The processing and separation of minerals has existed for many millennia. During the industrial revolution the “Plate and Frame Filter Press” was first patented in the United Kingdom however, it was not deemed a practical tool due to limitations with the engineering. The plate and frame filter press did not become a fully operational piece of equipment until new models were invented over the late 1950’s in Japan. This modern remodeling significantly improved upon the separation process of solids and liquids and continues to be highly utilized within the mineral processing industry to this very day.
The following article plays the role of a guide for those interested in purchasing a Plate and Frame Filter Press from Surplus Record and it will assist you with your search throughout our broad catalog of presses for sale. We shall cover: how plate and frame filter presses work, some handy tips and tricks for the search process, along with important things to keep in mind when searching for the most suitable plate and frame filter presses for your project.
Most Popular Types of Plate and Frame Filter Presses:
Our most popular types of Filter Presses found within our catalog include Leaf and Press Type, Plate and Frame Filter and the Cartridge and Bag.
These 3 different variants are all regularly used within the mineral processing and separation industries. They do however, vary with their range of practicality from job to job. Understanding which press is more practical for different types of jobs will assist you in the process of choosing a used industrial filter press that will suit you best.
Leaf and Press Type
Our first type of filter press functions by filtering a dirty liquid/solid (slurry) combination through a pressure vessel containing between 10-60 leaves. These filter leaves are usually made from stainless steel wire mesh or a textile cover and can filter the substance from either direction. Before the substance is processed through the vessel, a precoat is applied to the substance to assist with the filtration process.
Horizontal and vertical machines are available and prove to be a big advantage when considering storage priorities. For example, an important priority may be that a buyer wishes to consume the least amount of space possible on their property and therefore they would be recommended to explore vertical machines. While for others, accessibility could prove to be more important, therefore a horizontal machine would be ideal. Continuing on, leaf and press types are also great for a huge variety of filtration processes and can be utilized to separate substances within the food-grade, chemical, medicine, petroleum, pharmaceutical and oil industries. They are also safe to use when processing hazardous substances due to the filtration space being entirely confined to the interior of the vessel. Browse through our available range of used plate and frame filter presses (Leaf and Press Types) for sale.
Plate and Frame Filter
The Plate and Frame Filter press type functions similar to the leaf and press type. Firstly, the slurry to be cleaned is pumped into a small entrance hole and passed through a series of frames which catches the solids on the filtration material. The remaining liquid is drained, now filtered, and separated. The process is repeated once the frames are manually cleaned of the solids and replaced.
One advantage of the plate and frame filter system is that the plates are easily interchangeable and can also be exchanged for a variety of different filtration materials, such as filter paper, cloth or mesh. This allows the operator to select the best method of filtration to suit their job at hand. Volume based labor is not a strong point of plate and frame filters, however, this machine is very well suited to jobs requiring a high filtration area. Fully automated presses can be found which increase productivity rates and prove to be ideal for 24/7 operation as required. Have a look through our catalog of used plate and frame filter presses for sale.
Cartridge and Bag
Our final plate and frame filter press is the Cartridge and Bag setup. This is a type of press specifically designed to house a cartridge or bag filter. The process involves the introduction of the substance, this is then passed through the cartridge or bag filter (depending on choice) and concludes by exiting the press as the filtered liquid.
The cartridge and bag press is the most compact of all the filter presses making it suitable for smaller scale operations on a tighter budget. This press also provides the useful opportunity to change between the two: cartridge filters and bag filters. With this capability, a wide variety of substances can potentially be filtered (click here for further information between cartridge and bag filter types and their pros and cons). View our available range of cartridge and bag filter press types.
Uses and Applications
The one and only use for a Plate and Frame Filter Press is to purify liquids (to act as dewatering press) and separate liquids from solids. They are useful and crucial pieces of equipment for an incredibly wide range of industries.
