Principle
Filter leaves operate on the principle of surface filtration, where the slurry is filtered through a porous medium (filter leaf) to separate solids from liquids.
Construction
Filter Leaf: A metal frame covered with filter cloth or wire mesh.
Filter Tank: A tank where the filter leaves are submerged.
Agitator: Keeps the slurry in suspension.
Discharge System: For collecting the filtrate and removing the filter cake.
Working
The slurry is introduced into the filter tank.
The agitator keeps the solids in suspension.
The slurry passes through the filter leaves, where solids are trapped on the surface.
The filtrate is collected and drained off.
The filter cake is periodically removed by backwashing or scraping.
Uses
Edible oil filtration
Chemical processing
Pulp and paper industry
Merits
High filtration rate.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Suitable for large-scale operations.
Demerits
Can be expensive.
Not suitable for very fine particles.
Requires regular maintenance to prevent clogging.