Abstract: A filter plate which is formed in a molding operation and comprises an outer frame with integrally formed, relatively thin chamber forming walls or skins and which has an injected foam interior core. The filter plate is substantially constructed of plastic materials which are capable of being molded and thereby provides excellent heat transfer characteristics to the slurry which is being separated through the filter plate. The plate is capable of being expanded, much in the same manner as a diaphragm plate in order to improve separation characteristics, but provides excellent heat transfer characteristics and avoids the attendant disadvantages of a conventional diaphragm plate. An accessory in the nature of a filter screen having a unique construction and a method of making a unique filter screen is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastic membrane filter, in particular for filtration of mash, has a lower feed pipe and a second or upper feed pipe passing through the filter elements at a location opposite the lower feed pipe, the upper feed pipe being connected of the lower feed pipe so that it is fed with liquid to be filtered from the downstream end of the lower feed pipe and flowing in the opposite direction to the liquid in the lower feed pipe, a pipe connecting the lower and the upper feed pipes.

Abstract: A membrane apparatus includes a bubble supplying portion for supplying micro bubbles which is provided at a location in the vicinity of the entrance of a flow passage for raw liquid. Thus, the growth of a gel layer on a membrane surface can be prevented, and a large filtering amount can be maintained while preventing sludge from blocking the membrane. Moreover, since bubbles uniformly pass through the inter-membrane passages, sludge blocking can be evenly prevented over the entire surface of the membrane. When a flat membrane is used as the filtering membrane, there is provided an advantage of reducing the frequency of work for disassembling the frame and cleaning the membranes. A membrane treatment apparatus includes the membrane apparatus, an aeration apparatus, a circulating tank, and a filtrate pump.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a stacked, permeable membrane assembly, comprising two clamping plates with spaced, permeable membrane assemblies between them on a simplified frame. Each membrane assembly includes a membrane support means, conveniently a rigid screen, covered by a pair of membranes. The frame is designed to retain the membrane-covered support in internal grooves. Additional membrane support plates and sealing collars are not required.

Abstract: A filter element, for use in a plate filter press for example, includes a membrane supported from a plate and captured, about the periphery of an opening in the plate, by a clamping ring which locates a shaped edge bead on the membrane in a complementary shaped groove in the plate. The clamping ring has a bearing surface, which contacts a surface of the membrane edge bead which is oppositely disposed with respect to the portion thereof which cooperates with the groove in the plate, having an angle of inclination with respect to the plane of the plate which directs forces produced by pressure induced expansion of the membrane to the clamping ring in a generally radial direction with respect to the axis of the opening in the plate.

Abstract: A filter-plate assembly has a backing wall having an outwardly directed face and formed with an annular groove opening outward at the face and of a predetermined transverse width and a filter plate adjacent the wall and having an outer peripheral frame set in the groove and of a width substantially less than the width of the groove so as to define therewith an outwardly open annular gap. A generally planar central panel within the frame has a back face turned toward and forming a compartment with the wall and a front face turned away from the wall and adapted to be overlain by a filter cloth. A retaining bar is set in the space and braced transversely between the frame of the element and the backing wall.

Abstract: A filter element has a carrier plate with a mounting groove which extends around a filter chamber recess. A filter cloth blank, which covers this recess, has a mounting frame which is formed on and sits in the mounting groove. The filter cloth is thus positioned easily, quickly and in a crease-free manner on the carrier plate and a liquid barrier is thus obtained at the edge of the filter cloth blank.

