Are you looking for a new set of filter cloths for your filter press?
Filtnor supplies replacement filter cloths for most types and models of filter presses. The cloths are manufactured according to the dimensions of your filter plates and selected to match your slurry, operating conditions and filtration requirements.
Whether you need to replace worn filter cloths, improve cake release or achieve a cleaner filtrate, choosing the correct cloth design and filter fabric is essential for reliable filter press operation.
Replacement Filter Cloths for Most Filter Press Models
Filter press cloths are not simply standard sheets of filter fabric. Each cloth must be manufactured to fit the filter plate, feed arrangement and attachment method used in the filter press.
We can supply replacement cloths for a wide range of:
- Chamber filter presses
- Membrane filter presses
- Plate-and-frame filter presses
- Automatic filter presses
- Side-bar and overhead filter presses
- Older filter press models for which original cloths may no longer be readily available
The cloths can be supplied individually or as a complete set for the entire filter press.
Depending on the filter plate design, we can provide gasketed cloths, non-gasketed cloths, drape-over cloths and barrel-neck cloths with a centre or corner feed opening.
Why the Correct Filter Cloth Is Important
The filter cloth forms the separation barrier between the solids and the liquid. Its properties influence both filtration performance and daily operation of the filter press.
A correctly selected filter cloth can contribute to:
- Cleaner filtrate
- Consistent filtration cycles
- Effective filter cake formation
- Improved filter cake release
- Reduced cloth blinding
- Easier cloth washing
- Longer cloth service life
- Reduced risk of leakage
- More reliable operation of the filter press
A filter cloth that is too open may allow an unacceptable amount of particles to enter the filtrate. A cloth that is too dense may restrict the filtrate flow and increase the filtration cycle time.
The correct solution therefore depends on more than the dimensions of the filter plate. The fabric construction must also be suitable for the material being filtered.
When Should Filter Press Cloths Be Replaced?
The service life of a filter cloth varies considerably between applications. It depends on factors such as particle characteristics, operating pressure, temperature, chemical conditions, cleaning method and mechanical wear.
Common signs that filter cloths may need replacement include:
- Longer filtration cycles
- Reduced filtrate flow
- Cloudy or contaminated filtrate
- Filter cake sticking to the cloth
- Tears, holes or damaged seams
- Excessive wear around the feed opening
- Damaged or stretched cloth edges
- Leakage between the filter plates
- Cloths that remain blocked after washing
A sudden reduction in filter press performance does not always mean that the cloths are worn out. Blocked drainage channels, damaged filter plates, incorrect process conditions or insufficient cloth cleaning can produce similar symptoms.
Filtnor can assist in evaluating whether replacement cloths are required or whether the filtration process should be investigated further.
Which Information Is Needed to Supply New Filter Cloths?
The safest way to identify the correct replacement cloth is to provide as much information as possible about the existing filter press and filter plates.
Useful information includes:
Filter press manufacturer and model
Provide the manufacturer, model and serial number when available. This can be especially helpful for identifying cloths used on established filter press designs.
Filter plate dimensions
The plate length, width and thickness should be provided. We may also require the dimensions and location of the feed opening, filtrate outlets and attachment points.
Filter plate type
Let us know whether the filter press has chamber plates, membrane plates or a traditional plate-and-frame arrangement.
Existing cloth design
Photos of the cloth installed on the plate are often very useful. The cloth may be gasketed into a groove, attached with ties, secured with Velcro or installed as a drape-over cloth.
For cloths with a feed opening, it is important to identify whether the press uses a barrel neck, separate sealing components or another feed-hole design.
Number of filter cloths
A complete filter press may contain different cloth types for the head plate, intermediate plates and end plate. The number of each type should therefore be confirmed before production.
