Abstrict
Apparatuses and methods for making and using a filter cloth assembly
are described. A filter cloth assembly can have a liquid permeable
filtering medium attached to a connector ring. The liquid permeable
filtering media separates at least one solid from at least one liquid
in a slurry. The filtering media has a feed hole formed therein
that allows passage of a slurry through the filter cloth. The connector
ring including a flange having an upper flange section and a lower
flange section. The lower flange section receives an edge of the
feed hole to connect the filtering media to the connector ring such
that the face of the filtering media is substantially flush with
the upper flange section.
Claims
1. A filter cloth assembly, comprising: a liquid permeable filtering
media for separating at least one solid from at least one liquid
in a slurry, the filtering media having a feed hole formed therein
for allowing passage of a slurry through the filter cloth; and a
connector ring including a flange having an upper flange section
and a lower flange section, the lower flange section configured
to receive an edge of the feed hole to connect the filtering media
to the connector ring to seat a face of the filtering media substantially
flush with the upper flange section.
2. The filter cloth assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector
ring has a circular cross-section.
3. The filter cloth assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector
ring has a polygonal cross-section.
4. The filter cloth assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector
ring is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting
of nylon, polypropylene, and polyester.
5. The filter cloth assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bonding
agent disposed between the filtering media and the lower flange
section of the connector ring for fixedly attaching the filtering
media to the connector ring such that the filtering media is flush
with the upper flange section.
6. The filter cloth assembly of claim 5, wherein the bonding agent
comprises a thermoplastic and a metal powder.
7. The filter cloth assembly of claim 5, wherein the bonding agent
comprises polypropylene and a ferrous based metal powder.
8. A connector for attaching a filter cloth to a filter plate in
a filter press, comprising: a collar portion having an upper collar
section and a lower collar section, the lower collar section configured
to couple to the perimeter of a central opening of the filter cloth
to seat a face of the filter cloth substantially flush with the
upper collar section; and a tab portion extending at an angle relative
to the collar portion configured to engage a recess in the filter
plate.
9. The connector of claim 8, further comprising serrations on an
inner surface of the tab portion.
10. The connector of claim 8, further comprising a lock ring for
securing the tab portion in the recess.
11. The connector of claim 8, wherein the tab portion extends substantially
perpendicular to the collar portion.
12. The connector of claim 8, wherein the collar portion and tab
portion are formed of a material selected from the group consisting
of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, plastic and mixtures thereof.
13. The connector of claim 8, wherein the collar portion forms
an annular ring having a hole corresponding to a hole of the filter
cloth.
14. The connector of claim 8, wherein the tab portion includes
an outer surface that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis
of the connector, wherein the outer surface is configured to abut
an inclined surface of the filter plate.
15. The connector of claim 8, wherein the collar portion has a
substantially flat surface extending perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis, which is configured to abut a first side of filter plate.
16. The connector of claim 8, further comprising a tab clip extending
from the tab portion for engaging a bore of the filter plate.
17. The connector of claim 16, wherein the tab clip includes a
first surface extending perpendicular to the tab portion, a second
surface extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the connector
and a third and forth surface extending at an angle relative to
the longitudinal axis, wherein the third and fourth surface intersect
to form a point at an end of the connector.
18. A method of assembling a filter cloth, comprising: providing
a connector ring having a flange that includes an upper flange section
and a lower flange section, the lower flange section configured
to receive an edge of a liquid permeable filtering media; positioning
a bonding agent mixed with a metal powder in the lower flange section;
locating an edge of the filtering media in the lower flange section;
and heating by induction the metal powder to bond and fixedly retain
the filtering media in the lower flange section, such that the filtering
media is substantially flush with the upper flange section.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of heating by induction
further comprising the step of irradiating the metal powder with
RF radiation.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bonding agent comprises
polypropylene, and the metal power comprises a ferrous based material.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the bonding agent comprises
a thermoplastic bonding agent.
22. A method of assembling a filter plate, comprising: attaching
a first filter cloth comprising a filter media and a central opening
to a connector ring comprising a collar portion and a tab portion
extending perpendicular to the collar portion, the collar portion
having an upper collar portion and a lower collar portion, the lower
collar portion attaching the first filter cloth such that the first
filter cloth is substantially flush with the upper collar portion
of the connector ring; and engaging the tab portion of the connector
ring with a recess in the filter plate, the filter plate including
a feed port for providing a slurry to be filtered.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising inserting a locking
ring in the filter plate to secure the connector ring against the
feed port.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the recess is annular in shape
and formed on an inner surface of the feed port.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the recess is spaced from the
feed port.
26. The method of claim 22, further comprising the steps of: attaching
a second filter cloth comprising a filter media and a central opening
to a second connector ring comprising a collar portion and a tab
portion extending perpendicular to the collar portion, the collar
portion having an upper collar portion and a lower collar portion,
the lower collar portion attaching the second filter cloth such
that the second filter cloth is substantially flush with the upper
collar portion of the second connector ring; and engaging the tab
portion of the second connector ring with a second recess in the
filter plate.