Abstract: A filtration cassette, of a type comprising membrane filter sheets arranged in a peripherally bonded array of multilaminate character wherein the filter sheets alternate with foraminous (e.g., screen or mesh) sheet members, ribbed retentate sheet members, and a cross-flow filter comprising a multiplicity of stacked filtration cassettes of such type. The filtration cassettes and filter of the invention may be advantageously employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A filter press plate shifter assembly (21) provided with a shifter housing (22) having a tunnel-like center part which passes over the filter plates and housing parts positioned adjacent opposite side rails (14). Each side housing part mounts a pneumatic plate shifter (41) for permitting the endmost plate in the closed stack to be individually and sequentially shifted away from the stack into an open position when discharge of filtrate is desired. The shifter housing mounts a bumping device (61) which cooperates with the endmost plate in the stack to effect vertical bumping thereof relative to the support rails to assist in loosening sticky cake which adheres to the plate. The shifter housing also mounts an air-assist discharge mechanism (62) which includes a nozzle-bearing head assembly (80, 80') which moves vertically downwardly between the opposed faces of an open pair of adjacent plates for discharging airstreams downwardly against the plates to assist in removing the sticky cake from the plates.

Abstract: Membrane disk assemblies include membrane disks which have feed and residue apertures formed through and bounded entirely by a perimetrical edge region of the disk. Preferably, the feed and residue apertures are formed though a fluid-impermeable support rim positioned in the perimetrical edge region of the membrane disk which serves to sealably bond the exterior membrane sheets and at least one interposed permeate carrier sheet one to another. Most preferably, the support rim includes inwardly directed lobes through which the feed and residue apertures are formed. The membrane disks will also include a central permeate aperture in fluid communication with the carrier sheet interposed between the pair of membrane sheets. When a number of such membrane disks are assembled in stacked relationship with the feed, residue and central permeate apertures registered, there will be formed respective feed, residue and permeate passageways through the stack.

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solid materials from liquid materials in a slurry fluid. The apparatus includes separable plate members (12, 14) that are pressed against each other to form a filter chamber (10) . The plates have mating surfaces (34, 54) and hollow interior portions that create the chamber. A filter medium (28) is placed between the mating surfaces before the plates are closed. The apparatus includes means for forcing wash fluids, liquids or gasses through the slurry to force the fluids from the slurry and to produce a dry filter cake of the solids. After the filtration has been completed, the plates are separated leaving the filter cake on the filter medium and the filter medium is advanced out of the filter chamber moving a clean filter medium between the open filter plates. Another filter operation them proceeds. The filter medium is cleaned outside of the filter apparatus and can be prepared for reuse.

Abstract: A membrane plate for a filter press includes a plate member composed of a plate wall having a peripheral region provided with a plate wall groove and a plate frame surrounding the plate wall. A flexible press membrane is disposed adjacent at least one side of the plate wall and a holding frame covers a membrane edge bead received in the plate wall groove. A connecting arrangement secures the holding frame to the plate frame and permits transverse movement of the holding frame with respect to the plate wall. The connecting arrangement includes a continuous peripheral groove in the plate frame and a continuous, elastic member supported on the holding frame. The elastic member projects from the holding frame and is received by the continuous peripheral groove.

Abstract: A filtration membrane module submerged with processed liquid in the processing tank. Plural plate-like, rigid membrane cartridges are vertically placed in parallel to each other as properly spaced from the adjoining membrane cartridges. The cleaning stream generating means for supplying a flow parallel to the membrane surfaces of the membrane cartridges opposes the gaps between the membrane cartridges opposite to each other. The sucking means for sucking the permeated liquid in each membrane cartridge is communicated with each passage of permeated liquid in each membrane cartridge. The membrane supporting plate for retaining the filtration membrane of the membrane cartridge is made hollow using a rigid structure member.

Abstract: A filter belt movement control and belt treatment means for a pressure filter apparatus. The movement control includes a marking means in or on the filter belt medium and a sensing means on the filter apparatus. The sensing means detecting the position of the marking means in or on the belt filter medium and adapted to signal a controller for control of the position of the belt filter medium within the apparatus. The treatment means including cleaning, bathing and coating means for treating the belt filter medium and vibratory means for operation with the treating means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter carrier 1 for the construction of a filter tower 9. To simplify the construction on the whole, the invention provides for a seal which is arranged on the pressure-exerting plate of the filter carrier and comprises a sealing edge for sealing between the pressure-exerting plate and. the side wall of a filter carrier positioned thereunder, as well as a sealing collar for sealing and retaining the distributor element on the pressure-exerting plate.

