Abstract: A process and apparatus for the treatment of pre-concentrated solid-liquid mixture streams, and in particular the dewatering of solid-liquid mixture streams metering the mixture from an intermediate container to a liquid separation device. The process accounts for variable inlet conditions or parameters of the solid-liquid mixture stream which is supplied to the intermediate container. A preset metering stream volume of the mixture is supplied to the liquid separating device for separating liquid by a metering device as a function of the level of the mixture in the intermediate container. The metering device can optionally comminute the solid-liquid mixture stream to be treated. The throughput rate of the liquid separating device is automatically adjusted according to the conveying rate of the metering device.

Abstract: A thorough wash operation of a process fluid is conducted within the confines of an enclosed housing. The housing includes four ports at one side of the housing for transmission of process fluids through a plurality of press frames so as to (1) separate solids from a principal liquid to recover a valuable commodity in the solid cakes formed from the principal liquid, or (2) remove contaminants from the principal liquid so as to recover a cleansed principal liquid, or (3) introduce a valuable commodity into a wash liquid from filter cakes formed from the principal liquid, which valuable commodity may subsequently be removed from the wash liquid. A drip pan hopper is removably secured to a bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A chamber filter press for dewatering waste water or product sludges, comprises a press frame with a number of filter plates movably attached at the head bracket and a crosshead that is hydraulically movable for closing the filter plate bundle. The hydraulic cylinder is supported by a replaceable receptacle device in the form of a flange pipe on the end stand of the press frame. Both flanges of the tubular receptacle device are annular flanges, with dimensions matching the flange of the hydraulic cylinder and they have identical through-bores. The flanges are permitted to pass through the hydraulic cylinder and the end stand has on the attachment side a through-hole for the hydraulic cylinder. The receptacle opening has on the opposite side an installation opening through which the back end of the hydraulic cylinder passes.

Abstract: A method for controlling the filling of a filter press with slurry according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the sequentially executed steps of: gradually increasing the pressure of the slurry supplied to thee press until the slurry pressure reaches an upper pressure limit; recording a trigger point in time at which the slurry pressure reaches the upper pressure limit; and determining whether the slurry pressure subsequently falls below a lower pressure limit within a predetermined period of time commencing at the trigger point. If the slurry pressure does fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, then the above-listed sequence of steps is repeated until the slurry pressure fails to fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that the press is full and terminating the process.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dredging under harbors and waterways and fabricating building materials and more particularly to an apparatus for dredging that produces no waste and uses the dredged material for useful building products. Furthermore, all off the equipment that is used for the dredging and fabricating building materials from the dredged materials placed upon at least one floating badge.

Abstract: Each separator frame constitutes a single part. It is made by assembling two thermoplastic films having the shape of the seal plane and sandwiched over two different types of thermoplastic expanded structure, e.g. polyethylene grids, a first one of these structures being designed to occupy the central opening of the frame and the second type of structure being designed to occupy the diffusers. According to the invention, and prior to assembly, the first expanded structure is crushed by hot compression over its entire area apart from the central opening. This crushing reduces the thickness of the expanded structure, preferably by more than 50%. Cut-outs are formed in the first structure after it has been compressed in this way and cut-out pieces of the second expanded structure are placed therein, which pieces are themselves crushed in side strips for the purpose of retaining them in the assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a press filter, said press filter having electric motors for operating said press filter. At least one of said electric motors of said press filter is driven by a frequency filter. A logic control unit is used for sending a program-controlled analog signal to said frequency converter. The output current from said frequency converter having a frequency proportional to the magnitude of said analog signal received from said logic control unit is used for driving the press filter's electric motors, whose rotational speeds thereby become proportional to the drive current frequency. A desired electric motor is individually started by way of applying power to the motor via a switch element which is activated by a signal from the logic control unit.

Abstract: A filter plate press or an electrolyzer cell has a series of filter plates or cell frames, respectively, which are moved as a stack against a press or cell headpiece by a follower moved by one or more rodded cylinders mounted on a fixed bracket. Scissors mechanisms extending on each side of the press/cell holder and between the bracket and follower assure precise parallel movement of the follower with respect to the headpiece. To accommodate any cumulative errors in the stack dimensions the scissor mechanisms are disengageable upon closure of the press/cell holder so that the follower has freedom to match the abutting surface of the plate/cell frame stack and thus evenly seal the abutting peripheral edges of the plates/cell frames.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtering procedure by which the solid matter and the fluid contained in a sludge are separated in a box filter. The sludge is passed in the filter into a filtering space (2) between two opposite filter cloths (3), where the fluid is separated, whereupon the cake (13) of solid matter produced is dried by passing a stream of air through it. The essential feature of the invention is that the drying is performed by passing a stream of air into the cake (13) first from one side and then from the opposite side of the filtering space (2) in such manner that the air flows in opposite directions through the cake during these drying phases. Penetrating through the filter cloth (3) into the cake, the air causes the cake to be detached from the cloth. When the filtering space is opened, the cake thus detached and dried can be removed directly without specific detaching efforts.