Description RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority as a continuation-in-part
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/676,322, entitled "FILTER
CLOTH CONNECTOR", filed Sep. 30, 2003, which in turn claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/414718,
entitled "Method of Assembling a Filter Plate", filed
Sep. 30, 2002, the entire contents of both of which are herein incorporated
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a filter plate in a filter
press for separating solids and liquids. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a system and method for attaching a
filter media to a filter plate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A filter press is an economic and efficient liquid/solid
separation device commonly utilized in the clay, chemical, or mining
industries. Filter presses generally employ a plurality of filter
plates, each filter plate having large areas of a textile material
to form a filtering screen. The textile material is typically attached
to a cloth, rubber or plastic tubular hub. The tubular hub allows
the material to be filtered to pass through successive filtering
chambers in the press. The tubular hub must be securely attached
to the filtering material to prevent leakage, and is usually constructed
of a textile tube or a thermoplastic or rubber material.
[0004] In the current state of the art, filter cloth is generally
installed on the filter plates by rolling up one side of a duplex
filter cloth, which is joined at a feed hole with the tubular hub,
and then pushing the rolled up filter cloth through the feed hole
of the filter plate. After passing the rolled cloth through the
feed hole, the filter cloth is then unrolled. The filter plate thus
has a layer of filter cloth on either side thereof, and the two
filter cloth layers are fastened together on the filter plate. Slurry
is pumped into the filter press and fills each cavity within the
stack of filter plates. Solids remain in the chambers and filtrate
passes through the cloth, exiting the filter plate.
[0005] Conventional methods for joining the filtering material
to the tubular hub include sewing the two filter cloth layers together.
This approach is labor intensive and thus expensive. Moreover, the
sewing tends to create weaknesses in the joint due to the stitch
holes. Stitching can also be difficult due to the thickness of the
filter cloth and the tubular hub. Other methods include adhesive
and bonding agents to secure the filtering cloth to the tubular
hub, but these techniques are time consuming since the adhesive
must set to form the bond, and is not consistently reliable. Welding
requires a split clamping collar positioned between the flanges
of the feed neck to transmit force to the weld from a clamping cylinder.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,859 describes a method of joining filter
cloth to a rubber tubular hub for use as a filter screen, which
is installed on a filtering plate in a filtering press. The hub
consists of a cylindrical tube that includes two annular flanges
protruding radially outward from the circumference of the tube at
each end. The tubular hub is fabricated from a rubber material that
is collapsible. A filtering screen is then constructed by joining
two filter cloths to the hub at each end of the tube. One filter
cloth is joined to the hub at the inside surface of one flange,
while the other filter cloth is joined to the inside surface of
the other flange. The filter cloth and hub are bonded together by
induction heating to form a seal to prevent leakage of the filtered
material.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,173, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference, describes a method of fabricating a filter
screen for a filter press by attaching a filter cloth to a tubular
hub using induction heating.
[0008] The methods in the prior art of attaching a filter cloth
to a filter plate pose a number of disadvantages. The prior methods
of installing filter cloths are difficult and time consuming, particularly
for larger filters (up to 2 meters by 2 meters square). The large
cloth requires a person on each side of the filter plate: one person
to push the filter cloth through the hole, and the other person
to receive the filter cloth. Large presses are usually re-clothed
without removing plates, requiring operators to get between the
plates physically, sometimes on platforms above conveyors or high
above the ground level, a procedure that can be dangerous. The removal
of filter plates in order to replace the filter cloths causes significant
losses in productivity, as the filter press cannot be used during
the replacement process.
[0009] Furthermore, the duplex-type of filter cloths used in the
prior art can be expensive, as both layers of a duplex filter cloth
must be removed and replaced when a hole forms in only one of the
layers. The process of assembling the duplex filter cloths on a
flanged tube for attachment to a filter plate is also complex and
unwieldy.
[0010] It is thus desirable to find a new method for securely joining
a filtering material such as a cloth fabric or synthetic material,
as commonly used in filtering applications, to a filter plate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention addresses the need for an efficient
and effective method for attaching a filter cloth to a filter plate
installed in a filter press. In an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention, a flanged cloth connector ring is fastened about
the inner edge of a central feed port in a filter cloth to attach
the filter cloth to a filter plate. The connector ring may include
a collar portion and a flanged tab portion extending substantially
perpendicular to the collar portion. The filter cloth is attached
to the connector ring at the collar portion. The flanged tab portion
includes a tab clip on an outer surface thereof configured to interface
with a slot or bore in the filter plate body, thereby connecting
the filter cloth to a first side of the filter plate. A locking
ring or a distribution ring may be used to retain the connector
ring and lock the tab clip into the filter plate body. Serrations
may be provided on an inner surface of the tab portion of the connector
ring to hold the lock ring or distribution ring in place by friction
fit.
[0012] An assembled filter plate may comprise a pair of filter
cloths, which are individually attached to each side of the plate
using the cloth connector ring and a locking or distribution ring.
The cloth connector ring may individually connect each filter cloth,
or a tube-shaped cloth connector ring may include flanged tab portions
having tab clips on opposite ends of the tube to connect two filter
cloths on either side of the filter plate.
[0013] The cloth connector ring may include a cloth seat on an
outer surface of the collar portion for seating an edge of a filter
cloth, such that the filter cloth is substantially flush with a
radially inner flange of the collar portion.
