OA21606A - Filtrate vat assembly for a filter press - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a filtrate vat assembly for a filter press, comprising a filtrate vat (2) defining a receptacle (2a) being laterally delimited by a border (3) elevated from a base (2b) of the receptacle (2a) and open towards a side (la) opposing the base (2b). A gap (3a) is provided on the border (3), such that an outlet opening (4) extending laterally through the border (3) is formed, thereby providing a fluid drainage route from the receptacle (2a), the gap (3a) being open towards the side (la) opposing the base (2b). The filtrate vat assembly (1) further comprises a lid (5) covering the outlet opening from the side (1 a) opposing the base (2b), such that the outlet opening (4) is delimited by the border (3) and the lid (5).

Description

FILTRATE VA Γ ASSEMBLA FOR A FILTER PRESS

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The présent disclosure relates to filter presses, and more particularly, to a filtrate vat arrangement for such a filter.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In conventional filter presses, a filtrate vat is used to collect filtrate received through a filter medium from an adjacent filter chamber. Filtrate is then drained from the filtrate vat through an opening formed on a wall of a réceptacle forming the filtrate vat.

Particularly the région of the filtrate outlet is susceptible to prématuré wear caused by the abrasive nature of the finer particles carried by the filtrate, and a possible subséquent drying air flow. To this end, the filtrate vat has typically been formed of a wear-résistant material. However, it has been noticed, that such wear résistant materials are prone to creeping as it is repetitively compressed over numerous filtration cycles. Creeping of the vat subsequently leads to problems related to sealing the filtrate vat against an adjacent filter plate assembly. Creeping of the filtrate vat is particularly prominent at the filtrate outlet, as the opening itself constitutes a région of weakened structural strength of the filtrate vat. Worn filtrate vats hâve thus been replaced after becoming excessively deformed. Moreover, it has not been generally considered feasible to change the material of the filtrate vat so as to better resist deformation due to creeping, because this has been considered to resuit in unsatisfactory wear-resistance characteristics.

Furthermore, the outlet opening has been found to typically form a bottleneck in the filtration process, i.e. cycle times of the filtration process has been restricted by the limited flow rate through the outlet openings in conventional arrangements. Increasing the size of the outlet opening has not generally been considered feasible, as this would even further accelerate creeping of the filtrate vat at the outlet région.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

An object of the présent disclosure is to provide a filtrate vat assembly having an increased operational life. The object of the disclosure is achieved by a filtrate vat assembly characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dépendent daims.

The disclosure is based on the idea of providing the outlet opening of a filtrate vat assembly as a gap formed on the border delimiting the réceptacle of the vat together with a separate lid. This allows multiple improvements contributing towards increasing the operational life of the filtrate vat assembly, particularly the aspects thereof related to the outlet opening.

Firstly, providing the outlet opening with a separate lid allows the shape and form of the outlet opening itself to be formed more freely, allowing enhanced flow characteristics as compared to conventional outlet opening provided as drilled through holes. This translates into both improved filtrate flow rates and less flow résistance. Furthermore, drainage of the filtrate from the filtrate vat has previously been a bottleneck in the filtration process. Consequently, a separate lid of the filtrate outlet allowing an improved flow rate also improves cycle times of the filtration cycles. The decreased flow résistance allowed by more freely formed shape and form of the outlet opening, in turn, results in less wear of the outlet opening caused by the abrasive nature of the filtrate.

Secondly, the lid may be provided of a different material than the remaining outlet opening or filtrate vat, thus improving the résistance against creeping of the filtrate vat assembly at the filtrate outlet région. This greatly improves the longevity of the filtrate vat assembly, because the filtrate outlet région has conventionally been particularly susceptible of creeping.

According to a first aspect of the présent disclosure, a filtrate vat assembly for a filter press is provided. The filtrate vat assembly comprises a filtrate vat defining a réceptacle being laterally delimited by a border elevated from a base of the réceptacle. Particularly, the vat is arranged for receiving filtrate from an adjacent filter chamber, when in use. Moreover, the réceptacle is open towards a side opposing the base. That is, should the filtrate vat be arranged horizontally, such that the base constitutes a bottom, the réceptacle is open towards an upper side of the filtrate vat. However, the filtrate vat may be arranged alternatively, e.g. vertically.

A gap is provided on the border, such that an outlet opening extending laterally through the border is formed. The gap thereby provides a fluid drainage route from the réceptacle. Furthermore, the gap is open towards the side opposing the base.

