Report on

Filter Press Leaching

Name : Harsh Shah

Roll No. : 22BCH060
Semester : 4
Subject : Mass Transfer Operation-1
Introduction
Complete skid-mounted systems consisting of two units that include
filtration and leaching units as well as all required accessories. These
systems are designed to process solid materials, like slag and red mud,
by extracting specific metals using lixiviants. The leaching setup should
enable direct connection to an automatic filter press for filtration, gas
purging, sample withdrawal, temperature, pH, and level measurement,
and mixing the feed with lixiviants (acid/base) using agitators.

1. Leaching Unit
In the first step, we make a mixture called a leaching slurry. It's a mix of
the solid stuff we want to extract something from, and a liquid called a
solvent. The solvent is really important because it's what dissolves the
thing we want from the solid material. When choosing the solvent, we
need to consider a few things:

● Can it dissolve what we want without dissolving other stuff we don't

want?
● Is it good at picking out just the thing we want to extract?
● Will it not harm the solid material or the equipment we're using, like
the filter press?
Once the leaching slurry is prepared, it is subjected to various
techniques to enhance the extraction efficiency. These techniques
include:

● Mixing Tank : This tank is where we mix solid materials with a

liquid solvent. We stir them together really well to make sure they
thoroughly interact and extract what we need.
● Agitator : This is what stirs everything up inside the tank. It
ensures that the solid material and solvent mix properly, helping
the extraction process go faster.
● Heating/Cooling System (Optional) : Sometimes, we need to
control the temperature to make the extraction process work best.
So, we might have a system that can heat up or cool down the
mixture in the tank as needed.

2. Filtration Unit

In the second step, we use something called a filter press to separate

the liquid with the dissolved stuff we want from the solid material that's
left behind. The filter press is like a big machine with special plates
inside. These plates are really strong and have channels for the mixture
to flow through.

● Filtration Vessel : This is where the filtering happens. It's usually

made of stainless steel or similar materials. Depending on what
we're filtering, it can be set up for different methods like squeezing
the liquid through under pressure, using layers of material to trap
particles, or using special membranes.
● Filtration Media : The stuff we use to filter depends on what we're
trying to separate and how the liquid flows through. We might use
cartridges, bags, or specific membranes tailored for the job.
● Pumps : These pumps help push the liquid through the filter,
making sure it flows smoothly and with the right pressure to get the
job done properly.
3. Essential Accessories:

● Piping and Valves : The pipes and valves on the skid create a
system that helps liquids flow smoothly and accurately.
Instrumentation and Controls: Sensors and control panels keep an
eye on important factors such as pressure, temperature, and flow
rates. This helps to keep things running smoothly and consistently.

4. Additional Considerations

● Customization: Skid-mounted systems can be customized to

specific requirements. This includes tailoring the filtration and
leaching units, selecting appropriate accessories, and ensuring
compatibility with the intended process stream.
● Material Selection: The materials used for the skid and its
components are crucial. Factors like corrosion resistance,
compatibility with the process fluids, and overall durability must be
considered.
● Safety Features: Safety features like pressure relief valves and
emergency shut-off switches are essential to ensure safe operation
and minimize potential risks.

What is a Filter Press?

A filter press is a machine that separates liquids and solids by applying
pressure. It pumps a slurry, a mixture of liquid and solid particles, into
the press, which then removes the liquid under pressure, leaving behind
the solid material. Each press is custom-designed based on the type and
amount of slurry to be separated. Micronics, Inc. is a well-known expert
in this field and offers various press options to meet specific needs,
including sidebar automatic, manual overhead, and automatic dual
overhead beam filter presses, as well as stainless steel clad,
explosion-proof, vacuum, and hand filter presses.
How Does a Filter Press Work?
In a filter press, the filter cloth plays a critical role in separating liquid
from solid particles. Initially, small particles may pass through the cloth,
but larger particles gather to form a layer that improves filtration by
reducing the opening size. As the slurry is pumped in, solid particles
spread evenly in each chamber and are tightly pressed together under
pressure, enhancing filtration efficiency.

