Abstract: A filter press frame and method, operable for compressing a stack of filter plates, provides a very light frame as compared to the iron, steel and stainless steel filter press frames that have been used for the last one hundred years. The filter press frame of the present invention is formed of material much more resistant to corrosion for a much wider pH spectrum of acids and bases than iron, steel, and stainless steel frames. In a preferred embodiment, the filter press tail, follower, and head, referred to generally as head members, are comprised of core material inserts encapsulated with fiber reinforced plastic. Laminates have a thickness and fibers are oriented to optimize the construction strength of the components based on stresses that are preferably anticipated through techniques such as finite element analysis.

Abstract: Steel reinforced filter plates consist of an inner steel sheet and front and back panels composed of thermoplastic resin. The front and back panels of the filter plate are composed of thermoplastic synthetic resin and are bond to each other through a series of prefabricated openings in the steel sheet. The inner steel sheet of the filter plate of the invention further contains at least one exit port hole and a drainage channel leading from the port hole. The filter plate further contains a feed port (passageway) extending from the exterior of the front panel to the back panel. The thermoplastic synthetic resin encompasses all of the exposed surfaces of the filter plate--all of the steel lining the prefabricated openings, port holes and drainage channel being encased by thermoplastic synthetic resin. The filter plate of the invention is produced via an injection molding process wherein a prefabricated steel sheet is first inserted between the upper and lower regions of a mold.