Particularly, the filtrate vat assembly further comprises a lid covering the outlet opening from the side opposing the base. Consequently, the outlet opening is delimited by the border and the lid.

In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the disclosure, a recess is formed on a surface of the border facing the side opposing the base, adjacent to the gap. In other words, the border has a lower élévation form the base at a région adjacent to the gap. than at other régions of the border. Moreover. the lid is received into the recess. so that a surface of the lid facing the side opposing the base is flush with a surface of the border adjacent to the recess.

Preferably, but not necessarily. the lid 5 has a shape corresponding to that of the recess 3b, such that recess 3b form-flttingly accommodâtes the lid 5 therein. Furthermore, the recess may be provided on both sides of the gap. That is. the recess may extend over the gap along with the lid.

In another embodiment according to the First aspect of the disclosure, the lid is formed of a creep-resistant material, preferably chosen from a group comprising metals, FRP (fibrereinforce plastics) materials, and thermoset materials. An exemplary réalisation of metals is Steel, whereas examples of FRP materials include reinforced composite materials with a thermoset or thermoplastic mairie.

In another embodiment according to the First aspect oF the disclosure, at least a side of the lid facing the outlet opening is coated with a wear-resistant material, preferably chosen from a group comprising wear résistant polymers, such as thermoplastics, PUR and rubber. Particularly, examples of such thermoplastics include thermoplastic vulcanizates and thermoplastics elastomers.

For example, such a wear-resistant coating may be provided in the form of a gasket provided on the side of the lid facing the outlet opening. Such a gasket may then be shaped to conform with that of the lid itself. That is, the gasket may hâve holes to accommodate any projections or openings of the lid, such as ribs, attachment openings or attachment studs.

Preferably, but not necessarily, if a recess is provided adjacent to the gap of the border, the recess is provided with a sealing groove running along a lengthwise direction of the border at the position of the recess. Suitably, the sealing groove may be arranged transverse to an anticipated force exerted on the border by a Filtration pressure during operation. In such a case where a sealing groove is provided, the gasket may further be provided with a sealing ridge corresponding to the sealing groove, such that the former is received within the latter. Suitably, such sealing grooves and sealings ridges may be provided as two or more parallel grooves and ridges, respectively. Furthermore, the sealing ridge and the sealing groove may advantageously be provided on both sides of the gap.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the disclosure. the lid further comprises one or more ribs projecting from a side facing the outlet opening and extending between opposing latéral ends of the outlet opening.

Such ribs effectively guide filtrate flow within the outlet opening. thereby reducing the formation of vortices and turbulent flow, further resulting in an increased flow rate and less wear.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the disclosure, a surface of the border facing the side opposing the base is provided with one or more attachaient studs adjacent to the gap. Correspondingly, the lid is provided with one or more attachment openings corresponding to the shape and position of the attachment studs. Moreover, the attachment studs are received within the attachment openings so as to secure position and alignment of the lid with respect to the outlet opening.

Preferably, but not necessarily, two attachment studs and attachment openings are provided, one on each side of the gap.

In an alternative embodiment according to the first aspect of the disclosure, a surface of the border facing the side opposing the base is provided with one or more attachment openings adjacent to the gap. Correspondingly, the lid is provided with one or more attachment studs corresponding to the shape and position of the attachment openings. Moreover, the attachment studs are received within the attachment openings so as to secure the position and alignment of the lid with respect to the outlet opening.

Preferably, but not necessarily, a laterally outer surface of the border, adjacent to the gap, is cquippcd with a first locking hole extending up to the attachment opening. Moreover, the attachment stud received within said attachment opening is equipped with a second locking hole. The first locking hole and the second locking hole are aligned and parallel with respect to each other, such that a locking pin inserted into the second locking hole through the first locking hole secures the lid in place.

Preferably, but not necessarily, two attachment studs and attachment openings are provided, one on each side of the gap. In such a case, two first locking holes are advantageously provided, one on each side of the gap. Both attachment studs may then be provided with respective second locking holes, and pins may be inserted into both second locking holes through respective first locking holes.

Regardless of the number of locking pins and associated first and second locking holes. one or more locking pins may advantageously be threadedly engaged with a respective second locking hole.

Preferably, but not necessarily, a collecter element for receiving filtrate form the outlet opening is attached to the remaining filtrate vat assembly with pins protruding from the first locking hole. In such a case, the collecter element is suitably secured in place with one or more bolts threadedly engaging with a distal end of the locking pin.

