Comparing Filter Presses: Choosing the Right Option for You

02 Dec.,2024

 

Comparing Filter Presses: Choosing the Right Option for You

Filter press systems are among the most useful and powerful pieces of equipment in the wastewater industry. When compared to other water filtration systems&#;like dewatering plants and slurry pits&#;filter press systems are both compact and efficient, removing up to 99% of slurry solids from work water in a relatively short amount of time.  

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However, filter presses aren&#;t a one-size-fits-all system. Water and sludge filter press systems are available in different sizes to tackle wastewater jobs with differing volume and filtration requirements. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which system is right for your operation&#;that&#;s where the team at Full Circle Water comes in.  

An Overview of Common Filter Press Systems

 

A filter press is a water filtration system that uses a series of plates covered with filter cloth to remove solids from wastewater. Sludge is pumped into the chambers formed by these plates, and pressure is applied. The liquid (filtrate) passes through the cloths, leaving behind a solid &#;cake&#; made from filtered slurry solids. After processing, the filtered water can be easily disposed of or processed further.  

There are two main types of water and sludge filter presses: recessed chamber and membrane.  

Recessed Chamber Filter Presses

 

Recessed chamber filter presses process water by forcing it through a series of plates, each of which features a circular depression its center (hence the name &#;recessed chamber&#;). Recessed chamber presses are known for their durability and versatility and, to this day, remain the industry standard. In addition to wastewater, they are particularly good at processing sludge, biosolids, and mud.  

Membrane Filter Presses

 

Membrane filter presses are a relatively new innovation. They are similar to standard recessed chamber presses but feature pressurized membranes between the filter plates that squeeze excess water through the system. Membrane filter presses are ideal for oily sludges or highly regulated slurries that require extremely comprehensive filtration.  

Picking Your Perfect Press: Key Considerations

 

An operation&#;s ideal filter press model depends on several factors, including the type of slurry they process, the size of the worksite, and the filtration requirements set by local, state, and federal authorities. 

 

Sludge Type

 

Slurries differ in their viscosities, flow rates, and solid densities. Operations that are dealing with thick, heavy sludges might consider investing in a medium-sized, membrane filter press system to ensure stubborn solids are removed from the slurry before dumping.  

Worksite Size

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Wastewater is used in a range of industries, and sludge and water filter presses must be adaptable to both large and small worksites. Large worksites often collect slurry on-site and transport it to their main location for sludge and water filtration, but smaller sites might consider using a medium filter press trailer or even an on-site, miniature filter press system like the MudHen.  

Filtrate Quality

 

Filtrates are regulated differently by state and local governments. For jurisdictions that maintain strict dumping requirements, membrane presses produce clearer filtrate that is often suitable for reuse. For less stringently regulated slurries, a medium-sized, recessed chamber filter press system is more than sufficient for safe disposal.  

Full Circle Water: Your Wastewater Treatment Partner 

 

At Full Circle Water, we understand that cleaner water means a healthier environment, reduced pollution in local waterways, and a more sustainable future for everyone. That&#;s why we offer a comprehensive range of sludge and water filter presses, from robust recessed chamber models to cutting-edge membrane systems, including small, large, and medium filter press systems perfectly suited for almost any operation.  

Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and recommend the perfect filter press solution for your facility. 

Contact our friendly team at Full Circle Water today! 

Filter Press vs. Centrifuge: Which One Do I Need to Use?

Choosing between a centrifuge and a plate and frame filter press for your sludge dewatering can be difficult if you don&#;t know their different strengths and weaknesses. While both technologies will effectively produce a dry, solid cake, there are quite a few differences between the two. The following information will help you decide if either a centrifuge or a plate and frame filter press is the best technology for your specific needs.

Plate and Frame Filter Press

Filter presses are designed to hold a specific volume of material and separate the liquids and solids through pressure filtration. A slurry is pushed into the filter press and subjected to high pressure for dewatering. This type of equipment can be used in a variety of applications in both industrial and municipal fields.

What are the Advantages?

The filter press has many advantages that other dewatering methods cannot provide. These include:

  • Fewer parts for easy maintenance
  • Captures a high amount of solids
  • In some areas, it is the only device capable of producing a cake that is dry enough to meet landfill requirements

When Should I Use It?

The filter press is generally used when sludge characteristics are poor and require more than 35% cake dryness. If sludge characteristics are expected to change, or if minimal conditioning is needed, the filter press can also be helpful.

Centrifuge

A centrifuge is a machine that puts an object into rotation around a fixed axis and uses centrifugal force to separate solid materials from liquids. As the materials are put into rotation, the denser substances are forced outward while the lighter particles are separated and move toward the center. There are many different types of centrifuges that are used for different purposes. Industrial scale centrifuges are often used in manufacturing and waste processing to separate solids and liquids.

What are the Advantages?

  • Centrifuge is good for the dewatering or separating fats, oils and greases
  • They allow for the processing of large amounts of materials within a small space, giving larger plants an advantage
  • Centrifuge can process more volume than a plate and frame filter press

When Should I Use It?

High RPM centrifuge processing is most often used for processing oily sludge. Centrifuges are best used when you have larger volume and lower solid contents. Utilizing this processes will generally produce 18% to 25% solids by weight and is typically reserved for situations where the main goal is for oil recovery and when larger volume processing is necessary.

The Bottom Line

In short, the filter press consumes less energy and is easy to maintain. The filter press does requires a larger footprint on site. The centrifuge is best used for processing large volumes of sludge but has high power and maintenance costs. To learn more about what will work best for your specific project, contact Handex today!

 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of filter press for sludge dewatering. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.