Abstract: In homogeneous substitution washing method and apparatus for a cake using a filter press which comprises pairs of opposed squeezed and squeezing filtering plate units, pairs of opposed squeezed and squeezing filtering cloths, each pair of filtering cloths being arranged between the pair of filtering plate units, and diaphragms. Each diaphragm is arranged on one side of one of the pair of filtering plate units. Stock solution is supplied into a space between the pair of filtering cloths, and is pressurized and dehydrated by the diaphragm to form the cake. The cake is processed in washing to obtain a clean raw material. In parallel with the pressurizing and dehydrating step of the stock solution, a washing liquid is poured into a space between the diaphragm and the squeezing filtering cloth abutted against the diaphragm, at a pressure at least a pressurizing and dehydrating pressure applied to the stock solution through the diaphragm, to wash the cake between the pair of filtering cloths.

Abstract: The present invention is a flat stack permeator useful under dialysis, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, perstraction, pervaporation, etc. conditions. The permeator comprises a multitude of membrane layer alternately separated by feed-retentate spacers and permeate spacers. The layers are secured along their edges so as to define separate feed-retentate zones and permeate zone. The edge gluing is performed so that in any given layer the two parallel edges are secured, while on the layers immediately above and below the edge pairs which are secured are 90.degree. out of register with the previously mentioned pair of secured edges. In that way alternate feed retentate and permeate zones are defined which are perpendicular in flow one to the other.

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 positive pressure blotting apparatus having a bottom section, at least middle section and a top section. A first volume of space is encompassed between the top section and the middle section. A positive pressure is maintained in the first volume of the apparatus. A second volume of space is encompassed between the middle section and the bottom section to capture eluate. An alignment means is used to align the top section to the middle section. A means is provided to apply positive pressure in the first volume. A hydropholic filter means for binding biological materials is positioned on or in the middle section, and a means is provided to secure the top, middle and bottom section together to form a pressure blotting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to performing exchanges between two fluids by means of a stack of membranes (13, 13') between which separator frames (1, 1') are interposed. According to the invention, the seal plane is obtained by assembling four thermoplastic sheets about a screen (8), with the outermost two sheets (16, 17) being flexible and hollowed-out in zones corresponding to diffusers, and with the inner two sheets (14, 15) situated on either side of the screen (8) being semi-stiff, with at least one of them not including an opening in the diffuser zone. The four sheets are assembled together without exerting pressure over the diffusers (9) such that the, or each, semi-stiff sheet forms a protective element over a diffuser zone.

Abstract: In order to regulate the filter plate contact pressure in a plate filter press comprising a hydraulic closing cylinder unit, the compression force prevailing in the filter plate pack, or the compression of at least one component such as, for example, a filter plate, exposed to the compression pressure ambient in the filter plate pack is utilized as a control variable. The hydraulic pressure of the closing cylinder unit is regulated so as to maintain a desired compression value.

Abstract: A filtering case (1,30) is comprised of two superimposed parts, respectively an upper one (2,31) and a lower one (43, 32), which slide telescopically the one within the other. The upper part (2,31) bounds a slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and has an apertured (4,51) bottom wall (8,40a); the lower part (3,32) is guided through the aperture (4,61) between a first position outside the slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and a second position at least partway inserted thereinto. The lower part (3,32) has fiter-forming side walls whereby the overall filtering area of the case (1,30) increases with the depth of penetration of the lower part (3,32) into the slurry receiver chamber (2a, 51).

Abstract: A membrane filter plate for a filter press with a one-piece, plastic carrier plate, at least one membrane arranged on one side of the carrier plate and provided with spacing bosses for the engagement of a filter cloth and a sealing rim surrounding the carrier plate and the membrane and connecting the same in substantially fluid-tight manner. The sealing surface of the sealing rim parallel to the carrier plate median plane being arranged on the side having the membrane or on either side of the carrier plate. At least one support boss is provided in the central region of the carrier plate. The end face of the support boss parallel to the carrier plate median plane being substantially aligned with the sealing surface of the sealing rim parallel to said median plane and provided laterally with a rotationally symmetrical transition surface facing the membrane which slopes in the direction of the carrier plate median plane.