In another embodiment according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the vat assembly is configured to be suitable for a horizontal filter press, such as a tower press (i.e. having the filter chambers extending in the horizontal direction). In such a case, the base of the filtrate vat forms a bottom thereof, and the side opposing the base constitutes an upper side, when in use.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that the présent disclosure may equally well be implemented in connection with other types of filters, such as a filter press having vertical filter chambers.

Moreover, it should be noted that the présent disclosure encompasses any combination of one or more embodiments, or variants thereof, as discussed above.

According to a second aspect of the présent disclosure, a filter press is provided. Particularly, the filter press comprises one or more filtrate vat assemblies according to the first aspect of the présent disclosure.

In an embodiment according to the second aspect of the présent disclosure, the filter press comprises a plurality of filter plates configured movable towards each other into a closed position in which a filter chamber is formed by adjacent plate frame assemblies, and away from each to an open position in which adjacent filter plates are spaced apart from each other. A translation arrangement is provided for moving the filter plates towards each other so as to form a filter chamber, and away from each other so as to open the filter chamber.

The filter press further comprises a filter medium arranged between adjacent filter plates, a feed arrangement for feeding slurry into the filter chamber and a discharge arrangement for discharging a filter cake formed within the filter chamber.

Particularly one or more filter plates are equipped with a filtrate vat assembly according the first aspect of the présent disclosure, such that filtrate is received by the filtrate vat from an adjacent filter chamber.

Moreover. the filter press may be provided as a horizontal filter press, such as a lower press. That is. the filter plate may be provided in a horizontal]}' extending configuration. However. the filter plates may alternative!}' be provided in a vertically extending configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. in which

Fig. I illustrâtes a plan view of filtrate vat assembly according to an embodiment of the présent disclosure, as seen from the side opposing the base;

Fig. 2 illustrâtes a plan view of filtrate vat assembly according to an embodiment of the présent disclosure, as seen from a latéral side thereof;

Fig. 3 illustrâtes a detailed view of an outlet région encircled with a dot-dashed line in Fig. I;

Fig. 4 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective view in an exploded configuration;

Fig. 5 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective in an assembled configuration;

Fig. 6 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective in an exploded configuration, according to an alternative embodiment of the présent disclosure;

Fig. 7 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective view in an assembled configuration, according to an alternative embodiment of the présent disclosure, and.

Fig. 8 illustrâtes a lid according to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, as seen from a side facing the outlet opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Fig. I illustrâtes a plan view of a filtrate vat assembly l according to an embodiment of the présent disclosure, as seen from the side la opposing the base 2b of the filtrate vat 2. Particularly, the filtrate vat 2 defines a réceptacle 2a for receiving filtrate from an adjacent filter chamber, when in use. The réceptacle 2a is delimited by a border 3, which is elevated from a base 2b of the réceptacle 2a. The border 3 has gaps 3a forming filtrate outlets 4 (although not visible in Fig. 1, as the outlet openings 4 are covered by associated lids 5). In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the filtrate vat 2 has a generally rectangular shape, where gaps 3a of the border 3 forming outlet openings 4 covered by lids 5 are provided at each corner région of the rectangular shape. It should be noted the présent disclosure also encompasses alternative number and/or positions of the outlet openings 4.

Fig. 2 illustrâtes a plan view of filtrate vat assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. I, as seen from a latéral side thereof. Particularly, référencé numéral la clearly indicates the side opposing the base 2a.

Fig. 3 illustrâtes a detailed view of an outlet région encircled with a dot-dashed line in Fig. I. Schematically illustrated with dashed fines, the ribs 6 (provided on the side not shown in Fig. 3 of the lid 5 facing towards the outlet opening) extend between opposing latéral ends of the outlet opening 4.

Fig. 4, in turn, illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective view in an exploded configuration, i.e., the lid 5 being detached from the outlet opening 4. Moreover Fig. 4 even more clearly illustrâtes the border 3 delimiting the réceptacle 2a, and being elevated from the base 2b thereof. Moreover, Fig. 3 illustrâtes a recess 3b on a surface of the border 3 facing the side la opposing the base 2b, provided adjacent to the gap 3a forming the outlet opening 4. Additionally, Fig. 4 shows attachment openings 5a of the lid 5 extending therethrough. Particularly, the embodiment of Fig. 4 is provided with two attachment openings 5a on portions of the lid corresponding to positions on opposite sides of the outlet opening 4. That is, the attachment openings do not coïncide with the outlet opening 4, when the lid 5 is in place. The border 3, particularly the recess 3b thereof, is provided with attachment studs 3c with a position and shape corresponding to the attachment openings 5a.

