing device is configured to determine the remaining time of the filtration membrane (140, 145) by executing evaluation logic that receives the at least one image as an input and provides the remaining time as an output.

5. The electronic processing device - using said image acquisition device (600) to acquire a plurality of images of a plurality of said filtration diaphragms (140, 145) at successive times; A filter press (100) according to claim 4, which modifies said evaluation logic on the basis of these images.

6. a plurality of second identification codes; 6. The filter press (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each said second identification code is fixed to each said containment plate (105) and adapted to be detected by said detection device.

7. Each said identification code is incorporated into an RFID tag (500); 7. The filter press (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection device comprises an antenna (505) adapted to receive radio signals emitted by the RFID tag (500).

8. The filter press (100) of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag (500) is writable.

9. 8. The filter press (100) of claim 7, wherein the detection device comprises a reader connected to the antenna (505) and adapted to decode the radio signals emitted by the RFID tag (500).

10. The filter press (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image capture device (600) is a video camera or a camera.

11. 11. The filter press (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least a first image acquisition device (600) directed towards one of the filtration diaphragms (140, 145) and a second image acquisition device (600) directed towards the other filtration diaphragm (145).

12. 10. A method of operating a filter press (100) according to claim 1, comprising: - stopping the trolley (405) of the cleaning robot (400) at the position of the pair of containment plates (105) in the open state; - detecting, by means of said detection device, at least one identification code of said filtration membrane (140, 145) sandwiched between a pair of said containment plates (105); - moving the bar (445) of the cleaning robot (400) between the filtration diaphragms (140, 145) sandwiched between a pair of the containment plates (105); - acquiring at least one image of said filtration diaphragm (140, 145) by said image acquisition device (600) mounted on said bar (445) of said cleaning robot (400).

Images