Once the filtration cycle is complete, every chamber in the filter press is
filled with the dehydrated filter cake. These chambers are formed by
pressing two filter plates together, with the filter cloth enclosing the
interior of each chamber. The steel frame secures the plates, creating a
network of chambers that constitute the unchanging volume of the filter
press.Once the liquid has been filtered through the cloth, a system within
the plates guides the filtered liquid to a central point. When all the
chambers have been equally filled, the operator adjusts the valve setup
on the central point to halt the feeding process and let the filtered liquid
exit the press through a single outlet point
Overhead Beam Filter Press

The Overhead Beam Filter Press filters water from slurry material and
collects the filtrate water for reuse. It functions similarly to plate filter
presses. The filter plates are held from an I-beam mounted on top of the
press and are clamped together by a hydraulic cylinder and tension rods
. A pump forces the slurry through the plates, and the solids collect while
the water is filtered through the cloths on the plates . After releasing the
plates from the clamp, they can be quickly opened using the individual
chain on the beam and opened up as necessary. This method eases the
process of cleaning the plates and cloths and makes plates and cloths
more easily accessible than other designs.

At Micronics, we take pride in constructing our filter presses to be

durable, robust, and dependable. Whether you choose the Sidebar or
Overhead model, rest assured they are tailored to tackle the most
challenging dewatering tasks with exceptional effectiveness. Your safety
is paramount to us, which is why our presses incorporate cutting-edge
safety components such as fixed guards and light curtains to ensure
operators are protected at all times.

Overhead Beam Filter Press GHT-F

The GHT-F filter press is designed for handling large volumes of
material, especially mineral concentrates and tailings, which are easy to
filter. It's equipped with an electrically-driven rack and pinion system that
swiftly opens the plate pack, reducing unloading time and the overall
opening and closing process (up to 141 plates in just 1 minute). This
means faster cycles and increased productivity for the same filter area.
The GHT-F's overhead side beam structure enables the addition of
features such as cloth washing and shaking systems, improving its
performance. Maintenance is simplified with a built-in platform for easy
access to the machine from above. The filter plates are held in place by
four hydraulic cylinders, ensuring smooth operation and adjusting for any
misalignment.

Feature

● Uses fully automatic mode.

● Does a full cycle quickly.
● Removes a large amount of moisture.
● Protects the parts against quick wear.
● Does not require large cost in operation.
● Two washing systems of the cloth: low-pressure and high-pressure options.
● Easy and fast process of cargo cloth change.
● A platform is included for an assistant working in a safe position during the
maintenances.

Advantages
● The plates are hung using plate hangers, which allows easy
access to both the plates and cloths from the sides for better
visibility during operation and maintenance. When using the
Overhead design, changing cloths can be done without having to
remove the plates.
● The movement of the plates is done from the top to prevent any
debris from interfering with the shifting mechanism. The Overhead
Press Skeleton is supported by beams or bars both at the top and
bottom, ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting design.
● When deciding on the type of closure, you have the option of
selecting either an Overhead "Compression Close" or an
Overhead "Tension Close" depending on your requirements.
 ● The press is equipped to protect all moving components from
corrosive and abrasive slurries, guaranteeing optimal performance
over a prolonged period..
● The Filter Press Frame is upheld by sturdy side panels for a tough,
sturdy design.

Applications

● Filtering concentrates of processes based in the flotation, the

spectrum of substances separated is based on metals, especially
copper, and noble noble metals, with the presence of gold, factors
like zinc, and lead, and as a novelty: various rare earths.
● Filtration for leaching and purification, the spectrum of separated
substances contains both metals and inerts that had already been
in the solution used in leaching and purification processes is based
on old non-ferrous nonferrous metals such as copper, lead, and
zinc, noble gold metals treated with cyanides.
● Filtration of tailings and wastewater sludge the spectrum of
separated substances here contains solid particles excluding a
solution of tailings and sludge produced in wastewater treatment
plants and subjected to a solid-liquid separation process and
includes amongst others: metals like copper, zinc, gold, and iron
ore.
● Removing impurities from wet flue gas cleaning in pyrometallurgy:
The goal is to separate zinc oxide, arsenic sulfide, and
aluminosilicates from the wet flue gas cleaning systems utilized in
pyrometallurgical practices.

