Met-Chem Clarifiers Clarifiers for wastewater treatment, manufactured by Met-Chem are the inclined parallel plate design that are used as part of a wastewater treatment system for solids settling. They are constructed of carbon steel with coal tar epoxy lining on the inside, and epoxy coating on the exterior. The internal plate packs are set at 60 degrees for optimum settling and are constructed of a coal tar epoxy-coated steel shell with plastic plates.
Diaphragm pump mounted to filter press manifold and catwalk.
Air operated diaphragm pumps are used with filter presses to pump sludge from the bottom of the sludge holding tank into the filter press. These pumps are ideal because they can handle the slurry which is generally about the consistency of a milkshake.
The diaphragm pump usually starts out slowly and gradually ramps up. Once the pump starts to slow back down, (30-60 seconds between thrusts), it is usually an indicator that the filter press is full. At this point the feed pump should be turned off and the valves on the filter press closed as the operator prepares to operate the air-blow-down process.
The diaphragm pump can be manually turned up or an Automatic Pump Control system may be added. This starts the pump at 25 psi, then moves up to 50, 75 and finally 100 psi which is standard operating pressure for the pump.
Met-Chem provides diaphragm pumps in the following sizes: 1”, 1.5”, 2” and 3”. Material of construction ranges from cast iron, aluminum, polypro or stainless steel.
With the purchase of a new Met-Chem filter press Met-Chem can mount your air operated diaphragm pump to the legs of your filter press. This option also includes a flex hose that connects the outlet of the diaphragm pump to the center feed pipe, an air filter, a regulator, and an oiler. We can also provide a mounted diaphragm pump for your existing press.
Met-Chem was established in 1956 as a manufacturer’s representative for liquid filtration equipment with an in-house sewing department to manufacture replacement filter bags, cloths and media.
Over the years, Met-Chem has acquired complimentary companies to add to our group of process equipment and replacement parts suppliers. Met-Chem’s equipment manufacturing began with filter presses and clarifiers and gradually grew to include sludge dryers and complete waste treatment systems and component parts.
Their equipment has been used in a variety of industries from plating and metal finishing to chemical, food and beverage processing to name a few. Met-Chem features heavy duty steel construction. Using modern manufacturing processes, the equipment and systems can be tailored to your specific space and system needs.
Call a Met-Chem representative for any of your filtration or wastewater treatment needs; Phone: 216-881-7900 or e-mail: info@metchem.com
Filter Presses have been the focus of Met-Chem manufacturing for many years. They have built a solid reputation for building quality Filter Presses and Complete Waste Treatment Systems. Their filter presses have been used in many different industries; from plating and metal finishing to chemical and food processing. Met-Chem Filter Presses feature heavy duty steel construction with polypro gasketed plates. One great feature about Met-Chem's filter presses is that they are always expandable for larger future capacity by adding longer sidebars and additional plates.
1. How do I know when the filter press is full? The diaphragm pump will get to 30 second to one minute intervals between thrusts, indicating that pressure has increased due to solids building up inside the press cavities. This is your signal that the press is full.
3.What is involved in routine filter press maintenance? Cloth cleaning, dumping, check hoses and connections.
4.When do the cloths need to be cleaned or replaced? The filter cake will begin to become wet, slimy and not as dry. This is your indicator that the cloths need to be cleaned. (see number 5 for cleaning info). If you have already cleaned your cloths and your process has not changed but you are still getting slimy filter cake, it may be time to replace your cloths. Cloth life varies from installation to installation and depends on such variables as frequency of cycles, proper cleaning and maintenance and the type of sludge that is generated. Generally speaking for most installations cloths can last up to 6 months at the most.
5.Will I need to replace the plates? Plates generally last years unless they become cracked, broken or warped. It is good practice to examine the plates during press cleaning and dumping.
6.Can I expand my press for larger loading capacity? Expansion depends on a couple of factors. First, if your press is already expandable, meaning you’re your press has a distance piece for expansion to a larger capacity, all you need to do is unbolt the distance piece and add additional plates in the 1-3 button sequence taking care that you add plates in even numbers. However, if you have a Met-Chem press or your press has notched and bolted sidebars, then it can also be expanded by removing the sidebars and replacing them with longer sidebars and installing additional plates. Please note that when adding plates, you must be sure to add them in the 1-3 button sequence in order to provide proper drainage.
7.Can I add more plates to my current press? You may be able to add a couple of plates without expanding your sidebars if your press is not already expandable but care must be taken to ensure that you have adequate cleaning room when dumping the press and cleaning the cloths.
8.How long is the cycle time? Cycle time is dependent on solids loading and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours on average. (Closer to four hours for typical metal hydroxide waste.)
