Sludge Dewatering Guide

Chamber Filter Press Feed

What is a chamber filter press?

A chamber filter press is a machine for separating sludges, slurry or fluids containing solids into solid ‘cake’ and liquid ‘filtrate’ parts. A filter press machine is commonly used in the treatment of waste and by-products in the food, chemical, mining and pharmaceutical industries. The cake and filtrate can be recycled back into the process, sold off for further processing or disposed of more economically.

Examples of industries utilising a chamber filter press:

• Chemical industry
• Electronics industry
• Hazardous waste remediation
• Oil and petrochemical recovery
• Effluent
• Recovery of heavy metals from production
• Wine, beer and other alcohols
• Kaolin
• Yeast slurry
• Alum sludge
• Run-off from quarries and ceramic production

The process of a chamber filter press in application

As the slurry mixture is filtered, each screen begins to block with solid particles, and the flow is reduced. For the flow to be maintained, a greater amount of pressure is required. During the filtration process, operators stop the process pump and remove the solid build-up or sludge with compressed air. Therefore, the filter press process requires a pumping system that can actively respond to the build-up of pressure in the chamber.

Pump considerations for a chamber filter press

For the pump to withstand the nature of a chamber filter press, considerations must be made for the following:

• The solid and sludge-like nature of the media is often abrasive or corrosive and can harm the internal workings of the pump
• The pump must be seal-less to avoid wear on sensitive pump components
• Customer requirements must be considered. Is it imperative that the pump can deliver a certain flow rate? Or handle varying media?

Choosing the right pump for a chamber filter press

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Verderair - Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps

The Verderair series of AODD pumps have been successfully installed in a wide range of chamber filter press processes. These pumps are designed to provide a constant, non-stalling operation. As the pressure builds, the Verderair pump is self-regulating and will cut out at a predetermined pressure.

The Verderair range are seal-less and can handle abrasive and viscous, sludge-like fluids. The design of the pump also reduces the chance of fluid leaking - keeping the environment, staff and facilities safe.

Other advantages of the Verderair range

• Easy to install, maintain and transport
• Wide range of accessories such as pulsation dampeners, monitors to indicate a failed diaphragm, solenoid valve for remote operation and stroke counter
• Can run dry
• No air lubrication required
• Up to 16 par pressure and L/min flow

Verderflex peristaltic hose pumps

Another type of pump suitable for chamber filter press is the range of Verderflex peristaltic hose pumps. There are no valves, seals or glands - making them inexpensive to maintain, with the only maintenance item being the hose.

Other advantages of a Verderflex hose pump

• Can run-dry - as the hose creates a powerful self-priming action allowing the pump to move the fluid through
• Capable of pumping slurries containing up to 80% inorganic solids, or 15% organic sludge - which is the composition often found in filter press applications.
• Reversible pumping capabilities - therefore can be used to empty lines or clear blockages
• Easy to link to a filtrate flow or pressure indicator for easy operator use
• Cost efficient to run

SlurryPro centrifugal slurry pumps

The SlurryPro slurry pumps are another great choice of pump for filter press feed, due to the ability of be able to vary the speed, to maintain the required pressure. It is recommended to use the hard metal lined pumps and oversized bearing housing to allow for the extra hydraulic power, if required.

For more information on the wide range of pumps suitable for chamber filter press, chat to a Global Pumps team member. Our team can discuss your application, requirements and advise of the best pumping system for you. With over 40 years’ experience, you are in safe hands.