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Updated 7 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

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Membrane filter press

The membrane filter press: rapid separation times and homogeneous cake dryness

A membrane filter press can remove more liquid from a suspension than a chamber filter press. The cycle times are much shorter compared to the classical chamber filter press. They are used for products difficult to filtrate or products with a high focus on the separation efficiency.

In a first stage the operation principle of a membrane filter press is identical to the operation of a chamber filter press, but the feed pump is no longer the only driving force for filtration. As with a recessed chamber filter press , the chambers are first filled by a feed pump to a preset maximum pressure. In a subsequent phase, a membrane is inflated in each filter chamber by means of air (up to 7 bar) or a liquid (up to 50 bar). As result, the cake volume is reduced in each chamber by inflating the membrane , to remove more liquid from the cake. The dry-matter content of the filter cakes is noticeably higher and more homogeneous.

Features of the membrane filter press:

• The “press” refers to the locking hydraulic cylinder to keep the filter plates closed
• The closed filter plates form a series of filter chambers filled by a pump.
• The filtration pressure is supplied by the feed pump, not by the locking cylinder.
• A feed pump with a limited operational pressure (eg 7 bar) is often selected
• After the filling phase the cake volume is reduced by a membrane squeezing pump.
• The squeezing is made by means of air or pure fluid (water, oil, …).
• Flexible membranes in various materials: PP, EPDM, Viton, PVDF.
• Cake volume: from 5 to 20.000 liters per machine.
• Filtration area: up to 1.000 m² per machine.

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