[0014] According to one aspect, the invention features a filter
cloth assembly having a liquid permeable filtering medium attached
to a connector ring. The liquid permeable filtering media separates
at least one solid from at least one liquid in a slurry. The filtering
media has 5 a feed hole formed therein that allows passage of a
slurry through the filter cloth. The connector ring includes a flange
having an upper flange section and a lower flange section. The lower
flange section receives an edge of the feed hole to connect the
filtering media to the connector ring such that the face of the
filtering media is substantially flush with the upper flange section.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention features a connector for
attaching a filter cloth to a filter plate in a filter press. The
connector ring includes a collar portion and a tab portion. The
collar portion has an upper collar section and a lower collar section.
The lower collar section couples to the perimeter of a central opening
of the filter cloth and seats a face of the filter cloth substantially
flush with the upper collar section. The tab portion extends at
an angle relative to the collar portion configured to engage a recess
in the filter plate.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention features a method of
assembling a filter cloth. The method includes providing a connector
ring having a flange that includes an upper flange section and a
lower flange section and positioning a bonding agent mixed with
a metal powder in the lower flange section. The lower flange section
receives an edge of a liquid permeable filtering media. The method
also includes locating an edge of the filtering media in the lower
flange section and heating by induction the metal powder to bond
and fixedly retain the filtering media in the lower flange section
such that the filtering media is substantially flush with the upper
flange section
[0017] In still another aspect, the invention features a method
of assembling a filter plate. The method includes attaching a first
filter cloth comprising a filter media and a central opening to
a connector ring and engaging the tab portion of the connector ring
with a recess in the filter plate. The connector ring includes a
collar portion and a tab portion extending perpendicular to the
collar portion. The collar portion has an upper collar portion and
a lower collar portion. The lower collar portion attaches to the
first filter cloth such that the first filet cloth is substantially
flush with the upper collar portion of the connector ring. The filter
plate includes a feed port for providing a slurry to be filtered.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following description
and from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings
illustrate principles of the invention and, although not to scale,
show relative dimensions.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a filter press suitable for implementing
an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filter plate stack
of the filter press of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a filter plate in the filter press of FIG.
1, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of
an assembled filter plate according to an illustrative embodiment
of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top view of the portion of the filter plate
shown in FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the portion
of the filter plate of FIG. 4.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the cloth seal
connector ring of FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of
an assembled filter plate according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a top view of the portion of the filter plate
shown in FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the portion
of the filter plate of FIG. 8.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of
an assembled filter plate stack according to another embodiment
of the invention, including a plurality of distribution rings.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a cloth seal connector ring constructed according to principles
of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the cloth
seal connector ring after attachment of the filter cloth.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of
an assembled filter plate according to an illustrative embodiment
of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a cloth seal connector ring constructed according to principles
of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the cloth
seal connector ring after attachment of the filter cloth.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a top view of the portion of the filter plate
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In the illustrative embodiments, the present invention provides
an improved system and method for attaching one or more filter cloths
to a filter plate in a filter press. The illustrative system includes
a cloth connector ring, which connects a filter cloth with a filter
plate. The cloth connector ring facilitates assembly of a filter
plate, is designed for manufacturability, is low in cost and provides
improved efficiency and productivity of a filter press implementing
the cloth connector ring to attach a filter cloth to a filter plate.
The present invention will be described below relative to illustrative
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention may be implemented in a number of different applications
and embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application
to the particular embodiments depicted herein.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a filter press 10 suitable for implementing
an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The illustrative filter
press 10 is a batch filtering machine comprising a plurality of
filter plates 20 clamped together and sealed against each other
on the wedge sides to form a filter plate stack 12. The filter plates
form filter chambers 23 between each other. The filter plates support
and are covered by filter cloths to form multiple cavities between
the plates for collecting solids. The filter press 10 includes a
feed head 18 at a first end of the machine containing piping for
delivering a slurry to be filtered. As used herein, "slurry"
refers to a mixture of liquid and solids that is introduced to a
filter press for separation. At a second end of the filter press
10 is a crosshead 14 containing a clamping mechanism. A moving plate
16, known in the art as a "tail plate", clamps the filter
plate pack. During a filtering operation, slurry is pumped into
filter chambers formed by the stacked filter plates and filter cloths,
and is pushed against a filter cloth on a proximate filter plate.
Liquid (filtrate) from the slurry passes through the filter cloth
and exits through filtrate ports in a filter plate. Solids from
the slurry collect on the surface of the filter cloth within the
chamber until the chamber is full, which forms a filter cake. The
filter cake may be washed or blown dry, if necessary. The collected
filter cakes are discharged, completing the filtration cycle.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a filter plate stack
12 of the filter press of FIG. 1, which comprises a plurality of
filter plates 20 stacked together. An embodiment of an individual
filter plate 20 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown, each filter plate
20 may comprise a frame 23 with a first layer or sheet of filtering
cloth 22 and a second layer or sheet of filtering cloth 24 sealably
joined to opposite sides of the frame 23. The filtering cloths 22,
24 form cavities or chambers 21 between the filter plates 20 for
retaining solids between the filtering cloths 22, 24 when two or
more filter plates 20 are stacked together. A slurry feed port 40
is formed in the center of the filter plate 20 for delivering a
slurry to be filtered. Filtrate ports 25 may be provided at the
edges of the frame 23 for receiving and transferring filtrate from
the filter plate 20. In the illustrative embodiment, stay busses
26, or other suitable stabilization devices, may be provided around
the central feed port 40 to help stabilize the filtrate plate 20.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not
limited to the illustrated filter plate stack or filter plate configuration,
and that the filter plate stack and filter plate may have any suitable
configuration for filtering a slurry.
