Challenges to optimize yard space utilization, step up water and material recycling rates, and lower process-waste disposal costs are driving concrete producers’ adoption of equipment well established in the mining business. Filter presses used in tandem with concrete reclaimers accelerate the water recycling loop and limit landfill-bound material to low-moisture cakes of primarily cement fine composition. Along with the McLanahan Concrete Washout System on the preceding pages, Concrete Products examines additional filter press offerings.
Matec America
Company offers two ranges of filter presses—Acquae and Ignis—for concrete. The Acquae range has three models, 400 x 400 BWR, 800 x 800 BWR and 630 x 630 BWR; Ignis two, 800 x 800 BWR and 1000 X 1000 BWR. Plant size and plate size vary by model. For instance, the Acquae 630 x 630 BWR is offered in seven different sizes ranging from 2,880- x 1,200-mm (630/10) and 11,825- x 1,200-mm (630/50), each with a 630- x 630-mm plate. Matec also customizes systems to specific plant needs.
The filter presses are made of single-block steel from thick slabs, realized through plasma, laser or water-jet manufacturing process. Typical moisture content of processed cakes is less than 25 percent. