Abstract: A pressure filter apparatus is shown and disclosed with a construction that permits the filter to be operated to produce food grade or pharmaceutical grade products where there are requirements for periodic cleaning, sterilizing or sanitizing of the apparatus. The structures of the filter apparatus are sloped or clad to drain any fluids away from the apparatus. The exterior can be washed in place and the interior can be washed with the exterior washing or can be operated with internal washing cycles.

Abstract: A pressure-filter is disclosed along with its peripheral equipment that permit the automatic controlled operation of the filter for extracting liquids from a fluid liquid/solid slurry and for the formation of a substantially dry filter cake. The efficiency of the filter apparatus is increased by the use of hot gas as an material for treating the cake within the filter for extracting the liquids as filtrate. The hot gas may be hot air, hot inert gas, steam, or combinations thereof in controlled sequences. The filter is adapted to be able to operate under vacuum or elevated pressure and at elevated temperatures.