Filter Press Plate Pack Segmentation for Simultaneous Cake Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter presses require a significant amount of time to discharge filter cakes due to sequential emptying of filter chambers, which reduces their availability for separating suspensions during this period.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a separating device, such as a sliding plate, allows for the simultaneous opening and emptying of multiple filter chambers by dividing the plate pack into sub-packages, enabling the use of a plate transport chain to move filter plates along a transport direction and facilitate the discharge of filter cakes through gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If filter chambers are emptied sequentially in a conventional filter press, then the structure remains simple and manageable, but the cake discharge time becomes excessively long (450 seconds for 180 plates), reducing system availability for suspension separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecake discharge speedVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate package is divided into multiple sub-packages, each with its own separating device. This segmentation allows different sub-packages to be emptied simultaneously rather than sequentially, dramatically reducing total discharge time while keeping each individual sub-package manageable in size and structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separating devices are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically separate sub-packages during the emptying process. This enables the system to transition from a static sequential emptying structure to a dynamic parallel emptying configuration, improving productivity without permanent structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the plate pack is opened to empty filter chambers, then filter cakes can be discharged by gravity, but the system remains unavailable for suspension separation during the entire discharge period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoiddischarge time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the plate pack into sub-packages that can be emptied simultaneously, the total discharge time is reduced from 450 seconds to a much shorter duration, increasing the percentage of time the system is available for productive suspension separation operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The simultaneous emptying of multiple sub-packages enables continuous operation by minimizing the non-productive discharge phase, allowing the system to更快地 return to suspension separation mode and maintain more continuous useful action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of time

If a separating device is introduced to enable simultaneous emptying of multiple filter chambers, then cake discharge time is reduced, but the device complexity and number of moving parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemptying timeVSAvoidnumber of separating devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than attempting to empty all filter chambers simultaneously (which would require a complex system), the plate pack is divided into sub-packages where a manageable number of chambers are emptied in parallel. This partial parallel action achieves significant time reduction without requiring an excessive number of separating devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly reduces the time required for cake discharge, allowing the filter press to operate more efficiently and be available for separating suspensions, as multiple filter chambers can be emptied simultaneously, thereby increasing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

enabling the use of a plate transport chain to move filter plates along a transport direction and facilitate the discharge of filter cakes through gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The implementation of a separating device, such as a sliding plate, allows for the simultaneous opening and emptying of multiple filter chambers by dividing the plate pack into sub-packages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical separation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3784362B1Filter press and method for operating a filter press
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ANDRITZ TECH & ASSET MANAGEMENT GMBH
  • EP3784362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3784362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3784362B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter press (1), comprising a plate pack (3), which has a plurality of filter plates (2) and has filter chambers arranged between the filter plates (2). The filter plates (2) are positioned so as to be slidable relative to each other so that the filter chambers can be emptied if necessary. According to the invention, in order to achieve increased efficiency, at least one separating device is provided, by means of which a sub-pack (6a, 6b, 6c) of the plate pack (3) can be slid relative to a further sub-pack (6a, 6b, 6c) of the plate pack (3) in order to enable simultaneous emptying of filter chambers and/or simultaneous exchanging of filtering means in the individual sub-packs (6a, 6b, 6c). The invention further relates to a method for operating a filter press (1), comprising a plate pack (3), which has a plurality of filter plates (2) and has filter chambers arranged between the filter plates (2).