Membrane Filter Press

When using a standard filter press to process metal hydroxide sludge, it
typically takes around 4 hours to fill up the unit. By the 2-hour mark, it's
usually about 80% full. But as the pressure increases due to the high
pressure from the pump and hydraulic pressure, the pump starts to slow
down.
If you're looking to quicken the process and restart the press efficiently,
you may want to think about utilizing a membrane press. This type of
press works similarly to a regular filter press, but it includes membranes
in the chambers between the plates to extract excess water from the
slurry. While a press with all membrane plates can be costly, a mixed
pack option offers a more budget-friendly alternative. In a mixed pack
setup, each chamber has one side equipped with a membrane that can
expand to provide additional pressure. Once the press reaches about
80% capacity, determined either through past experience or the pump's
timer, it's time to inflate the membrane diaphragms for enhanced
filtration.

Types of Membrane Plates

There are two kinds of membrane filter plates: one with a welded
membrane, and the other with a removable rubber diaphragm. Both
plates are made of polypropylene. The welded membrane plates are
pricier because if the membrane breaks, the entire plate must be
replaced. Conversely, the plate with the removable rubber diaphragm is
more economical. If the diaphragm breaks, only that part needs
replacing, not the whole plate. This option is not just cheaper but also
quicker since diaphragms are usually readily available or have short lead
times, unlike the welded plates which can take weeks or even months to
replace.
One common setup for membrane plates is having either center feed
with gaskets or corner feed without gaskets. The preferred choice is the
corner feed without gaskets as it maximizes the use of the plate/cloth
area for membrane squeezing, unlike the center feed design that may
lead to cloth or membrane tears.
Membrane plates are widely utilized in different industries for efficient
filtration and rapid processing.
● Breweries : they help filter mash and recover wort swiftly,
enabling the production of multiple batches of beer daily.
● Chemical plants : membrane plates boost productivity by
speeding up the filtration process in the press.
 ● Gold mining : these plates play a crucial role in speeding up the
dewatering of solids, facilitating more batches and increasing gold
reclamation.

Belt Filter Press

The Belt Filter Press is a machine that removes extra water from
slurries, transforming them into solid cakes that are simple to move and
stack. It has been a popular choice for more than three decades for
removing water from thickened tailings produced during mineral washing
processes. Today, it is still commonly used in industries such as
construction, mining, and municipal markets.
Belt Filter Press offers a variety of options to meet various needs. The
WX model is designed for demanding industrial tasks, with a robust
welded mainframe, durable bearings, corrosion protection, and multiple
compression zone choices. Meanwhile, the LC model is smaller and
more cost-effective, providing a practical dewatering solution for smaller
projects.

Features & Benefits

● The sturdy welded main frame ensures that all components are
correctly aligned.
● The design is modular, allowing for easy adjustment of the rollers
for various processes.
● It is designed for continuous automatic operation, requiring
minimal attention from operators and minimal maintenance.
● Accessibility to all parts is made simple due to the open design.
 ● The frame is coated with epoxy over zinc to effectively resist
corrosion.
● Belt tracking and tensioning are done pneumatically, ensuring a
clean and safe operation with high reliability.
● Choose from standard, extended, independent, or dual gravity
zone options for flexible and efficient dewatering.

Vacuum Filter Press

Vacuum Filter Presses provide advanced vacuum-assisted filtration for

drier filter cakes. The "VP" Vacuum Pulse Drying Filter Press, found in
the Micronics filter press series, is designed to produce filter cakes with
a high solid content. Using high heat transfer (HHT) plates, filtration and
cake drying occur at the same time in a single, easy step. This method
involves heated water and vacuum, as well as a patented
vacuum-to-atmosphere control system. Consequently, cycle times are
quicker than with conventional vacuum systems.

Features
● Achieve filter cakes that are as dry as desired.
● It efficiently and cost-effectively reaches optimal moisture levels.
● Producing filter cakes with higher solid content than traditional
vacuum membrane press filters.