[0039] The filter cloths 22 and 24 may be fabricated from a natural
or man-made material or any combination thereof, which is acceptable
for filtering applications. Suitable fabrics for forming the filter
cloths 22, 24 include, but are not limited to natural fibers, such
as cotton, or plastic fibers, such as polypropylene or nylon, for
retaining cake solids. One skilled in the art will recognize that
any suitable material for filtering a slurry may be used.
[0040] During a filtering process, a filter cloth 22 or 24 covers
each side of the filter plate 20. As the slurry is pumped into the
plate stack 12, the filter cloths retain the solids and allow the
filtrate to pass through, completing the separation process. The
filter cloths 22, 24 are fastened together and attached at an outside
edge 27 formed in the perimeter of the plate 20. Any suitable means
known in the art may be used to form the peripheral seal, including,
but not limited to Velcro, ties, o-rings, a rope hammered into a
groove extending along the perimeter, and so on. The filter cloths
22, 24 are sealingly connected to each side of the filter plate
20 at the feed position 40, which receives a pumped slurry under
pressure to fill the filter chamber 21.
[0041] According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention,
each filter cloths 22 or 24 is connected to a side of a filter plate
using a cloth connector ring. According to the illustrative embodiment,
the filter plate includes a surface having a recess or other feature
configured to receive and retain a cloth connector ring for attaching
a filter cloth to the filter plate. For example, as described with
respect to FIGS. 4-11, a flanged connector ring 42, 44, 92, 94,
212 or 214 may be used to sealingly connect a filter cloth to a
filter plate at a feed position 40 of the filter plate. According
to the illustrative embodiment, the feed position 40 is located
in the center of the plate. One skilled in the art will recognize
that the feed position, and thus the attachment point of the filter
cloths 22, 24 may alternatively be located in a corner or location
offset from the center of the filter plate 20.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled filter
plate 20 at the point of attachment of the filter cloths 22, 24
according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5
is a detailed top view of the region of the filter plate 20 where
a filter cloth 22 is attached to the filter plate. FIG. 6 is an
exploded cross-sectional view of the components of the filter plate
shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrative embodiment, each filter cloth
22, 24 includes a feed hole 52, 54, respectively, corresponding
to the slurry feed port 40 of the filter plate. In the illustrative
embodiment, a feed hole is located in the central portion of the
filter cloth, though one skilled in the art will recognize that
the feed hole and feed ports may be located in any suitable position.
A first cloth connector ring 42 is connected to the first filter
cloth 22 around the perimeter of the feed hole 52 for attaching
to first filter cloth 22 to a first side of the filter plate 20.
A second cloth connector ring 44 is connected to the second filter
cloth 24 around the perimeter of the feed hole 54 for attaching
the second filter cloth 24 to a second side of the filter plate
20. According to the illustrative embodiment, the cloth connector
rings 42, 44 may be connected to the corresponding filter cloth
by sewing, welding or mechanically coupling an inner edge of the
filter cloth, defined by the central hole 52 or 54, to the corresponding
connector ring 42 or 44 through means known in the art. One skilled
in the art will recognize that any suitable means for connecting
a connector ring to a filter cloth may be used in accordance with
the teachings of the invention.
[0043] The cloth connector ring may have any suitable configuration.
For example, the cloth connector ring may have a circular cross-section,
a polygonal cross-section or have any suitable shape, preferably
matching the shape of the feed hole 52 of the filter cloth to which
the cloth connector ring is attached.
[0044] According to an illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
4-7, the slurry feed port 40 of the filter plate 20 is configured
to receive and retain a cloth connector ring 42 or 44. As shown,
a filter cloth 22 or 24 may be attached to a side of the filter
plate 20 by inserting an associated cloth connector ring 42 or 44
in the feed port 40, such that the inner surface of the feed port
40 receives and retains the cloth connector ring, thereby attaching
a filter cloth associated with the cloth connector ring to the filter
plate. According to the illustrative embodiment, the cloth connector
rings are configured to be received and retained by the inner surface
of the central slurry feed port. For example, the cloth connector
rings may have an outer surface that is complementary to the inner
surface of the central slurry feed port. One skilled in the art
will recognize that the filter plate 20 and the cloth connector
rings may have any suitable configuration for coupling the cloth
connector ring to the filter plate, and that the invention is not
limited to the illustrated configuration.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the slurry feed
port 40 of the illustrative filter plate 20 includes recesses or
grooves, illustrated as first and second undercut counter bores
46, 47 or slots cut into the filter plate on the inner surface of
the port 40. In the illustrative embodiment, the bores 46, 47 extend
in a radial direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis -A-
of the filter plate 20. The first undercut counter bore 46 receives
the first cloth connector ring 42 attached to the first filter cloth
22 and the second undercut counter bore 47 receives the second cloth
connector ring 44 attached to the second filter cloth 24. The inner
surface of the central feed port 40 also includes a first inclined
surface 466 extending from the first side of the filter plate inward
to the first bore 46 at an incline relative to the longitudinal
axis -A- and a second inclined surface 467 extending from the second
side of the filter plate 20 inward toward the second bore 47. One
skilled in the art will recognize that the surfaces 466 and 467
may alternatively extend parallel to the axis -A-. An annular central
protrusion 468 extends around the inner surface of the feed port
40 between the bores 46, 47. The annular central protrusion 468
is defined by walls 46c and 47c of the bores 46 and 47, respectively,
and an axially extending surface 468a having a reduced diameter
relative to the bores 46 and 47 and the surfaces 466 and 467.
