Plate & Frame Filter

Principle of Plate & Frame Filter

• The Plate & Frame Filter press operates on the principle of pressure filtration.

• A slurry (mixture of solid particles and liquid) is pumped into the press, and pressure is applied to separate the solid particles from the liquid.

Construction

Plate & Frame Filter

1. Filter Plates: Flat plates with grooved surfaces to allow liquid to flow.

2. Filter Frames: Hollow frames that hold the slurry.

3. Filter Cloth: Porous cloths that cover the plates to retain solids.

4. Hydraulic System: Applies pressure to compress the plates and frames.

5. Feed Pump: Pumps the slurry into the press.

The plates and frames are arranged alternately and held together in a sturdy frame. The filter cloth is placed between each plate and frame to form a seal.

Working

1. The slurry is pumped into the frames.

2. Pressure is applied using a hydraulic system, compressing the plates and frames.

3. The liquid passes through the filter cloth, leaving the solid particles behind to form a filter cake.

4. The filtrate is collected and drained off, while the solid cake remains between the plates.

5. Once the cycle is complete, the press is opened, and the filter cake is removed.

Uses

• Pharmaceutical industry

• Food and beverage industry

• Chemical manufacturing

• Wastewater treatment

Merits

• High filtration efficiency.

• Produces a dry filter cake.

• Suitable for small to medium batches.

Demerits

• Labor-intensive.

• High maintenance cost.

• Not suitable for continuous operation.