Abstract: The present invention refers to filtering method and a filter device for filtering liquids, especially beverages. The filtering method and the filter device are to be reliable and simple without any negative influence on the quality of the filtrate. A filter is produced in a precoating station by precoating with a filter aid, the filters being then removed from the precoating station together with the filter carriers and introduced into a filtering station, where they are stacked up like a tower and pressed together.

Abstract: A plate filter press includes a plurality of face-to-face arranged filter plates movable into open and closed positions. Any two adjoining filter plates together define a filter chamber bounded by a continuous, raised sealing edge carried on at least one of the two adjoining filter plates. Separate heavy liquid intake members constituted by tubular bars are in fluid communication with each filter chamber. The sealing edges are provided with a respective recess extending in a longitudinal direction of the sealing edges. The tubular bars extend in the longitudinal direction and are sealingly received in the respective recesses in the closed position. Each tubular bar has a liquid outlet opening, and each sealing edge is provided with a transverse liquid passage situated between the recess and the filter chamber.

Abstract: A beer filtering device of a filter press type for filtering a beer stock. The beer filter device includes a plurality of filter plates (4) and a plurality of filter frames (6) arranged side by side in alternate relationship to each other. A filter element (28) is supported to each filter plate (4). A stock line (66) for supplying a beer stock and a filtrate line (68) for discharging a filtrate of the beer stock are so formed as to penetrate through the filter plates and the filter frames in the thickness direction thereof. The stock line and the filtrate line are sealed by a plurality of stock line seals (48) and a plurality of filtrate line seals (74), respectively, each interposed between the filter plate and the filter frame adjacent to each other in a filtering step. A plurality of washer liquid seals (76) are provided outside the stock line seals and the filtrate line seals in such a manner that each washer liquid seal is interposed between the filter plate and the filter frame adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A filtration cassette, of a type comprising membrane filter sheets arranged in a peripherally bonded array of multilaminate character wherein the filter sheets alternate with foraminous (e.g., screen or mesh) sheet elements, and a cross-flow filter comprising a multiplicity of stacked filtration cassettes of such type. The filtration cassettes and filter of the invention may be advantageously employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A filter press plate shifter assembly provided with a shifting housing having a tunnel-like center part which passes over the filter plates and housing parts positioned adjacent opposite side rails. The housing parts are rollingly supported on rods which extend along the side rails. One housing part mounts a rotary pneumatic motor and a drive roller which drivingly engages the rod to control movement of the shifter assembly along the press. Each side housing part mounts a pneumatic plate shifter for permitting the endmost plate in the closed stack to be individually and sequentially shifted away from the stack into an open position when discharge of filtrate is desired. The shifter housing mounts a bumping device which cooperates with the endmost plate in the stack to effect vertical bumping thereof relative to the support rails to assist in loosening sticky cake which adheres to the plate.

Abstract: A partition plate for multiple-stage adsorption separator includes a planar body member having opposing external surfaces and a peripheral edge with conduits providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces and different points on the peripheral edge. Each of the opposing surfaces is provided with a peripheral rim and covered with a perforated plate whereby an open chamber is defined between the body member and a perforated plate at each of the external faces.

Abstract: A depth filtration method employing a depth filter media sheet, a method of forming the depth filter media sheet and the structure of the depth filter media sheet are described wherein the depth filter media sheet is formed from a wet strength layer and a filter septum layer, the filter septum layer being substantially thicker than the wet strength layer and being formed as a matrix from at least one fiber selected to provide substantial loft and pore structure throughout the filter depth of the filter septum layer, the wet strength layer and the filter septum layer being arranged adjacent each other and preferably bonded together with a lateral surface of the filter septum layer being substantially totally exposed for receiving fluid to be filtered with the porous matrix of the filter septum layer being available to receive and capture particulate solids from the fluid, the filter septum layer also preferably including a second fiber or additional fibers selected in combination with the first fiber for defin