[0046] Locking rings 62, 64 may also be provided for locking the
cloth seal ring connector rings 42, 44, respectively in place after
insertion, thereby locking the filter cloths 22, 24 to the filter
plate 20.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a cloth connector ring
42 in detail, though one skilled in the art will recognize that
the cloth connector ring 42 may have any suitable configuration
for coupling to the filter plate 20 to attach a filter cloth to
thereto. As shown in FIG. 7, the illustrative cloth connector ring
has a configuration that is complementary in shape to the feed port
inner surface, comprised of surfaces 466, 467, 468a and bores 46
and 47. As shown, the cloth connector ring 42 comprise a flat, preferably
annular, collar portion 421 attaching the cloth connector ring to
a filter cloth. The collar portion 421 is configured to abut a first
side of the filter plate in the vicinity of the feed port 40, as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0048] The cloth connector ring 42 further includes a flanged tab
clip portion 422 extending inward and substantially perpendicular
to the collar portion 421. The flanged tab portion 422 is configured
to abut the inner surface of the central feed port 40 to secure
the cloth seal connector ring 42, and thus a connected filter cloth,
to the filter plate. The tab portion 421 terminates in an axially
outward extending tab clip 424, which is received by the bore 46
of the filter plate to secure the connector ring 42 to the filter
plate. The illustrative tab clip flange 424 includes a first surface
424a configured to abut a radially extending wall 46a of the bore
and a second surface 424b configured to abut a longitudinally extending
wall 46b of the bore. A third wall 424c and a fourth wall 424d of
the flange 424 extend at inclines relative to the longitudinal axis
and converge at an end, illustrated as a point 424e forming the
end of the connector ring 42. The point 424e abuts a second axially
extending wall 46c, which terminates in the protrusion 468. Alternatively,
the third wall 424c and fourth wall 424d may form a flat end configured
to abut, and lie flat against, the central protrusion 468. One skilled
in the art will recognize that the tab portion 422 may have any
suitable configuration for cooperating with a surface of the filter
plate to attach the connector ring to the filter plate.
[0049] The illustrative tab portion 422 may further include serrations
423 on an inner face 425 of the tab portion 422, opposite the surfaces
that interact with the feed port inner surface. The serrations 423
enhance the friction fit between the connector ring and a corresponding
locking ring 62 or a distribution ring (described below). As shown,
the tab portion outer surface 426 matches the inclined surface 466
of the slurry feed port 40 of the filter plate and is configured
to abut against the inclined surface 466. As shown, the tab portion
outer surface 426 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis
at a similar angle to the angle of the inclined surface 466. The
tab portion outer surface 426 abuts the inclined surface 466 of
the slurry feed port 40 when the filter plate is assembled to securely
and sealingly connect the filter cloth 22 to the filter plate 20.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the tab portion outer
surface 426 and the inner surface 466 of the slurry feed port may
have any suitable configuration. According to a preferred embodiment,
the tab portion outer surface 426 and the inner surface 466 of the
slurry feed port have complementary shapes to facilitate attachment
of the cloth connector ring to the filter plate.
[0050] According to the illustrative embodiment, the second cloth
connector ring 44 of FIGS. 4-6 is configured similar to the first
cloth connector ring 42, though one skilled in the art will recognize
that the cloth connector rings 42 and 44 may have different configurations.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the tab portions and
cloth connector rings are not limited to the illustrative configuration
and that any suitable configuration for sealingly connecting the
filter cloth to the filter plate may be used in accordance with
the invention.
[0051] The cloth connector ring 42, 44 may be manufactured from
rubber, thermoplastic rubber, plastic, cloth, nylon, polypropylene,
polyester or any other suitable material and may be formed by machining,
molding or any other suitable process.
[0052] To assemble the filter plate 20 of FIGS. 4-6 using a cloth
connector ring having a configuration shown in FIG. 7, a first filter
cloth 22 is connected to a first cloth connector ring 42 and aligned
with the filter plate, such that the feed port 52 of the filter
cloth 22 aligns with the feed port 40 of the filter plate 20. The
tab portion 422 of the connector ring is pushed into the feed port
40, such that the flange 424 engages the bore 46 and the inclined
outer surface 426 abuts the inclined inner surface 466 of the filter
plate. Next, the locking ring 62 is pushed into position in the
central feed port 40 to lock the tab clip flange 424 into the bore
46 on the filter plate body. The locking ring is pushed until the
end of the locking ring abuts the protrusion 468 and the outer surface
of the locking ring abuts the inner surface of the tab portion.
