Filter Press Weighing Device for Precise Cake Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter press technologies face challenges in achieving precise monitoring and optimization of filter cake formation due to variations in slurry density, requiring sensitive instrumentation that is prone to errors and maintenance issues, especially when using weighing sensors that measure the entire filter press rather than the filter cakes themselves.

Innovation Solution

A filter press design where weighing sensors are positioned between the stack of filter plates and the body, allowing only the stack of filter plates to be weighed, thereby enhancing precision and reducing horizontal forces on the sensors, enabling accurate monitoring of filter cake formation and facilitating easier maintenance and attachment to the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If weighing sensors measure the entire filter press, then the monitoring covers all components, but the measurement precision is reduced due to the large mass of the filter press body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cake formation monitoring precisionVSAvoidfilter press mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing measurement is segmented to measure only the stack of filter plates separately from the filter press body. The stack is designed to be movable relative to the body, allowing independent weighing of the filter plates which contain the filter cakes, thus eliminating the interference of the large filter press body mass and achieving precise measurement of filter cake formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If weighing sensors are positioned to measure the entire filter press, then the structure is simplified, but horizontal forces affect the sensor readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cake mass measurement accuracyVSAvoidhorizontal forces on sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a stationary body and a movable stack of filter plates. The weighing sensors are positioned to measure only the movable stack, separating the measurement system from the large stationary body. This segmentation isolates the sensors from horizontal forces generated during filtration operations, ensuring accurate mass measurements of the filter cakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the filter press is firmly attached to the ground, then stability is improved, but weighing sensors cannot accurately measure filter cake formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter press stabilityVSAvoidfilter cake mass measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter press is segmented into a firmly ground-attached body and a movable stack of filter plates that rests on weighing sensors. The body provides stability through firm attachment, while the movable stack can be independently weighed. This segmentation allows the stable body to remain fixed while the lighter stack moves freely on the sensors, enabling accurate measurement without compromising overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stack of filter plates is designed to be movable relative to the body during filtration operations. This dynamic design allows the stack to respond to filtration forces while maintaining contact with the weighing sensors, enabling continuous mass measurement. The movability ensures the stack remains in equilibrium on the sensors without requiring firm ground attachment of the entire filter press.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If weighing sensors measure the entire filter press, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring system reliabilityVSAvoidweighing sensor maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The weighing system is segmented to measure only the movable stack of filter plates rather than the entire filter press. This segmentation isolates the weighing sensors to a specific, accessible location where they can easily support the movable stack. The sensors are positioned in a maintenance-friendly environment separate from the large, complex filter press body, making inspection, calibration, and repair of the weighing sensors significantly easier while maintaining reliable monitoring of filter cake formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides more precise monitoring of filter cake formation, reduces the load on weighing sensors, and simplifies maintenance and attachment, leading to improved filtration results and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a weighing device (30) disposed between the body (11) and the stack of filter plates (20) for supporting and carrying the weight of said stack of filter plates (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeight measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The pressing is applied in a horizontal direction. The vertical plates and filter cloth adhere to each other and form watertight filtration chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

Slurry is pumped to the filtration chambers with high pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

solid part of the slurry is retained in the filtration chambers to form filter cakes. The liquid part of the slurry passes through the filter cloth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 5

apply membrane pressure, in which pressure medium is conducted to a space between flexible membranes and the bodies of filter plates to compress the membranes such that they swell and remove liquid from the filter cake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure compression: Compression

Implementation Method 6

compressed air is passed through the filter cakes to reduce the moisture content of the filter cakes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3030333B1A filter press
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 OUTOTEC FINDLAND OY
  • EP3030333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3030333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3030333B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter press (1) comprising a body (11) and a stack of filter plates (20). The filter press (1) further comprises a weighing device (30) disposed between the body and the stack of filter plates (20) for supporting and carrying the weight of said stack of filter plates (20). The invention also relates to a body (11) for supporting a stack of filter plates (20) comprising plurality of filtering plates (21). The body (11) comprises a weighing device (30) for weighing the stack of filter plates (20). And further the invention relates to an arrangement in a filter press (1), said filter press (1) comprising a stack of filter plates (20) comprising plurality of filtering plates (21) arranged side by side in the stack of filter plates (20) and a body (11) for supporting said stack of filter plates (20). The stack of filter plates (20) and the body (11) are in connection to each other through a weighing device (30) for weighing the stack of filter plates (20).