Benefits
● Machine can make filter cakes with the precise dryness level you
desire.
● Achieving the desired moisture levels quicker than other methods.
● It efficiently dries filter cakes and generates ones with a higher
solid content compared to traditional vacuum membrane press
filters.
Plate and Frame Filter Press
The Plate and Frame Press is a classic style of Filter Press that has
been used for many years. It consists of a sturdy metal frame that
secures and compresses filter plates to form a pressurized chamber.
The compression process can be operated using a traditional hand
crank or a newer hydraulic system, which can be controlled manually or
automatically. Filter plates are typically constructed from a variety of
materials such as cast iron, aluminum, or plastics, with polypropylene
being the most commonly used material.

When it comes to this particular design, every plate is protected by a

filter cloth while a hollow frame separates each plate. The slurry, a
combination of solids and liquids, is injected into the plate corners and
moves through the frame and filter cloth, leaving the solids trapped. The
clear liquid then passes through the drainage channels on the solid plate
and exits through other corner holes. This purified liquid can be sent to
tanks, drains, or undergo additional processing. Once the frames
become saturated with solids, the filter press is opened, and the solids
are extracted.

The advantage of this classification is that the design can produce

various cake thicknesses by utilizing frames of various thicknesses.
Consequently, the distinct quantity of filtered solids per batch can be
produced. Since the slurry is fed to the corner and cannot be directly
injected into the frame but is flowed to the pinnacle by a minute opening,
minor obstructions are essences. It results in one frame being stuffed
whereas others in the sequence remain empty, and the pressure
distribution is consequently uneven. An imbalanced nature of pressure
might assail the solid plate to the extent that the latter’s drainage surface
blows out. The blowing out of this proffers sever harm to the plate .
Another is that a non-gasketed press is employed .
Recessed Plate Filter Press
In a Filter Press modern arrangement, plates are formed with recesses
that become cavities while pressed together. These cavities basically
create a cavity in which solids are saved rather than using hollow frames
that are captured in conventional plates and frame form. The filter press
skeleton usually swings the plates on a steel frame like frame and the
field and the seal together using a hydraulic press or pump . Recessed
plates are produced of polypropylene and are accessible in gasketed
and non-gasketed varieties. Gasketed plates have rubber gaskets
around the angle holes and the solids cavity; non-gasketed plates do not
have these gaskets.
The mixture is pumped through the central inlet, where the particles are
trapped in the filter plates, allowing the clean liquid to seep through the
cloth and drain away. A rope is woven into the filter cloth, which slots into
a groove in the filter area. Once the liquid has drained, it flows out
through small holes in the corners and into the discharge pipes,
eventually making its way to storage tanks or drainage systems.
Recessed plates without rubber gaskets function similarly to those with
gaskets. The filter cloth continues through the plates, sometimes with a
latex coating to prevent leaks and make it easier to remove.
The special design of the recessed plate has a lot of advantages. It
makes it easy to fill the empty spaces without causing any damage to
the plates. Plus, it prevents clogging due to uneven pressure. It also
allows for dry operation, thanks to the use of gaskets or latex edges on
the non-gasketed plates. And when the filter press is opened up, the
cake comes out more easily since it's not stuck in by a frame on all
sides. However, there are some downsides to keep in mind. The
thickness of the cake is limited by the recessed area, which can't be
adjusted as easily as in plate and frame units. And changing the cloth is
a bit more of a challenge compared to the simple process of just draping
it over in a plate and frame setup.

In general, modern Filter Presses frequently use recessed plates

because they work well in dryer operations and can accommodate larger
center holes for feeding. Plate and frame units, however, are typically
found in production applications, particularly in industries such as
chemicals, where different processes call for adjustable cake
thicknesses that can be easily changed with frame adjustments.
Features
● Equipment includes an Air Driven Hydraulic Closing Pump with
Pressure Gauge for Automatic Units.
● 2 Stage Hand Pump for Manual Units, a Heavy Duty Hydraulic
Cylinder for Press Opening and Closing.
● Polypro Gasketed Recessed Plates for Leak-Free Operation.
● Air Blown Manifold Piping for Drying Filter Cakes and an Air Line
Filter, Oiler, Regulator, and Gauge for Automatic Units.