The locking ring 62 is stopped by the protrusion ring 468 and held
in place by friction fit with the serrations 423 and the protrusion
ring 468. The outer edges of the filter cloth are then attached
to the outer edges of the filter plate frame through means known
in the art, as described above. The second filter cloth 24 is attached
to the second side of the filter plate 20 in a similar manner, using
the second cloth connector ring 44 and second locking ring 64.
[0053] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recesses
receiving the connector rings for attaching a filter cloth to a
filter plate comprise slots. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-10,
a filter plate 70 includes a first slot 86 for attaching a first
filter cloth 72 to a first side of the filter plate 70 using a first
cloth connector ring 92 and a second slot 88 for attaching a second
filter cloth 72 to a second side of the filter plate 70 using a
second cloth connector ring 94. As shown, in the second embodiment,
the central feed port 90 has a straight inner surface 91. The first
slot 86, which preferably comprises an annular undercut groove,
is spaced axially outwardly from and surrounding the central feed
port 90 and is cut into the first side of the filter plate for receiving
the first connector ring 92 and first lock ring 96 in order to fasten
the first filter cloth 72 to the filter plate 70. A second slot
88, preferably an annular undercut groove aligned with the first
circular undercut slot and spaced axially outwardly from and surrounding
the central feed port 90, is cut into the second side of the filter
plate for receiving the second connector ring 94 and second lock
ring 98 in order to fasten the second filter cloth 74 to the filter
plate 70.
[0054] According to the illustrative embodiment, the filter cloths
72, 74 and connector rings 92, 94 of FIGS. 8-10 are substantially
identical to the filter cloths 22, 24 and connector rings 42, 44
of FIGS. 4-7. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the diameters
of the feed holes 82, 84 of the filter cloths and connector rings
is larger than the diameter of the central feed port 90, rather
than the same as the diameter of the central feed hole, as shown
in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10,
the diameter of the connector rings and filter cloths are configured
to allow insertion of the tab portions 922, 942 of the connector
rings 92, 94 in the slots 86, 88 of the filter plate.
[0055] As shown, each slot 86, 88 is spaced from the feed port
90 and includes a main portion 861, 881, respectively, extending
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The main portions
861, 881 have an inclined wall 861a, 881a, respectively, configured
to abut the inclined wall 866, 868 of the corresponding tab portion
922, 942, respectively and a longitudinally extending wall 861b,
881b. Each slot further includes a radially extending recess 926,
928, respectively for receiving the flange 924, 925 of the tab portion
on the connector ring.
[0056] To assemble the filter plate 70 of FIGS. 8-10, the first
filter cloth 72 is connected to the associated cloth connector ring
92 and aligned with the filter plate such that the feed port of
the filter cloth aligns with the feed port of the filter plate.
The tab portion 922 of the connector ring is pushed into the circular
slot 86, such that the flange 924 engages the radially extending
recess 926 and the inclined inner surface 866 abuts the inclined
inner surface 861a of the filter plate. Next, the locking ring 62
is inserted into the slot 86 between the tab portion 922 and the
longitudinally extending wall 861b and pushed into position to lock
the tab clip flange 924 into the bore 46 on the filter plate body.
The locking ring 96 is pushed until the end of the locking ring
abuts the radially extending wall of the recess 926. The serrations
on the surface of the connector ring hold the locking ring in place
by friction fit. The second filter cloth 74 is attached to the second
side of the filter plate 70 in a similar manner, using the second
cloth connector ring 94 and second locking ring 98.
[0057] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, shown
in FIG. 11, a filter plate pack 100 includes one or more distribution
rings 110 in place of the lock ring to secure the cloth connector
rings and filter cloths to the filter plate frame. Distribution
rings are known in the art and are used in filter presses to support
the filter plate at the feed port to prevent overflexing the plate
during the feed cycle, caused by pressure differentials. The distribution
rings 110 ensure that the plates are stacked evenly to enhance the
filtering process. Each distribution ring contacts a distribution
ring on an adjoining plate to form a continuous support along the
length of a filter plate pack. Slurry enters a filter chamber 120
between the filter plates via peripheral slots formed or machined
into the circumference of the distribution rings faces.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 11, each filter plate 200 has a pair of
filter cloths 202, 204 attached to either side of the filter plate
via connector rings 212, 214. The connector rings are attached to
the filter cloths at the central opening of each feed cloth, though
one skilled in the art will recognize that the connector rings may
be attached to any suitable location on the filter plate using any
suitable connection means. In the illustrative embodiment, the connector
rings 212, 214 engage counter bores 146, 147 in the inner surface
of the central feed port 190 of the filter plate, as described above
with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-7, though one skilled
in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the
illustrated embodiment. A distribution ring 110 is pushed into position
and held by a press fit and friction of the tab serrations on the
tab portion of the connector rings 212, 214. By the action of clamping
the filter press, the distribution rings 110 are correctly seated
without contacting the bottom of the counter bores 146, 147 of the
filter plate. When the filter is clamped, a positive seal is created
between the distribution ring and the cloth connector ring. The
filter plate 200 of FIG. 11 is substantially identical to filter
plate of FIGS. 4-7, however, the counter bores 146, 147 of the plate
200 may be wider than the bores 46, 47 of the plate 20 to prevent
the distribution rings 110 from contacting the wall of the protrusion
1468 in filter plate 200.