Furthermore, Fig. 5 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 as a perspective view in an assembled configuration, i.e. the lid 5 being attached in place over the outlet opening 4. The lid 5 and the recess 3b hâve corresponding shapes, such that the lid 5 is received within the recess 3b form-fittingly. Particularly, the lid 5 is received within the recess 3b, such that the surface of the lid 5 facing the side la opposing the base 2b is flush with the surface of the border 3 adjacent to the recess 3b. Moreover, the attachment studs 3c are received within the attachment openings 5, thereby securing alignment and position of the lid 5 with respect to the outlet opening.

Fig. 6 illustrâtes the outlet région of Fig. 3 as a perspective in an exploded configuration, according to an alternative embodiment of the présent disclosure. Particularly, the embodiment of Fig. 6 differs from that of Fig. 4 in that attachment studs 5b are provided on the lid 5, whereas corresponding attachment openings 3d are provided on the recessed portions 3b of the border 3.

Moreover. the recess 3b on the border 3 is provided w ith a sealing groove 3f extending along the longitudinal direction of the border 3 at the reccss. That is. the sealing groove 3f is transverse to an anticipated force exerted on the border by a filtration pressure during operation. Additionally, Fig. 6 illustrâtes First locking holes 3e on the laterally outer surface of the border 3 adjacent to, and on both sides of the gap 3a. Although not visible form Fig. 6 the First locking holes 3e extend up to their respective attachment openings 3d. Locking pins 7 insertable into the first locking holes are also illustrated.

Fig. 7 illustrâtes the arrangement of Fig. 6 in an assemble State. That is, the lid 5 is received within the recess 3b, such that the sealing ridge 5e of the lid 5 is received within the sealing groove 3f on recess 3b of the border 3. Furthermore, attachment studs 5b are received within the attachment openings 3d, and the locking pins 7 are inserted into the second locking holes 5c (not visible in Fig. 7) through the first locking holes 3e.

Fig. 8, in turn, illustrâtes a lid according to an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, as seen from a side facing the outlet opening 4. Particularly, a gasket 5d is provided on said surface of the lid 5. A plurality of ribs 6 are provided protruding from said surface of the lid 5, through corresponding holes provided on the gasket 5d. Also, two attachment studs 5b are provided protruding from said surface of the lid 5, through corresponding holes provided on the gasket 5d. Each attachment stud 5b is provided with a respective second locking hole 5c open towards an outside of the outlet opening 4. Furthermore, the gasket 5d is equipped with two parallel rows of sealing ridges 5e on each side of the outlet opening. Although not illustrated in Fig. 7, the locking pins 7 are advantageously threadedly engaged with their respective second locking holes 5c. Bolts 8 may suitably be provided on the distal ends of the locking pin 7, advantageously threadedly engaged thereto, example for attaching a further component, such as a collecter element to the fdtrate vat assembly.

Although the présent disclosure is discussed above with reference to drawings illustrating an embodiment where the fdtrate vat assembly is configured for a filter press having horizontal filter chambers, the présent disclosure also encompasses embodiments arranged for other types of filter press configurations, such as filter presses having vertical filter chambers.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment/s illustrated in the drawings. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended daims are followed by reference signs. such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the daims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the daims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

l	filtrate vat assembly
5	la	side opposing base
	2	filtrate vat
	2a	réceptacle
	2b	base of réceptacle
	3	border
10	3a	ëaP
	3b	recess
	3c	attachment stud
	3d	attachment opening
	3e	First locking hole
15	3f	sealing groove
	4	outlet opening
	5	lid
	5a	attachment opening
	5b	attachment stud
20	5c	second locking hole
	5d	gasket
	5e	sealing ridge
	6	rib
	7	locking pin
25	8	boit

Claims (18)