Fully Automatic Filter Press

The automatic filter press is a key tool in industrial production, helping to
remove small impurities and reduce impurity loss in the final product. It
plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of the products and is often
known as a security filter. This equipment is extensively used in
industries such as food processing, petroleum refining, printing and
dyeing, and environmental protection. It can effectively filter, clarify, and
purify a variety of liquids.
When choosing a filter press, it is important for consumers to consider
the specific needs of their industry. Different types of automatic filter
presses are available to suit various industries, each with unique
features and capabilities. Companies also have diverse requirements for
filtration accuracy, so it is essential to carefully assess parameters such
as the size of impurities to be eliminated and the flow rate of the
medium. Consumers should refer to the filter specifications table to verify
that the selected equipment aligns with their needs.

Advantages of using a filter press

● Separation efficiency
● Ease of use
● Efficient dewatering of fine solids
● Can achieve very low cake moisture content
● high processing capacity
● Minimal energy consumption
● Long service life
Disadvantages of using a filter press

● Common designs are built for batch processing

● High noise levels
● Frequent chemical conditioning or pre-treatment is required to
capture solids effectively

Industry applications of filter press are as follows:

● Food and beverage – wine, beer, juice,

● Wastewater treatment – dewatering waste and sludges,
assists with Dissolved Air Flotation “DAF” process
● Water treatment – dewatering lime-softening sludge
● Mineral Processing – ceramic industry, stone and sand
washing plants, marble and granite, copper, zinc, and lead
concentrates
● Chemical – treating dyes-stuff, brines, resins to
phosphates and much more
● Industrial – concrete and wastepaper washout water
recovery, small scale wastewater treatment of paint and
galvanising industries
● Pharmaceutical – applications where significant reduction
in moisture and a finer filtration is required

Chemical Plant & Engineering has been a leading supplier of filter

press solutions and all ancillary equipment to a wide range of
industries for many years.

Our filters are set up according to your processing requirements to

produce the best results. Many of our plate filter presses can be
provided with plates from a major European or Asian equipment
manufacturer. In addition to local engineering know-how, excellent
machinery compliance can be achieved. Thus, under the mechanical &
electrical Australian Standards our plate filter press will match and meet
all the requirements.
CPE filter press range offered with a variety of design options and
modes of operation, including manual, semi-automatic as well as fully
automatic.

Material Selection
Filter press leaching systems involve a whole host of different
parameters and factors to compete with. From the corrosive slurries
themselves to the highly reactive leaching agents to the chemicals that
might require specific thermal conditions due to the operation
temperature, the material selection should take into account the wide
variety of demands. Whether the material is optimal depends on the mix
of these and other parameters and how much it can achieve in terms of
performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.

Chemical Compatibility

Among the various aspects, chemical compatibility should be the highest

priority. Most of the components will be in direct contact with the leaching
slurry that might contain, among other things :

● Acids including sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric

acids
● Bases including sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide;
● Salts, like sodium chloride and calcium sulfate;
● Solvents, like organic ones, acetone, and methanol.

All of these chemicals are characterized by various levels of corrosivity,

which can degrade the material, lead to leaks, and equipment failures.
Metal Components

● Cast Iron This is a class of materials traditional for use in both filter
press plates and frames due to relatively low price. Nevertheless, it
has restricted resistance to strong acids and oxidizers.
● Stainless Steel This type of material is more resistant to corrosion
by a wider spectrum of chemicals. Most often used are austenitic
grades, including 304 and 316 SS. In tough environments,
superaustenitic and duplex stainless steels should be applied.
● Hastelloy The family of high-nickel alloys is the golden standard for
many applications due to its resistance to a broader range of
acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. However, Hastelloy comes at a
higher price than ordinary stainless steel.

Filter cloths

● Natural fibers : Neutral or slightly acidic media is often best served

by cotton and wool cloths. They can also be degraded by strong
acids, bases, and many organic solvents.
● Most synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, polyester, and nylon,
have much better chemical resistance covering a wide range of
chemicals than natural fibers. It is required to match the chemical
resistance properties of the fibers with those of the leachate in
question.
● Membranes. For specific applications and chemistries, the use of
polymeric membranes such as polytetrafluoroethylene or
polyvinylidene fluoride might be appropriate. Chemical
compatibility with the leachate in question must be thoroughly
investigated.