Abstract: A horizontal-type filter press having a protective casing that surrounds at least the filter unit, including the support therefore. This protective casing prevents any leakage that might occur from the filter unit during filtration from adversely affecting operating personnel, from contaminating the filter unit, and from attracting insects or other animals. For the opened state of the filter press, the protective casing can be completely removed at least from the region of the filter elements of the filter unit, especially for being able to work on the filter elements, for providing an unobstructed exchange of the filter aids, and/or for the removal of usable or nonusable filter cakes.

Abstract: A filtering case (1,30) is comprised of two superimposed parts, respectively an upper one (2,31) and a lower one (43,32), which slide telescopically the one within the other. The upper part (2,31) bounds a slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and has a an apertured (4,61) bottom wall (8,40a); the lower part (3,32) is guided through the aperture (4,61) between a first position outside the slurry receiver chamber (2a,51) and a second position at least partway inserted thereinto. The lower part (3,32) has filter-forming side walls whereby the overall filtering area of the case (1,30) increases with the depth of penetration of the lower part (3,32) into the slurry receiver chamber (2a, 51).

Abstract: A filter press (10) is supplied with material to be filtered by a filling pump (20) and a high pressure pump (26). Both pumps are connected in parallel and designed as eccentric worm pumps. The charging pressure is gradually raised to a final pressure without any temporary dropping so as to reduce the charging time to a minimum. In correspondence with the gradually decreasing absorption capacity of the filter press (10) first the normal speed of the filling pump (20) is lowered to a predetermined lower operating speed at unvarying speed of the high pressure pump (26). If required, then also the speed of the high pressure pump (26) is reduced. If the absorption capacity of the filter press (10) again increases, first the speed of the high pressure pump (26) is raised again to its former value and, if necessary, subsequently the speed of the filling pump (20) is increased again.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile sludge handling apparatus which comprises first, second and third vehicles (2, 3, 4) which are coupled together to form a composite mobile unit. The first vehicle (2) carries a sludge-pump unit (5), and the second vehicle (3) carries a filter unit (6) which is arranged to receive sludge pumped thereto from the first vehicle (2) and to separate-out solid material from the sludge. The third vehicle (4) carries a conveyor unit (7) which is arranged to receive separated-out solid material from the second vehicle (3) and to convey such material to a discharge point for the apparatus.

Abstract: A control system has been invented for feeding settled sludge to two filter presses without the use of a surge tank. The system provides for constant feed rates from a solids settling tank, even as filter press capacity decays and the filter press is taken off stream for dumping. This is accomplished by providing two modes of operation. The first mode provides for the feeding of a single filter press. The second mode provides control when both filter presses are fed. The second mode is actuated by elevated pressure differential across a filter press, which signals the valve to move, to bring a second filter press on line while compensating for flow rate and finally shuts down the first filter press after a timed interval.The need for a surge drum is eliminated by maintaining continuous upstream and downstream operation of the filter presses in a sludge dewatering process.

Abstract: In order to enlarge the size of the filter plates of a plate filter press without prejudicing the handling of the filter plates, an additional filter plate is arranged beneath each filter plate and is connected to this uppermost filter plate by members, such as by articulated connecting elements. Suspension and guide means are provided only for the uppermost filter plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a primary filter press to insure the attainment of a desired quality cake in the press including a conduit for feeding a slurry or composition to the filter press, transducers responsive to the volume of slurry delivered to the filter press, the rate of flow, the pressure at the inlet to the press and the characteristics of the slurry solids for producing electric signals proportional thereto, relating at least certain of the signals to compute a quantity K indicative of the quality of the cake being formed in the press when the pressure to the filter press attains 90% of the terminal pressure and modifying the characteristics of the slurry to achieve the desired volume of K. The invention further comprehends the use of a pilot filter press of significantly smaller size than the primary press and fed by the same slurry and operated in the same manner.

Abstract: To equalize the precoat application over the length of the filter press and/or over the height of each filter cloth, the drainage of at least a part of the carrier medium occurs at at least one, and preferably at a plurality of regularly distributed, drainage points located between the ends of the filter press, and preferably at a throttled rate, so that a pressure is built up in the filter chambers. At least one filter plate, and preferably a plurality of filter plates arranged at regular intervals, is provided with additional drainage orifices for the carrier medium at the upper end thereof with such additional drainage orifices being connected by flexible hoses to one or more filtrate-collecting pipes. The total cross-sectional area of all of these additional drainage orifices is smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the filtrate drainage channels used during filtration.

Abstract: An upwardly opening tank including interconnected opposite side and end walls and a first stationary filter head therein is provided. A second head is mounted in the tank and is shiftable toward and away from the stationary head for clamping a plurality of filter frames between the heads. The stationary head includes inlet and outlet passages for inlet and outlet flow of fluid to be filtered and a downwardly opening cover is provided for the tank including interconnected opposite side and end walls. A lift frame swingably supports the cover from the tank for forward and downward swinging of the cover into closed position and upward and rearward swinging of the cover toward an open position with the cover disposed in a forwardly and downwardly opening attitude.