9.What can I do to ensure the driest possible filter cake? Be sure cloths are cleaned as needed and the air blow-down system is run for a full cycle. You may also wish to add a sludge dryer to your system. A dryer accepts filter press cake and dries it further to provide up to a 4:1 sludge reduction. (for more information on sludge dryers click the following link: www.metchem.com/sludge_dryer.htm
One of the most popular fibers used to manufacture fabric today is polypropylene. It can be woven into a variety of thread counts to allow from loose to tight filtration applications. Polypropylene is good for use in temperatures from 50°F to 180°F (Specification charts show use up to 250°F under limited applications is acceptable, (but I would not recommend it). The acceptable pH range for products filtered with polypropylene material is 2- 12. Polypropylene can be woven in the following ways:
Multi-filamentuses a number of fibers rolled together prior to weaving the cloth. This allows for a smooth finish and normally tight filtration. This cloth is normally used for filtration in pressure leaf filters for chemicals, liquid foods and some lower solids wastewater; as well as for anode bags in plating applications.
Mono-filamentuses a single fiber (like fishing line) to weave the cloth. This allows for a slick non-absorbing cloth that can be used in the same applications as multifilament, but is normally not as tight for filtration. This type of cloth works well for screening and more open filtration applications.
Mono/multi filament blendis a cloth woven out of both fibers, one is woven in one direction, while the other is woven in the other direction. This cloth can give us the best of both worlds in terms of tight filtration and a slick face for ease of cake removal. One of the major uses of this cloth is on filter presses for process filtration and heavy solid waste water applications.
Feltis the needle punching of these fibers into a thick material used regularly for filtration of paints, coolants and a variety of liquids. Micron ratings can go nominally from 1-100. These felts can be supported by an internal scrim or they can be non-supported. The supported felts can hang from a ring to filter, while the non-supported must be put in a pressure vessel supported by a basket to avoid blowout.
This is just a thumbnail sketch of polypropylene textile cloths. These cloths can filter “the birds or the worms” depending on the type and tightness of the weave.
This tool is designed to monitor
the time the Clarifier is in use. For example; when the pump that feeds the waste stream leading into the Clarifier, is turned on
the timer is timing. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the
controller will automatically open the discharge valve and activate
the discharge pump to the sludge thickening tank, and then
automatically turn off the pump and close the valve. The time elapsed is based on the clarifier, the waste water, and the sludge.
System
includes: sludge valve, air valve and control panel with timers and
cast iron diaphragm pump.
Sludge Dryers can be designed to handle small to large quantity sludge generators. These dryers usually fit under the filter press for direct loading. The sludge is dried by the heated liner of the unit while it is circulated by a spiral blade system breaking it up. The dryer liner can use indirect heat sources from steam, electric strips or gas fire. The preheated airflow system draws the moisture off the top of the internal dryer and out through the wet scrubber system. After drying the reduced sludge is removed by opening the discharge panel for gravity discharge into a container.
Met Chem's used equipment division has a wide selection of machines online so you can see exactly what you are looking for. They have pictures and descriptions that go with each product. Looking for a do-it yourself project or do you want "new-to-you" refurbished equipment? Met Chem can provide either, and has pricing for both online.
Not sure what you are looking for? The sales and service department are excellent at figuring out your needs and finding exactly what you are looking for Phone: 216-881-7900 or e-mail: info@metchem.com.
Multi-filament uses a number of fibers rolled together prior to weaving the cloth. This allows for a smooth finish and normally tight filtration. This cloth is normally used for filtration in pressure leaf filters for chemicals, liquid foods and some lower solids wastewater; as well as for anode bags in plating applications.
Mono-filament uses a single fiber (like fishing line) to weave the cloth. This allows for a slick non-absorbing cloth that can be used in the same applications as multifilament, but is normally not as tight for filtration. This type of cloth works well for screening and more open filtration applications.
Mono/multi filament blend is a cloth woven out of both fibers, one is woven in one direction, while the other is woven in the other direction. This cloth can give us the best of both worlds in terms of tight filtration and a slick face for ease of cake removal. One of the major uses of this cloth is on filter presses for process filtration and heavy solid waste water applications. 
Felt is the needle punching of these fibers into a thick material used regularly for filtration of paints, coolants and a variety of liquids. Micron ratings can go nominally from 1-100. These felts can be supported by an internal scrim or they can be non-supported. The supported felts can hang from a ring to filter, while the non-supported must be put in a pressure vessel supported by a basket to avoid blowout. 
Sludge Dryers can be designed to handle small to large quantity sludge generators. These dryers usually fit under the filter press for direct loading. The sludge is dried by the heated liner of the unit while it is circulated by a spiral blade system breaking it up. The dryer liner can use indirect heat sources from steam, electric strips or gas fire. The preheated airflow system draws the moisture off the top of the internal dryer and out through the wet scrubber system. After drying the reduced sludge is removed by opening the discharge panel for gravity discharge into a container. 
Low cost steam, hot water or gas fire for indirect heat source or may be available with electric heat 
