The filter press is suitable for almost all types of sludge:

Hydrophilic organic sludge: inorganic conditioning is often recommended to enable satisfactory cake release due to minimal aderence to filter cloth.

Hydrophilic inorganic sludge: the filer press generally requires the addition of lime only.

Hydrophobic inorganic sludge: it is very dense and ideal for the filter press. It is dewatered without any preliminary conditioning.

Oily sludge: the filter press can be used to treat sludge containing light oils, the presence of grease can sometimes impair the smooth running of the filter; clothes have to be degreased at frequent intervals.

Like other machines in your operation, the filter press should be set up to maximize your output. You should consider these variables when designing your filter press:

• Your optimal cake thickness – Thinner cakes dewater faster than thicker ones.

• Permeability of solids – The higher the permeability of the material, the easier for the water to pass through, leading to a quicker cycle.

• Cake moisture – Know your goal for moisture content and the amount of time needed to achieve it.

• Solids concentration in your feed – Less water and higher solids in your feed means faster dewatering.

• Opening and closing speed – Finding a happy medium between dewatering cakes and resetting the press can play a big role in the tons per hour capacity of your press.

• Test your material – Several characteristics can impact dewatering including:

– Clay content,

– Particle size distribution (very coarse, very fine),

– Particle shape, and

– Particle chemistry, pH, and temperature.