Within three different example industries you can find this tool being utilized. From a medical point of view, a filter press could be used to purify blood plasma to be used for donation. Within the mineral and mining industries professionals use these machines as a dewater press, to remove moisture and liquids from coal. This liquid is so high-quality that mining companies then reuse this water for the cleaning of important parts and machinery. Lastly, when it comes to the food processing industry, the options are limitless. Filter presses are used to purify a huge range of food products such as oils and sugars. These filter presses remove nasty containments, allowing many products to become an edible food source.
What to Look for When Buying a Filter Press?
You should now have a basic understanding of the differences between filter presses on the market, but you may be asking yourself, what do I need to look out for when buying a used Filter press? We recommend taking note of the following pointers to help with the decision.
Characteristics of the Machine
It is important to have a good understanding of what you would like to use your filter press for exactly. From here you can review the different characteristics of each machine type and choose which is best for you and your job at hand. Do you need a sizable machine to process mass amounts of product? If so, select a machine type of larger proportions.
Substances to be Filtered
Not all filter presses offer the possibility of changeable filters, they will only function with one type. We make note of this because the different filter types are designed to be better suited to process certain substances. If you are planning to process just one type of substance, then select the machine that matches that best. You can do this by understanding which filter works best with your specific substance. If you expect to filter a variety of substances, you should explore machine options with interchangeable filters.
Wear and Tear
Keep two eyes open when inspecting used machines. Filter presses have an important job and it would be a huge disappointment to purchase a malfunctioning machine. Be sure to visually inspect if possible, watch it in operation, and ask about its history as a bare minimum.
Determine Your Specs
It is important to understand and determine the square footage/size and material base specifications of the specific piece of equipment you need. All of Surplus Record’s listings of Filter Presses are listed in order from the smallest sizes to largest.
Useful Accessories
Filter presses have a variety of accessories available to improve functionality and accuracy. Below are a few of the possible options available to purchase with or alongside your filter press.
- Filter Scrapers: Specialized scrapers are ideal for removing the solid substances that coat reusable filters. They are an excellent asset as they are specifically designed to cause minimal damage to the filter whilst cleaning thoroughly.
- Filter Plate Handles: By adding these to your greasy filter plates it allows for much easier removal for cleaning or replacement.
- Custom Control Panel: There are companies who specialize in the installation of filter press control panel systems. By adding these as an add on to your filter press, electrical management and control, programming and more technical components are far easier to manage on a day-to-day basis.
- Spare Filters: Whether you have reusable or disposable filters, it is important to have a replacement filter set at all times.
Surplus Record: Tips and Tricks
When searching for used filter presses for sale on our platform, we have attached some of our best tips and tricks to make finding the best Filter Press to buy a little bit easier.
- Make use of our Location Settings: At the top of the page, when on the list for your desired piece of equipment/machinery, enter your desired location and you’ll be taken directly to what we have available in your area.
- Looking for an Auction?: On the listing page, select the blue checkbox on your right which says “Auction” and you’ll be taken to our available products for sale that are on auction.
- On a Budget?: Select the toggle “Sort by Relevance” and then click “Price low to high” to view our cheapest to most expensive products for sale.
- Don’t forget the Search Bar: Already know what you are looking for? Utilize our search tab at the top of your page to find specific listings out of hundreds available.
Quick Access: Filter Press Dealers
- Perry Videx | New Jersey
- JM Industrial | West Virginia
- Plantex Equipment Co. | Texas
- Federal Equipment Company | Ohio
At Surplus Record, we understand that the process of searching for the best used plate and frame filter presses can be quite daunting. Our advice is to take it easy, do your research and use this specialist buying guide. By doing this, the process of finding a great used industrial filter press, dewatering press or a used plate and frame filter press will be straightforward. Almost easy!
Quick Access: Filter Press Manufacturers
The top manufactures available on Surplus Record for used Filter Presses include:
Leaf and Press Type
Plate and Frame Filter Press
Cartridge and Bag Filter
Need more help or information about Filter Presses? Still can’t find what you’re looking for or need more advice from a professional dealer? Head on over to the “Wanteds” section of our website and select “Buy” at the top and “Processing Equipment” for the industry. Fill out the form and a dealer that specializes in filter press machinery will get back to you ASAP. It’s free to do, and our dealers are happy to help out!