[0059] In addition to facilitating installation of the filter cloths
202, 204 on a filter plate 200, the embodiment of FIG. 11 facilitates
installation of the distribution rings 110 in the filter stack 100.
Prior distribution rings are generally awkward to install and are
required to be screwed together. The present invention allows manual
installing without difficulty. The distribution rings can be inserted
into the feed ports by hand and are held in place by friction fit.
[0060] FIGS. 12-14 depict another embodiment of a cloth connector
ring suitable for connecting a filter cloth to a filter plate according
to the teachings of the invention. FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment
of a cloth connector ring 1200 in detail prior to connecting a filter
cloth 22 to the connector ring 1200. FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment
of a cloth connector ring 1200 in detail after connecting the filter
cloth 22 to the connector ring 1200. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional
side view of an assembled filter plate 20 at the point of attachment
of the filter cloths 22, 24 according to an illustrative embodiment
of the invention.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 12, the illustrative cloth connector ring
has a configuration that is complementary in shape to the feed port
inner surface of the filter plate 20. As shown, the cloth connector
ring 1200 comprise a flat, preferably annular, collar portion 1204
attaching the cloth connector ring to a filter cloth. The collar
portion 1204 is configured to abut a first side of the filter plate
in the vicinity of the feed port 40, as shown in FIG. 14. The collar
portion 1204 forms a filter cloth seat on an outer surface for receiving
an edge of a filter cloth, and includes an upper collar section
1205, a lower collar section 1206, and an end nub 1207. The upper
collar section 1205 is preferably formed at a radially inner section
of the cloth connector ring 1200 around central opening 1252 functions
as a stop or catch for the filter cloth 22 when the filter cloth
22 is attached to the connector ring 1200.
[0062] The lower collar section 1206 is configured to receive a
bonding agent 120a and the filter cloth 22 to attach the filter
cloth 22 to the connector ring 1200. The lower collar section 1206
functions as a filter cloth seat such the filter cloth 22 is substantially
flush with the upper collar section 1205 once attached. Seating
the filter cloth 22 substantially flush with the upper collar section
1205 is advantageous, because during scraping of the filter cloth
22, the scraper is less likely to cause a separation of the filter
cloth 22 and the connector ring 1200.
[0063] The end nub 1207 protrudes from an end of the collar portion
1204. The end nub can protrude substantially perpendicular from
the end of the collar portion 1204. It should be understood that
the end nub 1207 can extend at other angles as well. The end nub
1207 is constructed of the same material as the collar portion 1204
and mixes with the bonding agent 120a during the attachment process
(e.g., heating by radio frequency or other means).
[0064] The bonding agent 120a can be shaped as an annular ring,
although other shapes are contemplated. An exemplary bonding agent
is a thermoplastic bonding agent, such as polypropylene, mixed with
a ferrous metal powder. The proportion of metal powder used can
be between 1% and 50% by volume of the bonding agent. It should
be understood that other bonding agents can be as well.
[0065] The cloth connector ring 1200 further includes a flanged
tab clip portion 1208 extending inward and substantially perpendicular
to the collar portion 1204. The flanged tab portion 1208 is configured
to abut the inner surface of the central feed port 40 to secure
the cloth seal connector ring 1200, and thus a connected filter
cloth, to the filter plate. The tab portion 1208 terminates in an
axially outward extending tab clip flange 1209, which is received
by the bore 46 of the filter plate to secure the connector ring
1200 to the filter plate. The illustrative tab clip flange 1209
is semicircular in shape. One skilled in the art will recognize
that the tab portion 1208 may have any suitable configuration for
cooperating with a surface of the filter plate to attach the connector
ring to the filter plate. For example, the tab portion can be shaped
similar to that shown and described in FIG. 4. The illustrative
tab portion 1208 may further include serrations 1212 on an inner
face 1216 of the tab portion 1208, opposite the surfaces that interact
with the feed port inner surface.
[0066] FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the connector ring 1200
after the connection of the filter cloth 22. As shown, the bonding
agent 120a and the end nub 1207 are heated to cause the mixing thereof.
Examples of heating can include but are not limited to induction
heating, forced air heating, radio frequency heating, microwave
heating, and the like. As a result, the mixed bonding agent and
end nub material attach the filter cloth 22 to the connector ring
1200 such that an outer face of the filter cloth 22 is substantially
flush with the upper collar section 1205.
