Double Filter Plate Configuration for Horizontal Filter Press
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter press systems are limited in throughput, require significant floor space, and incur high maintenance and capital costs due to their batch operation and mechanical complexity, with manufacturers restricted by plate size and dynamic slurry feed unpredictability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a double filter plate configuration, where two individual filter plates are mechanically joined to form a single unit with spacer bars and rollers, allowing for increased throughput and reduced space requirements, along with modular design for easier maintenance and cost-effective replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single filter plates are used, then manufacturing and maintenance are simpler, but throughput is limited and floor space requirements are larger
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate filter plates are mechanically joined together to form a single double filter plate unit, effectively doubling the filtration area and throughput capacity while occupying the same floor space as a single conventional plate
2Productivity
If larger filter plates are used to increase throughput, then fewer plates are needed, but manufacturing capabilities are limited by maximum plate size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one extremely large plate beyond manufacturer capabilities, two standard-sized plates are joined together to achieve the equivalent area, working within existing manufacturing limits while still doubling capacity
3Productivity
If more filter press machines are added to increase throughput, then production capacity increases, but floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two filter plates into one unit, the system doubles the effective filtration area within the same physical footprint, eliminating the need to install additional machines and preserving floor space
4Reliability
If entire filter plates are replaced when components fail, then reliability is maintained, but capital and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter plate is divided into separate replaceable components (frames, plates, spacer bars), allowing only the defective component to be replaced rather than the entire assembly, reducing maintenance and capital costs
5Productivity
If conventional batch operation is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By joining two filter plates that can operate in different stages of the filtration cycle, the system effectively creates a semi-continuous operation where one plate can be filling while another is discharging, doubling throughput without fundamentally changing the batch operation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal filter press is disclosed. The horizontal filter press comprises a support bracket, a head bracket, two sidebars spanning a distance between said support bracket and said head bracket, and a plurality of double filter plates. Each double filter plate comprises a first individual filter plate having a first filter chamber, one or more first filtrate ports, at least one first feed eye port, and at least one first handle; and a second individual filter plate having a second filter chamber, one or more second filtrate ports, at least one second feed eye port, and at least one second handle. The first and second individual filter plates are initially separate components, but are subsequently mechanically joined together to form said at least one double filter plate. In some embodiments a spacer bar is provided between the first and second individual filter plates. In some embodiments, a cutout is provided between the first and second individual filter plates to accommodate a support beam centrally disposed between said sidebars, the support beam providing additional support to the plurality of double filter plates. Methods of manufacturing a double filter plate are also disclosed.