Leaf filters

Pressure leaf filter elements

Part description

Pressure leaf filter elements

What are pressure leaf filters?

Pressure leaf filters are large liquid filtration systems consisting of 10 to 60 filter plates. The leaf filters are individually placed vertically or horizontally in the filtration system, depending on your system. The filter plates are washable and can be well combined with candle filters or bag filters.

How do pressure leaf filters work?

Pressure leaf filters hold dry cake (filter cake) and ensure that it is filtered out of the liquid. These liquids can include edible oils, chemicals, activated carbon, white clay, diatomaceous earth, paint, or pharmaceuticals. Since the filtration process occurs in a large pressure-resistant vessel, leaf filters are suitable and safe for use in hazardous chemical processes, even at high temperatures. The filtration process begins by filling the vessel with a precoating consisting of filtrate and filter aids, such as diatomaceous earth or perlite. After precoating the vessel, the 'slurry' is pressed through the vessel under pressure, capturing solid particles in the precoating while the filtered liquid stays in the filter plates. Liquid cake or sludge is discharged via a valve in the vessel, and the dry cake remains in the filter plates. The accumulated cake handles the actual filtration. Easy access is provided for removing the dry cake from the leaf filters.

Horizontal and vertical leaf filters 

There are two types of vessels in which pressure leaf filters are used: horizontal and vertical leaf filter systems. Horizontal leaf filter systems are the most commonly used, as the vessel is easy to operate and clean. There are also different variations of horizontal leaf filter systems regarding operation and installation methods. Vertical leaf filters are typically used with 18-20 plates and are suitable for smaller flow rates. Horizontal vessels are typical for larger liquid flows due to the larger filter surface area compared to vertical vessels. In vertical leaf filter systems, it is possible to use multiple vessels in one system without taking up too much space, whereas horizontal filter systems can accommodate different cells in the same vessel. Horizontal leaf filters do require more space.

Where are pressure leaf filters used?

Leaf filters are used in large plants in industries such as the food industry, (petro)chemical industry, and biofuel industries. Typical markets and applications for pressure leaf filters include:

1. Processing edible oils (crude oil, bleached oil, winter oil)
2. Gelatin processing
3. Pectin processing
4. Glucose, sweeteners, sugar, fruit juice production
5. Biodiesel production (pre-treatment and polishing)
6. Filtration of liquid sulfur
7. Chemicals and oleochemicals
8. Organic and inorganic salts, amines, resins, and bulk pharmaceuticals

Free advice on pressure leaf filters

Are you curious about how you can optimize and make your filtration process more sustainable with the pressure leaf filters from Interfilter Group? Selecting the right filters for your situation depends on many factors such as flow rate, type of liquid, temperature, or viscosity. We are happy to review your current filtration process and needs to provide tailored advice. We take into account longer service lives, less waste, a healthy and safe working environment, reduced downtime, and better performance. Feel free to contact us for a free advisory session.