1. l. A llltrate vat assembly for a filter press, comprising a filtrate vat (2) defining a réceptacle (2a) being laterally delimited by a border (3) elevated from a base (2b) of the réceptacle (2a) and open towards a side (la) opposing the base (2b), wherein a gap (3a) is provided on the border (3), such that an outlet opening (4) extending laterally through the border (3) is formed, thereby providing a fluid drainage route from the réceptacle (2a), the gap (3a) being open towards the side (la) opposing the base (2b), and characterized in that the filtrate vat assembly (l) further comprises a lid (5) covering the outlet opening from the side (la) opposing the base (2b), such that the outlet opening (4) is delimited by the border (3) and the lid (5).
2. 2. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim l, characterized in that a recess (3b) is formed on a surface of the border (3) facing the side (la) opposing the base (2b), adjacent to the gap (3a), such that the lid (5) is received into the recess (3b), so that a surface of the lid (5) facing the side (la) opposing the base (2b) is flush with a surface of the border (3) adjacent to the recess (3b).
3. 3. The filtrate vat assembly (1) according to any of the preceding Claims 1-2, characterized in that at least a side of the lid (5) facing the outlet opening (4) is coated with a wear résistant material.
4. 4. The filtrate vat assembly (1) according to Claims 3, characterized in that the wear résistant material is chosen from a group comprising wear résistant polymers, including thermoplastics, PUR and rubber.
5. 5. The filtrate vat assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a gasket (5d) is provided on the side of the lid (5) facing the outlet opening (4), said gasket (5d) constituting a wear résistant coating.
6. 6. The filtrate vat assembly according to Claim 2 and 5, characterized in that a sealing groove (3f) is provided at the recess (3b), the sealing groove (3f) running along a lengthwise direction of the border at the position of the recess (3b), and wherein the gasket (5d) is provided with a sealing ridge (5e) corresponding to the sealing groove (3f). such that the former is received within the latter.
7. 7. The filtrate vat assembly (l ) according to any of the preceding Claims l-6. characterized in that the lid (5) is formed of a creep-resistant material.
8. 8. The hltrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim 7, characterized in that creep-resistant material is chosen from a group comprising metals, FRP (fibre-reinforce plastics) materials and thermoset materials.
9. 9. The fdtrate vat (l) assembly according to any of the preceding Claims l-8, characterized in that the lid (5) further comprises one or more ribs (6) projecting from a side facing the outlet opening and extending between opposing latéral ends of the outlet opening.
10. 10. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to any of the preceding Claims l-9, characterized in that

    - a surface of the border (3) facing the side (la) opposing the base (2b) is provided with one or more attachment studs (3c) adjacent to the gap (3a), and

    - the lid (5) is provided with one or more attachment openings (5a) corresponding to the shape and position of the attachment studs (3c) wherein the attachment studs (3c) are received within the attachment openings (5a) so as to secure position and alignment of the lid (5) with respect to the outlet opening (4).

    H. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim 10, characterized in that two attachment studs (3c) and attachment openings (5a) are provided, one on each side of the gap (3a).
11. 12. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to any of the preceding Claims l-9, characterized in that

    - a surface of the border (3) facing the side (la) opposing the base (2b) is provided with one or more attachment openings (3d) adjacent to the gap (3a), and

    - the lid (5) is provided with one or more attachment studs (5b) corresponding to the shape and position of the attachment openings (3d) wherein the attachment studs (5b) are received within the attachment openings (3d) so as to secure position and alignment of the lid (5) with respect to the outlet opening (4).
12. 13. The filtrate vat assembly ( l ) according to Claim 12. characterized in that a lalerally outer surface of the border (3). adjacent to the gap (3a). is equipped with a first locking hole (3e) extending up to the attachment opening (3d). and the attachment stud (5b) received within said attachment opening (3d) is equipped with a second locking hole (5c), wherein the first locking hole (3e) and the second locking hole (5c) are aligned and parallel with respect to each other, such that a locking pin (7) inserted into the second locking hole (5c) through the first locking hole (3e) secures the lid (5) in place.
13. 14. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim 13, characterized in that two attachment studs (3d) and attachment openings (5b) are provided, one on each side of the gap (3a).
14. 15. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim 13 and 14, characterized in that one or more locking pins (7) are threadedly engaged with a respective second locking hole (5c)
15. 16. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to any of the preceding Claims 13-15, characterized in that a collecter element for receiving filtrate form the outlet opening (4) is attached to the remaining filtrate vat assembly with pins (7) protruding from the first locking hole (3e).
16. 17. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to Claim 16, characterized in that the collecter element is secured in place with one or more bolts (8) threadedly engaging with a distal end of the locking pin (7).
17. 18. The filtrate vat assembly (l) according to any of the preceding Claims 1 -17, characterized in that the vat assembly (1 ) is suitable for a horizontal filter press, and wherein the base (2b) of the filtrate vat forms a bottom thereof, and the side (la) opposing the base (2b) constitutes an upper side, when in use.
18. 19. A filter press, characterized by comprising the filtrate vat assembly according to any of the preceding Claims 1-18.