Abstract: A filter apparatus and method is disclosed for separating solid materials from liquid materials in a slurry fluid. The apparatus includes separable plate members that are pressed against each other to form a filter chamber. The plates have mating surfaces and hollow interior portions that create the chamber. A filter medium is placed between the mating surfaces before the plates are closed. The apparatus includes means for forcing wash fluids, liquids or gasses through the slurry to force the fluids from the slurry and to produce a dry filter cake of the solids. After the filtration has been completed, the plates are separated leaving the filter cake on the filter medium and the filter medium is advanced out of the filter chamber moving a clean filter medium between the open filter plates. Another filter operation them proceeds. The filter medium is cleaned outside of the filter apparatus and can be prepared for reuse.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to a novel method of recycling gelatin-based encapsulation waste material and, more specifically, to a process for the recovery and purification of gelatin and softening agents therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, deionized water is added to the waste material thereby forming an aqueous solution of gelatin and glycerine dispersed within the remaining oil and residual active-ingredient components of the waste material. Extraction methods are employed under specific conditions to effect separation of the bottom aqueous phase from the upper oil phase. The lower phase is hot filtered to remove any remaining traces of oil or other contaminants and the filtrate is then charged to a concentration vessel adapted for vacuum distillation. The water solvent is thus removed under specific thermal and atmospheric conditions until the desired concentration of gelatin and glycerine is achieved.

Abstract: A screening arrangement is disclosed for protecting the pump compartment of a tank from the entrance of debris including a holder frame mounted in the tank, slidably receiving therein a pair of screens aligned with each other. The outside screen is removed for cleaning, replaced behind the other screen after cleaning to provide constant protection. A debris collecting trough is provided at the bottom of each screen. A ramp located at the bottom of the holder frame assists in indexing of the other screen as the cleaned screen is removed.

Abstract: A spiral filtering device disposed within a frame consisting of two draw bars and two end pieces. The spiral filter consists of at least one spiral plate and at least two support plates with attached filter plates inserted between two end plates. On each of their plane machined surfaces, the spiral plates have a spiral groove of approximately semicircular cross-section. In addition, each surface of the spiral plate has a round depression with a boss in the shape of the bottom of a bottle. The groove is surrounded by a circular channel which is also recessed. The helicity of both grooves on the surfaces of the spiral plates is the same. The outer ends of the grooves are interconnected by a drilled channel at a shallow angle to the surface of the spiral plate. The inner ends of the grooves are connected to their respective recesses by a drilled channel running substantially parallel to the surface of the spiral plate.

Abstract: A filter plate having a flow channel area on its main top surface, and liquid distribution and collection basins, each of polygonal shape, on its main bottom surface. Liquid inlet and discharge trough openings extend through the plate adjacent the respective distribution and collection basins, to commnicate the basins on the main bottom surface of the plate with the flow channel area on the main top surface thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposedly facing pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow patterns which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element support which may be usefully employed in the filter.

Abstract: A plate filter press for the mechanical separation of solids from a liquid forming a suspension. The plate filter press is made of a plurality of vertical membrane plates and filter plates, the membrane plates and filter plates alternating. The space between the membrane plates and filter plates defines a filter chamber, which can be opened by moving the plates apart. An impermeable and flexible membrane is positioned in the filter chamber and is sealed to the periphery of the membrane plate. The space between the membrane and the membrane plate defines a pressure medium chamber for receiving pressure medium. The space between the membrane and the filter plate defines a suspension chamber for receiving the suspension. Finally, a woven metal fabric filter is positioned on each side of the filter plate. Both the filter plates and the woven metal fabric filters are planar. Liquid from the suspension is discharged through the woven metal fabric filter toward the interior of the filter plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a feed liquid into a concentrate and a permeate fraction by membrane filtration comprises an array of cassette frames (1-5) separated by intermediate plates (10). The array is adapted to be clamped together in its longitudinal direction and loosened, as required, to remove any selected cassette frame. Each cassette frame (1-5) contains a filtration unit (6) comprising a stack of membranes, in which a first flow passage system is provided which connects two free zones (7,8) within the cassette frame, said free zones being so connected as to establish a series or parallel or combined series and parallel flow from a feed liquid inlet (25) to a concentrate outlet (25). In each stack of membranes a second system of flow passages is also provided, which is isolated from said first system and serves to conduct permeate penetrated through the membranes to at least one separate outlet (9) from each filtration unit (6).

