Tech Team · Kintek Solution

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Updated 6 months ago

What is the difference between chamber and membrane filter press? Key Insights for Optimal Filtration

Chamber and membrane filter presses are both widely used in solid-liquid separation processes, but they differ significantly in design, functionality, and application. Chamber filter presses consist of alternating plates and frames that create chambers for filtration, while membrane filter presses incorporate flexible membranes that can be inflated to apply additional pressure for enhanced dewatering. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the nature of the slurry, required dryness of the cake, and operational efficiency. Below, we explore the key differences and applications of these two types of filter presses.

Key Points Explained:

1. Design and Structure:

   • Chamber Filter Press: This type consists of alternating plates and frames that form chambers where the slurry is pumped. The filter cloth is placed over the plates, and the slurry fills the chambers, allowing liquid to pass through while retaining solids.
   • Membrane Filter Press: Similar to chamber filter presses, but with the addition of flexible membranes on the plates. These membranes can be inflated with air or water after the initial filtration to apply additional pressure, squeezing out more liquid from the filter cake.

2. Filtration Efficiency:

   • Chamber Filter Press: Effective for basic filtration needs, producing a filter cake with moderate dryness. It is suitable for applications where high dryness is not critical.
   • Membrane Filter Press: Offers higher filtration efficiency due to the additional pressure applied by the membranes. This results in a drier filter cake, making it ideal for applications requiring high dryness levels.

3. Operational Flexibility:

   • Chamber Filter Press: Generally simpler to operate and maintain, with fewer moving parts. It is often manually operated in smaller, lab-scale setups.
   • Membrane Filter Press: More complex due to the inclusion of membranes and the need for a system to inflate them. This complexity can lead to higher maintenance requirements but provides greater operational flexibility in achieving desired dryness levels.

4. Applications:

   • Chamber Filter Press: Commonly used in industries where moderate filtration is sufficient, such as wastewater treatment, chemical processing, and food and beverage production.
   • Membrane Filter Press: Preferred in industries requiring high dryness levels, such as mining, metallurgy, and sludge dewatering. The ability to achieve a drier cake can reduce disposal costs and improve handling.

5. Cost Considerations:

   • Chamber Filter Press: Typically less expensive due to its simpler design and lower maintenance needs. It is a cost-effective solution for basic filtration requirements.
   • Membrane Filter Press: Higher initial and maintenance costs due to the additional components and complexity. However, the improved filtration efficiency can lead to cost savings in terms of reduced disposal and handling expenses.

6. Durability and Material:

   • Both types of filter presses are often constructed from stainless steel, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. This is particularly important in lab-scale applications where lab filter press units need to withstand frequent use and harsh chemicals.

7. Volume Capacity:

   • Chamber Filter Press: Suitable for low to moderate volume capacities, making it ideal for laboratory and small-scale industrial applications.
   • Membrane Filter Press: Can handle larger volumes due to its enhanced dewatering capabilities, but still available in smaller sizes for lab use.

By understanding these key differences, users can make informed decisions when selecting between chamber and membrane filter presses based on their specific needs and operational requirements.

Summary Table:

Feature Chamber Filter Press Membrane Filter Press Design Plates and frames form chambers Includes flexible membranes for pressure Filtration Efficiency Moderate dryness High dryness with additional pressure Operational Complexity Simple to operate and maintain More complex, higher maintenance Applications Wastewater, chemical, food industries Mining, metallurgy, sludge dewatering Cost Lower initial and maintenance costs Higher costs, but improved efficiency Volume Capacity Low to moderate Larger volumes, also available in small sizes

Need help choosing the right filter press? Contact our experts today for personalized advice!

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Why Do We Choose Membrane Filter Presses?

Vishal Patel 21 April

A Brief Introduction To Filter Press

A filter press is used to separate liquids and solids by using the pressure filtration method when put in simple words. A slurry is forced inside the filter press equipment, and water comes rushing out from it due to pressure. The method of filter press has been used since the mid-s in many industries such as wastewater, chemicals, cosmetics, industrial, pharmaceutical, metals, and mining. Filter press selection is based on its volume and the variety of slurry that needs to be dehydrated. NMP is one of the largest filter press manufacturers in India. NMP provides you with different categories of filter press selection based on your needs and demands for economical dewatering.

