Abstract: An improved filter press for separating solids from liquid is provided. The press includes a plurality of filter plates which are suspended from overhead I-beams such that the plates may be removed either from the top of the press or from the sides of the press as desired. The filter plates are suspended from the I-beams by rollers which alternate in position for adjacent filter plates between engagement with the outside flanges and engagement with the inside flanges of the beams and, thus, allow larger rollers to be utilized. The filter press includes a press head for moving the individual filter plates into abutting relationship which is pivotally suspended from the I-beams such that the press head can assume the alignment of the filter plates when the press is closed. The press further includes a pair of vertically-arranged, independently-operable hydraulic closing rams for applying different closing pressures at the top and bottom of the filter plates to compensate for variations in plate stacking.

Abstract: A molded thermoplastic filter plate (10, 50) having a peripheral rim (14, 54) which extends completely around the perimeter of and is integral with an inner web (12, 52) such that inner drainage faces (15, 53) are formed on each side of the plate (10, 50). Each side of the plate (10, 50) is divided into four triangular sectors (20, 22, 24, 26 and 60, 62, 64, 66). The boundary of each sector lies generally along a line extending from the center of the drainage face (15, 53) to a corner of the peripheral rim (14, 54), from the corner of the peripheral rim (14, 54) to an adjacent corner of the peripheral rim (14, 54), and from the adjacent corner back to the center of the drainage face (15, 53). Thus, each sector includes a corresponding side of the peripheral rim (14, 54). A plurality of drainage ribs (28, 68) are molded on the drainage face (15, 53) in each sector such that the ribs (28, 68) of a particular sector are parallel to the corresponding side of the peripheral rim (14, 54) in that particular sector.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter plate of increased size which includes a reinforcing bar which subdivides the inner face of the plate into distinct drainage areas. The drainage areas are in liquid flow communication with each other via recess formed in the reinforcing bar. The plate is provided with raised spacing elements which are positioned in a special pattern to provide uniform deflection across the plate when the filter press is under pressure. The plate is further provided with a staggered, offset pattern of drainage ribs which enhances filter cloth support, increases plate strength and improves liquid flow around the spacing elements.

Abstract: A filter press for mechanically separating solids from liquid, slurries, suspensions and the like having a rigid frame including a first stationary end member which is a filter press head, a second stationary end member, and a pair of side rail members which extend horizontally and parallel to each other and which are supported at their opposite ends by the stationary end members. The filter press also includes a first and a second set of filter plates mounted for sliding movement on said side rail members and means interconnecting the plates in each set to allow limited travel of the interconnected plates away from one another while also allowing adjacent plates to move into abutting relationship with one another.