Abstract: A filter plate for use in a press for separating cocoa butter from cocoa paste includes a plate body having an inlet surface facing the paste, and an outlet surface in which a spiral collection channel is formed. A plurality of holes extends through the body between the inlet and outlet surfaces. The holes communicate with, and are spaced along, the spiral collection channel.

Abstract: A pressing diaphragm and a pressing filter plate of a compression type filter press in which a surface of a main body of a pressing filter plate is covered with the pressing diaphragm, include: a projection member provided on the surface; and a projection member mounting member capable of contacting the main body, provided in a rear surface at a position corresponding to the projection member, and for mounting the projection member thereon with a fixture. The projection member has a plurality of pillar portions mounted on the projection member mounting member and fitted in a through-hole of the pressing diaphragm, a mounting hole penetrating through each of the pillar portions, and a long connecting plate portion for connecting the pillar portions with each other and regulating expansion of the pressing diaphragm fitted into a periphery of the pillar portions.

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: A filter press according to the present invention comprises tension bearing means which are mounted on the filter plates respectively and which prevent movements of the forward ends of the filter cloths to bear the tensions for drawing out the forward ends of the filter cloths from the cloth reservoir means when the distance between the filter plates is decreased to bring the filter plates adjacent to each other into contact with each other, so that the tensions of the filter cloths are not applied to the drawing means when the distance between the filter plates is decreased. Therefore, attitudes of the filter plates are not changed by the tensions of the filter cloths and the filter plates can be brought into intimate contact with each other with constant pressure therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the separation of filter plates within a filter press is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide track having mounted thereon a slidably reciprocal carriage. The carriage includes at least one pivoted pawl having an abutment space defined thereon for contacting a filter plate to be transported. The pawl is held in a raised orientation by a resilient spring means. The carriage is driven along the guide track by means of a pressure displaced piston mechanically associated therewith. The piston is housed within a tubular member. Positioned within the tubular member are two pressure chambers, one on each end of the piston. Pressurized fluid is controlledly introduced into one or the other of those chambers to effect a displacement of the piston. The pressure cylinder is of the type generally designated a rodless cylinder.

Abstract: A membrane plate for filter presses including a supporting plate with a clamping rim elevated on both sides, a frame, and a membrane clamped in place between the supporting plate and the frame. The membrane is enclosed inwardly of the clamping rim between two approximately V-shaped diverging contact surfaces of the supporting plate and the frame and is capable of elastic deflection toward both sides of the membrane. To attain a high resistance to continuous stress, the membrane is provided inwardly of the clamping rim with a wavy or undulation zone wherein the undulation or wave crests extend in parallel to the clamping ring. At least one outer undulation or wave crest is enclosed between two contact surfaces, with this wave crest projecting with a back surface thereof into a flaring space defined by the contact surfaces lying in opposition to a pressure medium chamber of the filter press.

Abstract: A pressurized liquid filter in which a series of spaced apart, vertically extending filter plates are mounted between the sides of housing, inflatable hose seals extending across each top entrance and bottom exit. Filter media strips are draped vertically into the spaces, each disposed over a perforated sheet forming the outer layer of either side of each filter plate. The space between each pair of filter plates is subdivided into two filtering chambers by a dual element dewatering diaphragm mounted in a frame disposed centrally in each space. Liquid slurry is introduced into each chamber under pressure, flow induced to pass through the filter media strips and passing into vertical passages in the filter plates and into collection troughs extending along each row of passages.