Pressure Rating

While not the most intensive leaching process in terms of pressure, the
filter press process is conducted under considerable pressure. This
ensures optimal liquid-solid separation and cake quality once the
process is complete. It is important to use materials with pressure ratings
that guarantee the safety of the process participants. The points to
consider include the following.

● The highest pressure in the filter press process is directed at the

plates and frames. Therefore, it is the pressure ratings of the filter
plates that determine the pressurisation level of the press. The
material of the plates is also a factor – the press should have
thicker plate designs and be made of high-grade steel .
● Although the pressure is minimal in the case of the filtration media,
the filter cloths used must be able to handle the pressure
difference between the feed side and the filtrate side. Additionally,
the pressure should be sufficient to prevent rupture of the cloths or
holes forming.
● Piping and Valves. The slap and filtrate flow through a pipe and
valve system that must be materials to handle operating pressures
without leaks or bursts. Stainless steel or high-pressure resistant
plastics must be selected.

Temperature Resistance

Most leaching processes are characterized to operate within specific

temperature ranges. The material for the filter press has to remain
structural and functional at such temperatures. One shall consider the
following so to choose the acceptable the filter press plates and frames
supporting the mentioned

● Material slaps. for the moderate temperature traditional leaching

processes such materials as cast iron and steel or particular
stainless steel grades shall be pleaded. But for high temperature
applications, the filters must be made of unacceptable bacteria
alloys or specialized steels demonstrated to high thermal
resistance.
● Filtration media: Filter cloths are available in several materials with
different temperature capabilities. In general, synthetic fibers such
as Nomex or PEEK have better thermal resistance than natural
fibers and can be used in high-temperature leaching processes.
 ● Gaskets and seals: Gaskets and seals are meant to ensure the
tightness of the connection between the filter plates and frames
and prevent leakage. The material’s working temperature and its
resistance to spatial exposure to these conditions should be
accounted for.

Leaching and recovery of zinc from leaching residue of

zinc calcine based on membrane filter press
We investigated whether we could use a special filter press to get the
zinc out of the zinc leaching residue, and it seems it is a hit. We
discovered that zinc calcine with small particle sizes and a set filter press
get us pretty filter cakes, and it is a major for the leaching and recovery
process because it gets us: We leach the zinc from the residue, and we
use the filter press to wash it with spent electrolyte at high temperatures
for 90 minutes. At that point, we achieve a high zinc extraction rate of
97%, and we get too near all the zinc we leached out of the mixture we
rinse with the filter press. That way, we do not lose any of the zinc
because of the filter press.So we don’t lose any zinc in the residue.
English: So far the use of the filter press, as a leaching reactor, is much
better than the old way of hot concentrated acid for leaching. We get
more zinc out in less time. We can also do more steps simultaneously
with just one filter press ; like thickening, pulping, washing, filtering, and
then pressing .
Turning Tannery Sludge into Less Messy Stuff
(Alcanena,Portugal Edition)

Imagine a wastewater treatment plant dealing with leftovers from leather

tanning factories. That's the scenario in Alcanena, Portugal. This plan
treats not only the tannery waste but also regular wastewater from
homes.Here's what they do:

● Pre-treatment: They first get rid of harmful sulfides (smelly rotten

egg gas components) from the tannery waste.
● Sorting: Special baths used in tanning are sent for recovery, while
the rest goes through a three-step cleaning process.
● Cleaning Steps:
Physical, Chemical, and Biological Treatment: This removes
most of the yucky stuff like organic matter, metals (including
chromium), and sulfides. This leaves behind a sludge that's
still quite wet (around 71% moisture).
Stabilization: They make sure the remaining materials are
stable and won't cause further problems.
Landfill Disposal: Unfortunately, the stabilized sludge still
needs to be disposed of in a special landfill for hazardous
waste.

