The filter press is a widely used equipment in various industries for solid-liquid separation. The filter press working principle is based on the principle of pressure filtration, where a filter cake is formed on a filter medium, and the liquid is pressed through the cake to separate the solids from the liquids. The steps involved in the filter press process are as follows:

Step 1 – Preparation of the Filter Medium

The first step in the filter press process is the preparation of the filter medium. The filter medium is typically a fabric or paper, which is placed in a frame or a plate. The filter medium is then treated with a chemical solution to make it impermeable to the solids in the liquid.

Step 2 – Addition of the Liquid

Once the filter medium is prepared, the liquid to be filtered is added to the filter press. The liquid is poured into the filter press, and the filter medium is immersed in the liquid.

Step 3 – Formation of the Filter Cake

As the liquid flows through the filter medium, the solids in the liquid are separated from the liquid and form a filter cake on the surface of the filter medium. The filter cake is a thin layer of solids that blocks the passage of the liquid through the filter medium.

Step 4 – Pressing the Filter Cake

Once the filter cake is formed, the filter press is closed, and pressure is applied to the filter cake to press the liquid through the cake. The pressure is applied through a hydraulic system or a mechanical system, depending on the type of filter press.

Step 5 – Separation of the Solids and Liquids

As the pressure is applied, the liquid is forced through the filter cake, and the solids are separated from the liquid. The liquid that passes through the filter cake is called the filtrate, while the solids that are left behind are called the filter cake.

Step 6 – Removal of the Filter Cake

Once the filtering process is complete, the filter cake is removed from the filter press, and the filter medium is cleaned and prepared for the next use. The filter cake can be further processed or disposed of, depending on its composition and properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the filter press is a simple and efficient equipment for solid-liquid separation. The working principle of the filter press is based on the principle of pressure filtration, where a filter cake is formed on a filter medium, and the liquid is pressed through the cake to separate the solids from the liquids.

The steps involved in the filter press process include the preparation of the filter medium, addition of the liquid, formation of the filter cake, pressing of the filter cake, separation of the solids and liquids, and removal of the filter cake. The filter press is widely used in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and wastewater treatment.