Abstract: In a filtering device used for filtering slurries, or the like, and employing pressed together plate members separated by a filter media, there has been a problem in sealing the mating surfaces of the pressed together plates. In accord with the present invention a groove is provided on each of the plate members at their mating surfaces with the grooves at least partially aligned with each other. A fluid connection is provided to each of the grooves and a fluid at a desired pressure is separately applied to each of the grooves. The fluid pressures in each of the two grooves is different and selected to prevent leakage of slurry or slurry filtrate between the pressed together plates.

Abstract: A membrane filter plate for filter presses includes either a membrane holding frame or plate having dovetailed recesses; at least one membrane having an associated covering frame; each membrane and covering frame combination having an associated filter cloth and each membrane edge having a dovetailed-shaped projection which engages in corresponding dovetailed recesses of the membrane holding frame or plate wherein each membrane edge is provided with a flute in the dovetailed-shaped projection and the covering frame is provided with a projection at locations corresponding to the flute which engages with the flute.

Abstract: A filter plate having a flow channel area on its main top surface, and liquid distribution and collection basins, each of polygonal shape, on its main bottom surface. Liquid inlet and discharge trough openings extend through the plate adjacent the respective distribution and collection basins, to communicate the basins on the main bottom surface of the plate with the flow channel area on the main top surface thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposedly facing pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow patterns which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element support which may be usefully employed in the filter.

Abstract: The plate filter press is designed for removing water from product and sewage sludges and includes several filter plates displacably suspended on horizontal carriers. Each of the filter plates includes grooves formed thereon leading to outlet openings located in corners of the plates. The grooves are covered by a filter cloth stiffened by a supporting fabric. Each of the corners further includes a stopper inserted into the outlet opening of the corner with each of stopper provided with a plate-like cover member and a through opening to allow filtrate to pass under the cover member and through the outlet opening. The filter cloth and the supporting fabric are secured in relation to the cover member of the stopper such that, in use, the outlet opening of the plate will remain unclogged.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described is a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter. The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: A filter plate arrangement for a filter press which includes a carrier plate, at least one membrane arranged on the side of the carrier plate having spacing ribs for positioning a filter cloth, a sealing edge frame for securing the membrane to the carrier plate with a fluid-tight connection and a chamber plate secured on an outer surface of the sealing edge frame is characterized by an improved design to limit stressing of the membrane as it moves from a filtering phase to a pressing phase. These improvements include the thickness of the frame adjacent an inner peripheral edge being substantially the same as the height of the spacing ribs and the chamber plate having an olique portion extending from the surface at an angle to a center plane of the carrier plate from a line immediately adjacent the peripheral edge so that during the pressing stage, the membrane will not be subjected to extreme bends to cause rupture or tearing thereof.

Abstract: A device for separation of constituents, separable in a filter, from a liquid medium, comprising a stack of a plurality of plate units (10), arranged one after the other, with filters (11) arranged therein. Along the filters there are arranged rotors (24) for scraping off coatings deposited on the filters. Each rotor is mounted on a separate shaft piece (22) arranged in each plate. The shaft pieces are connected to each other by means of connections which can be drawn apart in the stacking direction of the plate units. Defects in the device can be detected in a channel (20) which extends in the stacking direction of the plate units and which is common to liquid having passed through the filter. A defective plate unit can be shut off, while maintaining the separation device in operation, and be replaced without dismantling the entire device (FIG. 7).

