Filter Press Feed & Slurry Handling Pumps
Feed cycles demand high flow at low pressure to build the cake—then clean, controlled ramp‑up to high pressure without shredding cloths or blinding plates. We pair AODD for rugged, dead‑head‑tolerant feed, progressive‑cavity for smooth PD flow at rising pressure, submersible slurry for pit transfer, and self‑priming trash for topside suction. For wash/utility service, we add end‑suction centrifugals, with metering and mag‑drive packages for chemistry and filtrate treatment.
Best‑Fit Pumps for Filter Press Duty
| Press Task / Scenario | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary press feed (abrasive slurry, pressure ramp) | AODD (bolted, abrasion‑resistant) | Wilden, Yamada, ARO | Handles fines; run‑dry & dead‑head tolerant; simple air control for ramping pressure |
| High solids feed with stable PD flow | Progressive‑cavity (PC) | Netzsch | Smooth, non‑pulsing flow as ΔP rises; excellent for viscous or shear‑sensitive slurries |
| Sump/pit to press transfer (sand, silt, grit) | Submersible slurry (agitator optional) | BJM | Sits in the pit; agitator resuspends settled solids; abrasion‑resistant wet end |
| Topside suction, fast service access | Self‑priming trash / priming‑assisted | Gorman‑Rupp | Large solids handling, quick clean‑out cover; reliable prime across cycles |
| Recirculation / pre‑coat / slurry mix | End‑suction slurry / ANSI centrifugal | Goulds, Griswold | Efficient high‑flow mixing prior to press; durable materials for fines |
| Cake wash & cloth wash utilities | End‑suction centrifugal | Grundfos, Griswold | Stable, non‑pulsing flow for wash headers; easy isolation & service |
| Coagulant/polymer dosing for faster dewatering | Digital diaphragm or peristaltic (polymer) | LMI PD/TD; LMI KML/KBL; Walchem; Neptune; Emec; Grundfos DDA/DMX | Accurate ppm control; PVDF/PTFE heads; low‑shear polymer feed options |
| Chemical transfer (acid/caustic) to day‑tanks | Mag‑drive sealless centrifugal (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Finish Thompson DB/UC, Iwaki MX/MD | No mechanical seal → fewer leaks; excellent compatibility and uptime |
| Drum/IBC unloading (polymer, additives) | Drum/IBC pump | Flux F‑Series | Ergonomic, quick tube changes; XP options; chemical tubes available |
| Verification & injection hardware | Tanks, calibration columns, injection quills | J.L. Wingert | Auditable dosing; safe injection; level and back‑pressure control |
Recommended Filter Press Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share solids (% and size), slurry SG/viscosity, target GPM/TDH, press plate rating, suction conditions and duty cycle. We’ll size hydraulics and wear materials around your cycle profile.
How We Engineer Filter Press Feeds
- Cycle control—high flow/low pressure to fill, then controlled ramp to final pressure; air regulation (AODD) or VFD/back‑pressure (PC/centrifugal).
- Wear management—abrasion‑resistant wet ends, oversize passages to reduce velocity, strainers where needed.
- Suction design—keep suction short and flooded when possible; priming‑assisted where lift/air is present.
- Materials & elastomers—match to chemistry and temperature; verify cloth compatibility.
- Maintainability—clean‑out covers, lift‑out submersibles, isolation spools and gauges for quick service.
Common Filter Press Uses
- Mining tailings and quarry fines
- Metal finishing sludges
- Stone/clay/glass slurries
- Paints, pigments & coatings
- Industrial wastewater solids
- Food & beverage waste solids
- Chemical by‑product dewatering
- Pre‑coat and body‑feed loops
- Cloth and cake washing utilities
- Pit & sump transfer
Faster Cycles, Drier Cake
Send solids %, particle size, SG/viscosity, press plate rating, target GPM/TDH and suction layout. We’ll quote a rugged feed package with curves, controls and spares.
Filter Press FAQs
AODD vs. progressive‑cavity for filter press feed?
AODD is ultra‑rugged, easy to regulate with air and tolerant of run‑dry/dead‑head. Progressive‑cavity provides smooth, non‑pulsing flow and higher efficiency for steady production. We’ll select based on solids, viscosity and duty cycle.
What pressure should I plan for?
Filter presses operate across a wide range; we size to your press plate rating and target cycle profile—high flow at low pressure to fill, then controlled ramp to final pressure without blinding the cloth.
How do I reduce wear from abrasive fines?
We specify abrasion‑resistant wet ends, keep velocities modest, add strainers where needed, and ensure suction conditions prevent cavitation that accelerates wear.