Why use a membrane filter press selection?

Simple filter press types take around four hours to fill. However, the actual time depends on the solid loading capacity and the type of slurry forced down in the press. A membrane filter press can reduce the cycle time by approximately 50% and, in some cases, as much as 75% depending upon the solid loading capacity and the type of slurry.

Working Principle Of The Membrane Filter Press Selection

In the case of metal hydroxide sludge, a quality membrane filter presses when plates that give a 32mm cake thickness usually take four hours to fill. The unit is usually 80% complete after two hours. Because of high pressure, resistance starts building up, and the diaphragm pump slows down to a great extent.

If you want a faster unit to get your press back up and running, you should always choose a membrane filter press. A membrane filter press is similar to a standard filter press, except that the area present between the plates has membranes to compress out all the extra water from the slurry. A filter press with all membrane plates can be costly. However, a diversified pack can be less costly and more economical. Each chamber has one membrane plate in the diversified pack that will blow up, causing the compress action in opposition to a solid recessed plate. When the filter press is at its 80% capacity (which is determined by past information or the timing of the diaphragm pump), it is the perfect time to blow up the membrane diaphragms for the extra compression.

How Is The Membrane Filter Press Inflated?

The most secure way to blow up the membrane filter press selection is to use water in place of air. If air is used to blow up a membrane filter plate and breakage is experienced, you will risk plastic breaking, which can be extremely harmful. However, when water is used, and any tear is experienced, you will only have a water leak which is safer and easy to control. A tank and pump are employed to fill the membrane with water using manifold piping. Manifold piping is stainless, PVC, or steel (it depends on its application), and flexible tubing is used to join the manifold to the plates. In the membrane filter press selection, water fills the membranes during the compressing process, and once it is done, it is pulled back into the water tank for reuse.

Uses of Filter Press Selection

Can Handle Distinguished Sludges

A filter press selection is used to treat particular sludges, such as sludge such as railway, oil, and sludge fabricated by handling wastewater with diatomite.

Economical Energy Costs

In a standard filter press selection, the cost of energy and water consumption is lower than in other types of equipment. At NMP, our filter press selection is equipped with the latest technological advancements that give you exact results. When chances of error are reduced, your energy consumption will automatically get reduced to a great extent. Many industries are now looking for more energy-efficient and green technology due to our responsibility towards our mother earth.

Do Not Take Much Space

With the advent of new technology and advancements, a standard filter press selection will not take much of your space. At NMP, we produce filter presses designed to take only half of your storage spaces.

Long Operational Life

Our filter press selection provides you with a long operational life. They do not easily malfunction. At NMP, we provide high-strength and short-length filter belts. Due to this feature, our filtration belt has a long operational life and functions steadily. In addition, our filter press types have high-strength stainless steel bearings instead of carbon steel bearings. The high-strength stainless steel bearings reduce the chance of corrosion and increase the operational capacity of your filter press by 10 years.

Easy To Use And Operate

Our filter press is designed so that even an ordinary worker can use it. Moreover, they are easy to operate due to their simple structure and structured design.

Reduces Your Filtration Time

Our filter press selection is designed in such a way that it reduces your filtration time to a great extent. They are equipped with automated belt wash, and the total taken in scraping the plates is lessened considerably. Since a lot of time gets saved here, you get ample time for other manual operations. Furthermore, the filter press design with its vertically stacked chambers provides it with a lot of flexibility.

Increases Efficiency Of The Filter Press Process

Even if the filter press cannot completely separate the liquids from solids, it, however, reduces the possibility of any mistake in the entire process. The possibility of error reduction provides you with a safer and highly efficient procedure. In addition, our filter press uses only a few raw materials and helps you reduce your overall operating cost. At NMP, we provide you with the filter press selection equipped with modern technological advancements that give you a highly accurate and precise result.