Abstract: The invention relates to filter plates of plate filter presses, particularly for freeing sewage sludge from water.The problem of premature failure of the filter cloth is overcome in that the filter cloth is fastened only at some of the support bosses surrounding the central inlet opening and is laid loose over the other bosses. Excessive bulging of the filter cloth when the cake is thrown off is thereby avoided. The filter cloth may be held by a subsequently fastened boss or by a cap engaging over the boss.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly pressing a plurality of flat plate-type structures together comprising a first and second vertical support means, a pair of side rails spaced apart and supported on the support means, the side rails being perpendicular to the support means and adapted to support flat plate-like structures, a plurality of flat plate-like structures with hanger members to slidably and pivotably mount the structures on the side rails, a vertical mobile platen provided with top and bottom hanger members connected to a press means adapted for pressing the mobile platen against and toward the flat plate-type structures to compress them together and retracting the mobile platen from the plate-like structures, the press means comprising at least one coiled spring, a first contactor plate attached to the mobile platen and a second contactor plate attached to a positioning device secured to one of the support means and a first and second guide chamber for directing the positioning device and coiled spring per

Abstract: A filter press has at least one support wall and at least one filter element adjacent the wall and in turn having an outer peripheral frame secured to the wall, a generally planar central panel within the frame and having a back face turned toward and forming a compartment with the wall and a front face turned away from the wall, and a deformable connecting web between the panel and the outer periphery and extending at an acute angle to the plane of the panel. The web and frame form a V-shaped groove having a pair of flanks. A filter cloth overlies the front face and a fluid under pressure can be forced into the compartment to press the panel forward and deform the web such that its flanks meet. The web is formed with thickened ridges extending generally parallel to the adjacent frame.

Abstract: A membrane filter press has a series of filter plates having an imperforate pipped membrane mounted on each side or one side thereof. Inlet ports are provided with a cantilevered retainer which support adjacent portions of the membrane when the membrane is expanded to effect a squeezing of filter cake deposited on filter media carried by pips on the membrane. The retainer may be circular in the case of a center inlet port or linear in the case of a corner inlet port. Corner outlet ports are provided in the filter plate, with the plate having a linear collection groove juxtaposed to an outer edge portion of the membrane so that filtrate flow from around the membrane pips to the collection groove and by passages only in the plate are conveyed to an outlet port. A beaded membrane rib enhances the connection of the membrane in a filter plate groove at a position adjacent to the plate seal face of adjoining filter plates.

Abstract: A filter plate which is longitudinally partitioned between its inlet and outlet ends, and features liquid feed and collection troughs at the respective ends which are of progressively decreasing depth from the medial part of the trough to the extremities thereof. Such plates may be associated in opposed, relatively inverted pairs to form enclosed flow channels characterized by fluid flow rates which are substantially uniform across the full transverse extent of the flow path and which facilitate the utilization of the full areal extent of the filter media employed therewith. Also described in a unitary filter element which may be usefully employed in the filter.The filter of the invention may be highly efficiently employed for dewatering of aqueous biomass suspensions, desalting of proteins, removal of secreted metabolites from cellular suspensions, and the like.

Abstract: Membrane filter plate for a filter press or the like with a carrier plate, at least one membrane arranged on one side of the carrier plate and preferably provided with spacing cams or the like for applying a filter cloth or the like and a sealing edge surrounding the carrier plate and membrane and interconnecting them in a substantially flow medium-tight manner, the peripheral surface or surfaces of said sealing edge parallel to the carrier plate median plane being arranged in the unloaded normal position thereof on the side having the membrane or on either side of the carrier plate, while being spaced from the membrane plane, wherein the contact surface of the carrier plate facing the membrane runs towards the carrier plate median plane in a transition area located between the connecting line of the membrane with the sealing edge and the central area of the carrier plate, in which it extends parallel to said central plate median plane.

Abstract: A pressure device for machines for dewatering or filtering of suspensions, sludges or the like or for material to be pressed for the exertion of surface pressure on at least one circulating pressure belt which can be provided for supporting an equally circulating filter belt, which pressure device consists of an essentially completely hollow pressure bladder in the form of a closed frame in particular of essentially quadrangular shape viewed in top view of the pressure belt, which pressure bladder is subjectable to pressure medium and forms a very small, self-adjusting gap on the edge.