OA21393A - An outlet piece assembly for a horizontal plate and frame-type filter, such as a tower press. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an outlet piece assembly (1) for a horizontal plate and frame type filter, such as tower press. The disclosure is based on the idea of providing the outlet piece assembly (1) as having a base (3) removably attachable to a filter press (e.g., to the filter plate (8) or plate frame (9) thereof), and a lid (4) removably fixed to the base (3), such that an internal conduit (2) of the outlet piece assembly running between a vat end and a discharge end is formed between the base (3) and the lid (4). This enables a part of an associated filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner (5), to be received between the base (3) and the lid (4), thereby ensuring secure sealing between these components.

Description

AN OUTLET PIECE ASSEMBLY FOR A HORIZONTAL PLATE AND FRAME -TYPE FILTER, SUCH AS A TOWER PRESS

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The présent disclosure relates to horizontal plate and frame -type filters, such as tower presses, and more particularly to an outlet piece assembly for conducting filtrate out from a filtrate vat of such filter

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In conventional horizontal filter plate and frame -type filters, such as tower presses, filtrate is collected to a filtrate vat from a filter chamber formed above the vat. The filtrate vat has typically been provided as a separate, replaceable component forming a réceptacle for receiving the filtrate, and has been placed on top of a substantially fiat filter plate.

However, it has been noticed, that such a wear résistant separate filtrate vat is prone to creeping under as it is repetitively compressed over numerous filtration cycles. Creeping of the vat subsequently lead to problems related to sealing the filtrate vat against a filter plate assembly above. Wom filtrate vat 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 caused by the abrasive nature of the finer particles carried by the slurry, and a possible subséquent drying air flow.

It has also been noted that conventional, separate filtrate vats hâve faced issues related to contamination from the slurry to be filtered and other process fluids. Particularly, slurry that has reached the interface between the filter plate and the filtrate vat may travel undemeath the filtrate vat due to the capillary effect and the répétitive compression of the filtration cycles. Such impurities cause a bulge on the otherwise fiat filter plate, thereby leading to prématuré wear of the filtrate vat and even breakage thereof. Moreover, slurry or other process fluid contamination may corrode fasteners used to attach the filtrate vat to the filter plate, thereby hindering the maintenance of the associated filter, such as replacement of the filtrate vat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

It has been discovered that the above-mentioned problems related to the conventional, separate filtrate vats may be overcome by providing a filter plate of sufficiently creeping-resistant material with filtrate vat integrally formed thereon. Furthermore, to increase the wear résistance of such an arrangement, a vat liner may be provided so as to cover the filtrate vat and protective it from abrasive flow of the finer particles of the filtrate. However, in order to prevent damage to the vat liner caused by contamination from filtrate, slurry or other process in between the vat liner and filtrate vat, it must be ensured that such fluids do not penetrate into the interface between the filtrate vat and the liner.

Consequently, it is an object of the présent disclosure is to provide an outlet piece assembly providing secure sealing between the vat liner and the outlet piece, thereby preventing filtrate from travelling in between the vat liner and the filtrate vat at the outlet opening.

The object of the disclosure is achieved by the outlet piece assembly which is 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 piece assembly as having a base removably attachable to a filter press (e.g., to the filter plate of plate frame thereof), and a lid removably fixed to the base, such that an internai conduit of the outlet piece assembly running between a vat end and a discharge end is formed between the base and the lid.

This enables that a part of an associated filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner, may be received between the base and the lid, thereby ensuring secure sealing between these components. It should be noted that the outlet piece assembly may also be configured to be used in connection with a conventional separate filtrate vat without a vat liner, in which case a part of the filtrate vat itself may be received between the base and the lid, thereby ensuring secure sealing between the filtrate vat, the base and the lid.

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. 1 illustrâtes an outlet piece assembly in connection with a filter plate assembly incorporating an intégral filtrate vat and vat liner, as seen as an exploded perspective view;

Fig. 2 illustrâtes a detailed view of a portion of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 illustrâtes the arrangement shown in Fig. 2 in a non-exploded configuration;

Fig. 4 illustrâtes a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 illustrâtes a partial eut view along the dash-dotted line of Fig. 4, as seen as an exploded configuration, and

Fig. 6 illustrâtes the partial eut view of Fig. 6 as seen as a non-exploded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the présent disclosure, an outlet piece assembly 1 is provided for conducting filtrate out from a filtrate vat 8a of a horizontal filter press, such as a tower press.

The outlet piece assembly 1 has an internai conduit 2 for conducting said filtrate, and comprises a base 3 removably attachable to a filter press and a lid 4 removably fixed to the base 3. Particularly, the internai conduit 2 is formed between the base 3 and the lid 4, and runs between a vat end la and a discharge end 1b of the outlet piece assembly 1.

For example, the base 3 may be removably attachable to either or both of a filter plate 8 or a plate frame 9 supporting the filter plate 8.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the lid 4 is attached to the base 3 vertically with respect to the filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or a part of the filtrate vat 8 to be received between the base 3 and the lid 4. This allows the filtrate vat component or the filtrate vat 8a to be clamped between the base 3 and lid 4, further improving a secure and sealed attachment

As discussed earlier, such an arrangement enables a part of an associated filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or a part of the filtrate vat 8a to be received between the base 3 and the lid 4, thereby ensuring secure sealing between these components.

In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the présent disclosure, the outlet piece assembly 1 comprises a recessed seat 3a at the vat end la thereof, into which a portion of the filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or a portion of the filtrate vat 8a is receivable. Most suitably, the recessed seat 3 a, is provided at the base 3.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the lid 4 comprises one or more projections 4a extending towards the base 3.

For example, such projections 4a could be provided as one or more elongate ribs extending in the direction of the internai conduit 2, i.e., along the direction in which the filtrate is intended to flow within the internai conduit 2.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the outlet piece assembly 1 is configured clamp a portion of the filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or a part of the filtrate vat 8, received in the recessed seat 3a between the projections 4a and the recessed seat 3a, thereby securing the outlet piece assembly 1 with respect to the portion of the filtrate vat 8a.

Preferably, but not necessarily, a seal arrangement is provided at the recessed seat 3a configured for sealing against the part of the filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or the part of the filtrate vat 8a received at the recessed seat 3a.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the base 3 comprises a recessed chute 3b at the discharge end lb as a continuation of the recessed seat 3 a for conducting filtrate out of the outlet piece assembly 1. For example, the recessed chute may be recessed at a level aligned with the part of the filtrate vat component, such as the vat liner 5, or the part of the filtrate vat 8 a received in the recessed seat 3 a.

In an embodiment according to the présent disclosure at least the base 3 and the lid 4 are made of a creeping-resistant material. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metals, such as Steel, FRP (fibre-reinforce plastics) materials, such as reinforced composite materials with a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix, and thermoset materials.

In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the présent disclosure, at least portions of the base 3 and lid 4 forming the internai conduit 2 are coated with a wear-resistant material. Example of such materials include, but are not limited to, wear résistant polymers, such as thermoplastics including thermoplastic vulcanizates and thermoplastics elastomers, PUR and rubber.

In addition to improving the wear-resistance characteristics of the outlet piece assembly 1, such a coating further improves sealing of base 3 against the lid 4, and the sealing of the outlet piece assembly 1 against other components, e.g. the filter plate 8 and the filtrate vat component, such as vat liner 5, or a separate filtrate vat.

In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the présent disclosure, the base 3 comprises one or more first attachment holes 6a extending therethrough for receiving a fixing element 7a attaching the base 3 to the filter press. As discussed above, the base 3 may be fixed, for example, to either or both of the filter plate 8 or the plate frame 9 supporting the filter plate 8.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the one or more first attachment holes 6a are situated on a portion of the base 3 not forming a part of the internai conduit 2. Such an arrangement, that the fixing éléments 7a are less likely to seize due to contamination of the filtrate running in the internai conduit 2.

In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the présent disclosure, the base 3 comprises one or more second attachment holes 6b, and the lid 4 comprises one or more third attachment holes 6c, aligned with the second attachment holes 6b. The lid 4 is then fixed to the base 3 with a fixing element 7b inserted into the second attachment hole 6b through the third attachment hole 6c.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the one or more second attachment holes 6b are situated on a portion of the base 3 not forming a part of the internai conduit 2, and the one or more third attachment holes 6c are situated on a portion of the lid 4 not forming a part of the internai conduit 2. Such an arrangement, that the fixing éléments 7b are less likely to seize due to contamination of the filtrate running in the internai conduit 2.

Fig. 1 illustrâtes an outlet piece assembly 1 in connection with a filter plate assembly incorporating an intégral filtrate vat and vat liner 5, as seen as an exploded perspective view. In the arrangement of Fig. 1, a filter plate 8, supported by a plate frame 9, integrally forms a filtrate vat 8a. The intégral structure of the filtrate vat 8a is provides the filter plate assembly with sufficient creeping-resistant characteristic, while the vat liner 5 protects the filtrate vat from abrasion caused by the solid particles carried by the filtrate. It should be noted that although Fig. 1 depicts only two outlet piece assemblies 1, any number of such outlet piece assemblies may be provided, for example at each corner of the filtrate vat.

The outlet piece assembly 1 and the portion of the filter plate assembly encircled in Fig. 1 are illustrated as a more detailed view in Fig. 2. Particularly, Fig. 2 shows the mutual assembly order of the filter plate 8, the base 3, the vat liner 5, and the lid 4. In other words, the base 3 of the outlet piece assembly 1 is attachable to the filter plate assembly with fixing éléments 7a insertable through first holes 6a on the base 3. The vat liner 5 is then placed on the filtrate vat 8a formed by the filter plate 8 and the base 3, and the lid 4 is then finally attached to the base 3, on top of the vat liner 5, with fixing element 7b inserted through third holes 6c into second holes 6b.

Fig. 3, in tum, illustrâtes the detailed view of Fig. 2 in a non-exploded configuration.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1. Particularly, Fig. 1 illustrâtes a dotdashed line along, which the partial cut-views of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are seen.

Fig. 5, illustrâtes an exploded eut view of the outlet piece assembly 1 along the dashed lined shown in Fig.4, whereas Fig. 6 illustrâtes the same in a non-exploded configuration. Particularly Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 further illustrating how the base 3 and lid 4 of the outlet piece assembly 1 are arranged with respect to the filter plate 8 and the vat liner 5. Particularly the recessed seat 3 a of the base 3 can be seen to be flush with the filtrate vat 8 a and that the vat liner 5 extends over the recessed seat 3a. Furthermore, the projections 4a provided as ribs of the lid 4 can be seen to press against the vat liner 5, thereby securely clamping it in place and sealed against the recessed seat 3 a. Furthermore, the base 3 can be attached to the plate frame 9 through the filter plate 2.

Although the présent disclosure has been discussed above in connection with the appended drawings, in which the filtrate vat 8a is integrally formed on the filter plate 8, it should be noted that outlet piece assembly 1 may alternatively also be configured to be used with a conventional separate filtrate vat, in which case the filtrate vat itself extends into the outlet piece assembly 1 in a similar manner as shown with the vat liner 5 .

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 outlet piece assembly la vat end

1b discharge end internai conduit base

3a recessed seat b chute lid

4a projection vat liner

6a first attachaient hole

6b second attachaient hole

6c third attachaient hole

7a first fixing element

7b second fixing element filter plate a filtrate vat plate frame

Claims (10)

1. An outlet piece assembly (1) for conducting filtrate out from a filtrate vat (8a) of a horizontal filter press, in the form of a tower press, the outlet piece assembly (1) having an internai conduit (2) for conducting said filtrate, wherein the outlet piece assembly comprises

- a base (3) removably attachable to a filter press, and

- a lid (4) removably fixed to the base, wherein the internai conduit (2) is formed between the base,(3) and the lid (4), and runs between a vat end (la) and a discharge end (1b) of the outlet piece assembly (1), ^; characterized in that the outlet piece assembly comprises a recessed seat (3 a) at the vat end (la) thereof, into which a portion of a filtrate vat component, in the form of a vat liner (5), or a portion of the filtrate vat (8a) is receivable, wherein the lid (4) comprises one or more projections (4a) extending towards the base (3), and wherein the outlet piece assembly (1) is configured for clamping a portion of the filtrate vat component, in the form of the vat liner (5), or a part of the filtrate vat (8a), received in the recessed seat (3a) between the projections (4a) and the recessed seat (3a), thereby securing the outlet piece assembly (1) with respect to the portion of the filtrate vat (8a).

2. The outlet piece assembly (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the projections (4a) are provided as one or more elongate ribs extending in the direction of the internai conduit (2).

3. The outlet piece assembly (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a seal arrangement is provided at the recessed seat (3 a) configured for sealing against the associated part of the filtrate vat component, in the form of the vat liner (5), or the associated part of the filtrate vat (8a) received at the recessed seat (3a).

4. The outlet piece assembly (1) according to any of the preceding Claims 1-3, characterized in that the base (3) comprises a recessed chute (3b) at the discharge end (lb) as a continuation of the recessed seat (3 a) for conducting filtrate out of the outlet piece assembly (1)·

5. The outlet piece assembly (1) according to any of the preceding Claims 1-4, characterized in that the base (3) and the lid (4) are made of a creeping-resistant material, chosen from a group comprising metals, including Steel, FRP (fibre-reinforce plastics) materials, including reinforced composite materials with a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix, and thermoset materials.

6. The outlet piece assembly (1) according to any of the preceding Claims 1-5, characterized in that at least the portions of the base (3) and lid (4) forming the internai conduit (2) are coated with a wear-resistant material, chosen from a group comprising wear résistant polymers, in the form of thermoplastics including thermoplastic vulcanizates and thermoplastics elastomers, PUR and rubber.

7. The outlet piece assembly according to any of the preceding Claims 1-6, characterized in that the base (3) comprises one or more fîrst attachment holes (6a) extending therethrough for receiving a fixing element (7a) attaching the base (3) to the filter press

8. The outlet piece assembly according to Claim 7, characterized in that the one or more fîrst attachment holes (6a) are situated on a portion of the base (3) not forming a part of the internai conduit (2).

9. The outlet piece assembly according to any of the preceding Claims 1-8, characterized in that the base (3) comprises one or more second attachment holes (6b), and the lid (4) comprises one or more third attachment holes (6c), aligned with the second attachment holes (6b), the lid (4) being fixed to the base (3) with a fixing element (7b) inserted into the second attachment hole (6b) through the third attachment hole (6c).

10. The outlet piece assembly according to Claim 9, characterized in that the one or more second attachment holes (6b) are situated on a portion of the base (3) not forming a part of the internai conduit (2), and the one or more third attachment holes (6c) are situated on a portion of the lid (4) not forming a part of the internai conduit (2).