A filter (20) configured to separate the solid components and the liquid components from a slurry. The filter (20) includes a plurality of filter plate assemblies (46) that cooperate to define a plurality of filter chambers (70), each defining a perimeter (96) having an open section (98) when the filter plates (68) are in a closed position relative to one another. Each filter plate assembly (46) includes a closure (104) configured to close the open section (98). Preferably, the closures (104) are movable to an open position to permit a particulate cake to be removed from the filter chambers (70) without separating the filter plates (68).

Various embodiments of a filter (31 38, 42) are disclosed. According to some embodiments, filter (31, 38, 42) may have a frame (34) and washing means operatively coupled to the frame (34) which is configured to wash one or more filter cloths simultaneously, the filter cloths being attached to a respective number of filter plate assemblies (13) which are supported by the frame (34). The washing means may comprise a laterally traversing washer mechanism, the laterally traversing washer mechanism being configured to move (8) along a lateral axis (35) of the filter (31, 38, 42) from a first side of the one or more filter cloths to a second side of the one or more filter cloths. In some embodiments, the washing means may be operatively coupled to the frame (34) via a track (3) and a washer carriage (1) on the track (3). In some embodiments, the washer carriage may be further provided with means, for example, to simultaneously shake one or more filter plate assemblies (13), without limitation. Methods of filtering slurry comprising the steps of moving (8) a laterally traversing washer mechanism in a direction along a lateral axis (35) of a filter (31, 38, 42); rotating at least one spray bar (2); and providing wash water to the at least one spray bar (2) are further disclosed.

A handling system of a subframe forming part of a filter plate frame assembly in a horizontal filter press of a tower type is provided. The handling system includes a supporting structure and a suspension arrangement. The supporting structure includes a first longitudinally extending rail and a second longitudinally extending rail which are interconnected with a support surface configured to slidingly support a subframe when being moved in and out of the filter plate frame assembly. The suspension arrangement is arranged in a first end portion of the supporting structure. The suspension arrangement is configured to allow the supporting structure to be selectively and removably connected to the filter press in an area adjacent a filter plate frame assembly. Further, a method of performing maintenance of a subframe is provided, which method involves the use of such handling system.

The invention is related to a method and vibratory apparatus for the improved solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes, especially for dewatering finely divided thixotropic filter cakes, with the aid of a vibratory apparatus. Further, the invention relates to a filtration apparatus having a vibratory apparatus as described herein, and to the use of the vibratory apparatus for the solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes.

A filtration apparatus that can include a filtering device can be configured as a pressure filter. The filter device can facilitate rapid cycling of cake discharge so that the cake formation and discharge sequence can complete itself in a short period of time (e.g. a few seconds, no more than 30 seconds, no more than 10 seconds, up to 18 seconds, less than a minute, less than 3 minutes, etc.).

A filter press for separating solid components from liquid components of a slurry. The filter press includes a compression system coupled to a stationary pressure plate of the filter press. The compression system includes at least one electrically operated compression actuator having a planetary screw assembly, and a transport system coupled to a displaceable pressure plate of the filter press. The transport system includes at least one electrically operated transport actuator having a rack and pinion drive assembly. The compression system rigidly connects to the transport system so as to form, for each respective pair of compression actuators and transport actuators, a common actuator link which extends linearly from the stationary pressure plate to the displaceable pressure plate along the longitudinal dimension. A retrofitting kit for a filter press, a method for replacing an existing compression and transport system for a filter press and a method for controlling a filter press are set forth.

A method of cleaning a filter cloth of a filter press including a first cleaning nozzle and a second cleaning nozzle which jet cleaning liquid from positions upper right and left of the filter cloth toward respective diagonal corners of the filter cloth, the method including: jetting the cleaning liquid from only the first cleaning nozzle; and jetting the cleaning liquid from only the second cleaning nozzle.

A process for the preparation of a concentrated filter cake from an admixture of partially-decomposed organic material and a polar liquid using a filter press without the input of thermal heat or superheated steam or other pressurized gas or liquid is provided by this invention. The admixture is mixed with an additional amount of the polar liquid to produce a feed slurry of the admixture having a moisture content of about 90-99% wt. The resulting slurry admixture is then introduced into the filter press having a plurality of filter plates with porous membranes secured along their outlet. The pressure condition introduced inside the filter plate chambers is increased by a pressurized gas or liquid to force the polar liquid from the admixture slurry though apertures contained in the membrane, thereby leaving a filter cake of the partially-decomposed organic material having a moisture content that is lower than the moisture content of the initial partially-decomposed organic material feed. The process and its equipment may be used to treat a variety of partially-decomposed organic material/polar liquid slurry admixtures, including high moisture peat containing water, and reduce the moisture content of the resulting peat filter cake to as low as 60% wt for peat or about 50% wt for a peat/Biochar admixture.

A process for the preparation of a concentrated filter cake from an admixture of partially-decomposed organic material and a polar liquid using a filter press without the input of thermal heat or superheated steam or other pressurized gas or liquid is provided by this invention. The admixture is mixed with an additional amount of the polar liquid to produce a feed slurry of the admixture having a moisture content of about 90-99% wt. The resulting slurry admixture is then introduced into the filter press having a plurality of filter plates with porous membranes secured along their outlet. The pressure condition introduced inside the filter plate chambers is increased by a pressurized gas or liquid to force the polar liquid from the admixture slurry though apertures contained in the membrane, thereby leaving a filter cake of the partially-decomposed organic material having a moisture content that is lower than the moisture content of the initial partially-decomposed organic material feed. The process and its equipment may be used to treat a variety of partially-decomposed organic material/polar liquid slurry admixtures, including high moisture peat containing water, and reduce the moisture content of the resulting peat filter cake to as low as 60% wt for peat or about 50% wt for a peat/Biochar admixture.