[0067] FIG. 14 shows two connector rings connected to the filter
plate 20 in a manner similar to that previously described. As shown,
a second cloth connector ring 1200' is configured similar to the
first cloth connector ring 1200, though one skilled in the art will
recognize that the cloth connector rings 1200' and 1200 may have
different configurations. One skilled in the art will recognize
that the tab portions and cloth connector rings are not limited
to the illustrative configuration and that any suitable configuration
for sealingly connecting the filter cloth to the filter plate may
be used in accordance with the invention. As shown in FIGS. 12-14,
the tab portion outer surface 1210 matches the inclined surface
466 of the slurry feed port 40 of the filter plate and is configured
to abut against the inclined surface 466. As shown, the tab portion
outer surface 1210 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis
at a similar angle to the angle of the inclined surface 466. The
tab portion outer surface 1210 abuts the inclined surface 466 of
the slurry feed port 40 when the filter plate is assembled to securely
and sealingly connect the filter cloth 22 to the filter plate 20.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the tab portion outer
surface 1210 and the inner surface 466 of the slurry feed port may
have any suitable configuration. According to a preferred embodiment,
the tab portion outer surface 1210 and the inner surface 466 of
the slurry feed port have complementary shapes to facilitate attachment
of the cloth connector ring to the filter plate.
[0068] Locking rings 162, 164 may also be provided for locking
the cloth connector rings 1200, 1200', respectively in place after
insertion, thereby locking the filter cloths 22 to the filter plate
20. As shown in FIG. 14, each locking ring may have a radially outer
surface that is configured to abut the serrated surface 1212 of
the corresponding filter cloth connector ring. The radially outer
surface of the locking ring may be serrated, as shown in FIG. 14,
or have another suitable configuration.
[0069] According to another embodiment of the invention, the two
cloth connector rings 1200 and 1200' may be connected to each other
to form a unitary structure for connecting a plurality of filter
cloths to opposite sides of a filter plate 20.
[0070] FIGS. 15-17 show another embodiment of a cloth connector
ring suitable for connecting a filter cloth to a filter plate according
to the teachings of the invention. FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment
of a cloth connector ring in detail prior to connecting the filter
cloth 22 to the connector ring. FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of
a cloth connector ring in detail after connecting the filter cloth
22 to the connector ring. FIG. 17 is a top view of the region of
the filter plate 20 where a filter cloth 22 is attached to the filter
plate, according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 15, the cloth connector ring may
comprise a rubber or like component forming a tube 1504 that is
attached to two filter cloths 22A, 22B. The tube 1504 has radially
extending flanges 1508 at each end of the tube 1504. Each flange
1508 includes an upper flange section 1512 and a lower flange section
1512. The upper flange section 1516 functions as a stop or catch
for the feed hole of the filter cloth 22 when the filter cloth 22
is attached to tube 1504.
[0072] The lower flange section 1516 is configured to receive a
bonding agent 1520 and the filter cloth 22 to attach the filter
cloth 22 to the tube 1504. The lower flange section 1516 functions
as a "seat" such that the filter cloth 22 is substantially
flush with the upper collar section 1512 once attached, as shown
in FIG. 16. Seating the filter cloth 22 substantially flush with
the upper collar section 1512 is advantageous, because during scraping
of the filter cloth 22, the scraper is less likely to cause a separation
of the filter cloth 22 and the tube 1504.
[0073] An annular piece of bonding agent 1520, 1524 is located
between each of the flanges 1508 and the filter cloths 22. The bonding
agent 1520, 1524 can also have other shapes. An exemplary bonding
agent is a thermoplastic bonding agent mixed with a ferrous metal
powder. The proportion of metal powder used can be between 1% and
50% by volume of the bonding agent. It should be understood that
other bonding agents can be as well.
[0074] FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the tube 1504 after the
connection of the filter cloth 22. As shown, the bonding agent 1520,
1524 is heated to cause the filter cloth to be attached to the lower
flange section 1516. Example of heating can include but are not
limited to induction heating, forced air heating, radio frequency
heating, microwave heating, and the like. After heating the filter
cloth 22 is attached to the tube 1504 such that an outer face of
the filter cloth 22 is substantially flush with the upper flange
section 1512.
[0075] As shown in the detailed top view of FIG. 17, the filter
cloth 22 abuts the upper flange section 1512. Also, the outer face
of the filter cloth 22 rests substantially flush with the upper
flange section 1512.
[0076] According to an alternate embodiment, the tube 1504 forming
the cloth connector ring with upper and lower flanges 1512 and 1516,
respectively, may comprise two separate components, each having
an upper flange 1512 and lower flange 1516 to form a filter cloth
seat on an outer surface thereof, to allow for independent attachment
of a filter cloth to a filter plate.
[0077] The illustrative systems and methods for attaching filter
cloths to a filter plate using a flanged cloth connector ring provides
significant advantages over the prior art. The present invention
allows a pair of filter cloths to be individually and independently
installed on opposite side of a filter without requiring the filter
cloths to be attached to each other. In this manner, one filter
cloth can be removed and replaced without having to remove and replace
the associated filter cloth, resulting in significant cost savings.
The illustrative system is simple to manufacture and provides easy
and fast installation of a filter cloth on a filter plate. Furthermore,
the illustrative filter plate assembly allows for a central feed
design, which has enhanced feed delivery over a corner feed design.
[0078] It is thus seen that the invention efficiently attains the
objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding
description. Since certain changes may be made in the above constructions
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in
a limiting sense.
[0079] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described
herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which,
as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
[0080] Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and
desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
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