Cake filtration or cake-forming filtration is a mechanical process for separating liquids containing solids. Like cross-flow filtration, it belongs to surface filtration. In contrast to the depth filter, the actual separation effect is not achieved by the filter medium, but by a filter cake that forms on the filter cloth. As one of the oldest filtering devices, the filter press is the most important and efficient process pressure filter. Especially when maximum filtration efficiency and maximum dewatering of a wide variety of filter media are required.
Factors such as a high filtration quality, a high degree of dewatering, and a high dry solids content are decisive in selecting the right filtration method. The filter press is one of the oldest process filters and still remains the pioneer in solid-liquid separation, ahead of the centrifuge, the screw press and the belt filter.
Depending on the area of application, the filter press has different functions:
- Purification of raw materials and products as well as separation of by-products
- Recycling of solvents and unreacted reactants
- Removal of impurities from waste water
- Recovery of valuable materials and raw materials