Sludge filter presses are used in various industries for sludge dewatering, wastewater filtration, and other processes, addressing environmental concerns. If a filter press malfunction is not promptly addressed, it can lead to serious consequences, such as project suspension and inspections. Jiuding analyzes common sludge filter press malfunctions and their solutions:
A. Plate and frame damage:
Causes of failure:
- When the sludge is too thick or lumps remain, the feed port becomes clogged. This leaves only the hydraulic system’s pressure, leaving no medium between the filter plates. The plates themselves are easily damaged by prolonged pressure.
- Insufficient feed or feed containing unsuitable solid particles can also cause excessive stress on the plates and frame, leading to damage.
- If the outlet is clogged with solids or the feed or outlet valve is closed during startup, pressure has nowhere to escape, resulting in damage.
- Improper cleaning of the filter plates can sometimes cause media leakage. Once leakage occurs, small grooves will form along the edges of the plate and frame. This large amount of media leakage prevents pressure from increasing and prevents the formation of a filter cake.
Solutions:
- Use a nylon cleaning scraper to remove the mud from the feed inlet.
- Complete this cycle and reduce the filter plate volume.
- Check the filter cloth, clean the drain outlet, check the outlet, open the appropriate valve, and release the pressure.
- Carefully clean and repair the filter plates.
B. Water seepage between the plate and frame:
Causes:
- Low hydraulic pressure
- Wrinkles or holes in the filter cloth
- Lumps on the sealing surface.
Solution:
Increase the hydraulic pressure accordingly, replace the filter cloth, or use a nylon scraper to remove any lumps on the sealing surface.
C. Unformed or uneven filter cake:
Causes: Insufficient or too thin a feed, or blockage, can cause this phenomenon.
Solutions: Increase feed, adjust the process, improve feed, clean or replace the filter cloth, clear blockages, clean feed holes, clean drain holes, clean or replace the filter cloth, increase pressure or pump power, start at low pressure, and continuously increase pressure.
D. Slow or loose filter plates
Cause: Excessive oil and dirt on the guide rods can cause the filter plates to move slowly or even deviate and fall.
Solution: Clean the guide rods promptly and apply grease to ensure lubricity. Importantly, never apply thin oil to the guide rods, as this can easily cause the bottom to become slippery and can easily cause personnel to fall during maintenance, resulting in personal injury.
E. Hydraulic System Failure
Cause: The hydraulic system of the sludge filter press primarily provides pressure. When oil in chamber A increases, the piston moves left, pressing the filter plates together to seal them. When oil in chamber B increases, the piston moves right, loosening the filter plates.
Solution: Hydraulic system failures are rare and require routine maintenance. Oil leakage will occur every year or so, and the O-ring must be repaired and replaced.
