Principle Microbiology

PRESSURE LEAF FILTERS

There are a number of intermittent batch filters usually called by their trade names. These filters incorporate a number of leaves, each consisting of a metal framework of grooved plates which is covered with a fine wire mesh, or occasionally a filter cloth and often precoated with a layer of cellulose fibres. The process slurry is fed into the filter which is operated under pressure or by suction with a vacuum pump. Because the filters are totally enclosed it is possible to sterilize them with steam. This type of filter is particularly suitable for ‘polishing’ large volumes of liquids with low solids content or small batch filtrations of valuable solids.

(i) Vertical metal-leaf filter

This filter consist of a number of verticel porous metal leaves mounted on a hollow shaft in a cylindrical pressure vessel. The solids from the slurry gradually build up on the surface of the leaves and the filtrate is removed from the plates via the horizontal hollow shaft. In some designs the hollow shaft can be slowly rotated during filtration. Solids are normally removed at the end of a cycle by blowing air through the shalt and into the filter leaves.

(ii) Horizontal metal—leaf filter
In this filter the metal leaves are mounted on a vertical hollow shaft within a pressure vessel. Often only the upper surfaces of the leaves are porous. Filtration is continued until the cake fills the spacc between the disc-shaped leaves or when the operational pressure has become excessive. At the end of a process cycle, the solid cake can be discharged by releasing the pressure and spinning the shaft with a drive motor.

(iii) Stacked-disc filter

One kind of filter of this type is the Metafilter. This is a very robust device and because there is no filter cloth and the bed is easly replaced, labour cost are low. It Consists of a number of precision-made rings which are stacked on a fluted rod. The rings are assembled on the rods.
The assembled stacks a placed in a pressure vessel which can be sterilized if necessary. The packs are normally coated with a thin layer of kieselguhr which is used as a filter aid. During use, the filtrate passes between the discs and is removed through the grooves of the fluted rods, while solids are deposited on the filter coating. Operation is continued until the resistance becomes too high and the solids are removed from the rings by applying back pressure via the fluted rods. Metafilters are primarily used for ‘polishing’ liquids such as beer.