Abstract: A sludge de-watering plant has a plurality of filter presses connected in parallel with at least two low-pressure pumps delivering a high rate of sludge for rapid filling of the presses and at least two high-pressure pumps substantially effecting the filtration. A particular pipe system is associated with each of the low-pressure and high-pressure pumps with the pipe systems being connected to the individual filter presses for mutually independent delivery. Control means mutually controls the pumps in the two pipe systems independently by the relevant pressure in the pipe systems.

Abstract: Method of filtering wherein the filtration rate of and/or consumption rate of filter aid for difficultly filterable slurries is reduced for a plate and frame filter press having alternate solid plates supporting filter means, e.g. a composite clothpaper media and hollow frames for accumulation of filter aid and adapted for compression between a fixed half end plate and a movable half end plate by provision within said press of a chamber immediately adjacent to said movable half end plate, said chamber provided with at least one filtrate input and the sole means for exit of the filtrate from said press.

Abstract: A plate filter press has a plurality of filter plates forming a filter plate stack having opposite ends; an overhead guide carrier supporting the filter plates for individual displacement thereof in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate filter press; a longitudinally displaceable head plate arranged at one end of the filter plate stack and having a support face arranged for engaging face-to-face the filter plate stack; an end plate arranged at the other end of the filter plate stack and unshiftably supported on the guide carrier; a power device attached to the head plate; and pull rods attached to the end plate and to the power device for urging, by the power device, the end plate and the head plate towards one another for pressing the filter plates to one another in the closed state of the plate filter press.

Abstract: A filter cloth washing device for a filter press, wherein wash water is sprayed on filter cloths trained about rollers positioned below the filter plates. In the device, wash water supply pipes having a plurality of spraying nozzles run parallel to the rollers, and have coupling means on at least one of their ends. Each coupling means has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of its respective water supply pipe, first and second communication ports and flexible pressure hoses for connecting neighboring coupling means to each other. The connection between neighboring coupling means is such that the first communication port of one coupling means is connected by a flexible pressure hose to the first communication port in another coupling means upstream and its second communication port is connected by another flexible pressure hose to the second communication port of yet another coupling means downstream.

Abstract: A filter press for filtering a slurry in which there are a plurality of filter frames movable toward and away from each other and in which at least one movable pressure plate is positioned between each pair of filter frames. The pressure plate and filter frames form a filter chamber on each side of the pressure plate. This pressure plate is a combination of a partition plate positioned between the filter frames and frame members on opposite sides of the partition plate adjacent the filter frames. The frame members and filter frames have an open space thereinbetween which defines the filter chamber. The pressure plate also has a plurality of diaphragm members, one member on each side of the partition plate between the frame member and the partition plate. The diaphragm members and the partition plate have interstices thereinbetween.

Abstract: A sludge supply device for a single type filter press, wherein a sludge feeding nozzle is fitted in a recess in a side wall of a filter plate, with a filter cloth interposed therebetween, comprising a sludge supply pipe connected to said sludge feeding nozzle and at least two supporting rods carrying said sludge supply pipe and pivotally mounted on a retaining means attached to the side wall of the filter plate, said retaining means, said sludge supply pipe and said at least two supporting rods constituting a parallelogrammatical link mechanism, thereby maintaining said sludge feeding nozzle in a generally constant direction during the movement thereof. This invention facilitates the discharge of cake removed from the filter cloths and ensures smooth travelling of each filter cloth and easy washing thereof.

Abstract: In a filter press having filter frames arranged parallel to each other so that they may be opened and closed, a liquid-feed metallic member, positioned at a side portion of the filter frame for feeding liquid to be processed to each filter chamber formed between adjacent filter frames, is fixedly secured to one of two links pivotably mounted with pins onto the respective adjacent filter frames in such manner that in response to opening and closing of the filter frames the liquid-feed metallic member may be automatically engaged with and disengaged from recessed portions of the filter frames. These recessed portions communicate with said filter chamber via filter cloths.

Abstract: A plate filter press has a plurality of filter plates arranged in a face-to-face series and mounted to be movable towards and away from one another in the longitudinal direction of the filter press. The latter further has a closing device carried by a closing yoke mounted to be movable in the longitudinal direction; a pressure plate disposed at one end of the filter plate series and connected to the closing yoke and mounted to be movable in the longitudinal direction; and an end plate disposed at the other end of the filter plate series. The closing device, when energized, presses the filter plates by the closing yoke and the pressure plate to one another and against the end plate. The end plate is pivotally and linearly displaceably supported to allow its angular displacement with respect to the longitudinal direction and to further allow its shifting in the longitudinal direction.