A New Approach: Squeezing Out More Water

Researchers wanted to find a better way to handle this sludge. They

tried a process involving:

● Leaching: They used strong acid (sulfuric acid) to dissolve any

leftover sulfides and metals from the sludge. The smelly gas
(hydrogen sulfide) produced during this step was captured and
neutralized.
● Filtration with a Membrane Filter Press: This fancy press acts like a
super squeezer, removing most of the water from the treated
 sludge. They even experimented with adding a special powder
(diatomite) to help with the squeezing process.
● Washing and Drying: The squeezed sludge was then washed with
acid and water to remove any remaining metals and acid. Finally,
they used hot water and a vacuum to squeeze out even more
water, reducing the moisture content to around 20-30%.

The Results:

● Faster Squeezing: While the experiment took a while (around 100

minutes), the researchers believe they can optimize it for industrial
use, achieving a squeezing time of 90 minutes and producing
cakes (the squeezed sludge) about 0.9 cm thick.
● Drier Sludge: By optimizing the process, they were able to reduce
the final moisture content to around 20%.
● Less Metal: The final product had chromium levels well below the
legal limit for using it on agricultural soil.
● Potential for Energy: The squeezed sludge, without the added
diatomite powder, could potentially be used as a fuel source due to
its high energy content.

Removing chlorine from fly ash produced during the

treatment of harmful waste can be achieved by using a
method that includes leaching and displacement washing
in a vertical filter press.

When harmful waste such as PVC plastic is burned, it produces a

significant amount of fly ash that can be dangerous due to its high
concentration of chlorine and other harmful substances. In order to
minimize environmental harm when getting rid of this fly ash, it is crucial
to lower the levels of soluble chlorides. One effective method is to utilize
a filter press to extract the chlorine and rinse the fly ash with water. The
objective of this research was to effectively eliminate chlorides from fly
ash using this technique. The fly ash was combined with water and then
the solids were separated from the liquids using a filter
press,Afterwards,the majority of the remaining chloride was washed
away using clean water. This technique effectively eliminated nearly all
of the chloride, ensuring that the solid residue is now much safer for
disposal or possibly for reuse in construction.

Recovering zinc, cobalt, and manganese from zinc

purification residue through leaching process
Researchers are investigating a method to recover zinc, cobalt, and
manganese from zinc plant purification residue using a two-step leaching
process with sulfuric acid. The residue, known as hot filter press cake
(HFC), contains 14% zinc oxide (ZnO), 4.8% cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and
22.9% manganese oxide (MnO). They're experimenting with different
parameters to find the best conditions. They found that using a
stoichiometry of 0.85 between the acid and HFC, an acid concentration
of 30 g/L, and a temperature of 25°C worked well. Zinc extraction only
took two minutes using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidizing agent.
They discovered that an acid concentration of 50 g/L was ideal for
extracting both cobalt and manganese. The recovery of cobalt and
manganese improved as the concentration of peroxide in the extraction
solution increased.

Analyzing Bauxite Residue from a Press Filter System:

Examining Differences and Obstacles in Extracting
Scandium
A new addition to the Bayer process helps recycle NaOH and reduce its
presence in red mud. After digestion, the leftover material is separated
and filtered to recover NaOH and decrease moisture. Red mud is a
significant source of scandium, so the aim of this study was to analyze
Brazilian red mud (BRM) for scandium extraction. The sample was taken
post-filtering. Analysis techniques like EDXRF, SEM/EDS, and XRD
were used. Fe2O3 made up 40% of BRM, and scandium concentration
was 43 mg/kg. SiO2 content was high at 24%, while sodium was low.
Results were compared with existing literature. Scandium recovery using
leaching/ion exchange processes could be over 90%, but a challenge is
silica gel formation during leaching.
References

● Ru, Zhen-guang, et al. "Leaching and recovery of zinc from

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● https://www.mclanahan.com/products/overhead-beam-filter-presse
s
● https://www.multotec.com/en/vacuum-membrane-press
● https://dewater.com/belt-filter-press/
● https://metchem.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-plate-and-fr
ame-filter-press-and-a-recessed-plate-filter-press/
● https://www.diemmefiltration.com/filterpress-for-sludge/filter-press-
ght-f/
● https://www.jingjinequipment.com/what-is-a-fully-automatic-filter-pr
ess/
● https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/filter-press-advantages-disadvanta
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