How does a filter press work?

A filter press works by pumping slurry into the machine so that the solids are evenly distributed during the fill cycle. The solids accumulate on the filter cloth, forming a filter cake; the filtrate flows out of the filter plates through the angle ports and into the manifold, producing clean filtered water. A filter press is a pressure filtration method, so as the pressure from the filter press feed pump increases, solids build up within the chamber until the chamber is completely filled with solids, forming a filter cake. Once the chamber is full, the cycle is complete and the filter cake can be released. In many of the larger capacity filter presses, fast-acting automatic plate shifters are employed to speed up cycle times. Some filter presses are specifically designed for fully automatic, 24-hour operation in harsh environments, such as mines or chemical manufacturing plants.