Abstract: A filter apparatus having a plurality of filter zones that are disposed one above the other and have associated therewith at least one common unfiltered fluid channel and at least one common filtrate channel. Each filter zone has at least one filter sheet, which is provided on a filter element, serves for the deposition of a cake layer formed from at least one filtering aid, and separates a filtrate collection area that opens into the filtrate channel from a filling space disposed above the filter sheet. Provided for each filter zone is an annular distribution space, which extends about the central axis of the filter, opens into the filling space at its outer periphery, and in the region of the central axis of the filter communicates with the unfiltered fluid channel.

Abstract: A filter press, for cake or precoat filtration, including one or more filter units, each of which includes slurry frames, filter plates, and support sheets or surfaces. Each of the filter plates is provided with at least one filtrate discharge, and each support sheet or surface, which is disposed on one side of a given filter plate, has associate therewith one of the slurry frames, which has a filling space which is directed toward the caking side of the support sheet or surface, an upper and lower connection for venting and discharge, and a supply conduit for medium which is to be filtered. Associated with each of the slurry frames is a distribution chamber which communicates with the filling space of one of each of the support sheets or surfaces, which are in a sealed state with the slurry frame via a press border. The communication is established via a partition which borders one of the filling spaces and extends parallel to the support sheet or surface.