Process information
To select the correct filter fabric, we may ask for information about:
- Slurry or product being filtered
- Particle size and concentration
- Operating temperature
- Operating pressure
- pH and chemical composition
- Required filtrate clarity
- Desired filter cake moisture
- Existing problems with cake release or cloth lifetime
An old filter cloth
When drawings or reliable measurements are unavailable, an old cloth can often be used as a template. The cloth should preferably be cleaned and clearly marked with its position in the filter press.
Selecting the Correct Filter Fabric
Polypropylene is widely used for filter press cloths because of its chemical resistance, low moisture absorption and suitability for many industrial filtration processes.
Polyester, polyamide and other materials may be more appropriate in certain applications. The selection depends on chemical compatibility, temperature, mechanical requirements and the properties of the slurry.
Other important fabric characteristics include:
- Yarn type
- Weave construction
- Fabric weight
- Air permeability
- Surface finish
- Mechanical strength
- Dimensional stability
Two cloths made from the same polymer can perform very differently if they have different yarns, weave patterns or finishing treatments. The material name alone is therefore not sufficient when selecting a replacement filter cloth.
Can Filtration Performance Be Improved with New Cloths?
Replacement does not always need to involve copying the existing cloth specification.
When a customer experiences short cloth lifetime, slow filtration, poor cake release or insufficient filtrate quality, it may be possible to select a different fabric construction.
Potential improvements can include:
- Changing the fabric permeability
- Selecting another weave construction
- Improving the cloth surface for easier cake release
- Reinforcing areas exposed to mechanical wear
- Modifying seams or attachment details
- Selecting a material with better chemical or temperature resistance
Any change should be evaluated against the complete filtration process. A tighter cloth may improve initial filtrate quality but can also reduce the filtration rate. A more open cloth may increase capacity but allow more particles through during the beginning of the cycle.
Where necessary, filtration testing can be used to compare different filter fabrics before changing the specification for a complete set.
Should the Complete Set Be Replaced?
Individual damaged cloths can normally be replaced without changing every cloth in the filter press.
However, replacing the complete set may be beneficial when the existing cloths have reached a similar age or show general signs of wear. A complete set provides more consistent permeability and filtration behaviour throughout the plate pack.
Keeping a small number of spare cloths in stock is also recommended. This makes it possible to replace a damaged cloth without waiting for a new delivery and helps reduce unplanned downtime.
Filter Cloths for New and Older Filter Presses
Filtnor supplies filter cloths for both modern and older filter presses.
Even when the original manufacturer or cloth reference is unknown, we can often identify a suitable replacement from:
- Filter plate measurements
- Drawings
- Photographs
- An existing filter cloth
- Process information
- Previous supply records
This is particularly useful for older filter presses where original documentation or spare parts may no longer be easily available.
Request a Quote for New Filter Press Cloths
Do you need one replacement cloth or a complete new set for your filter press?
Send us the filter press manufacturer, model, plate dimensions, number of cloths and photos of the existing cloths. If possible, also include information about the slurry and any problems you are experiencing with the current filter cloths.
Filtnor will help identify the correct cloth design and select a filter fabric suitable for your filtration process.
Contact us for a quotation for replacement filter cloths for your filter press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you supply filter cloths without knowing the filter press model?
Yes. In many cases, we can manufacture replacement cloths based on filter plate measurements, photographs, drawings or an existing cloth used as a template.
Can you supply a complete set of filter press cloths?
Yes. We can supply individual replacement cloths, spare cloths or a complete set for the entire filter press.
Do you supply cloths for older filter presses?
Yes. We supply cloths for many older filter press models, including equipment where the original cloth specification is no longer available.
How long do filter press cloths last?
There is no standard service life. Cloth lifetime depends on the slurry, operating pressure, temperature, chemical conditions, cleaning method and mechanical wear.
Can a different filter cloth improve cake release?
Yes. Fabric construction, yarn type and surface treatment can influence cake release. The complete process should be evaluated before changing the existing specification.
What is the easiest way to identify an unknown filter cloth?
Sending a cleaned sample cloth is often the safest solution. Photos and accurate filter plate measurements should also be included whenever possible.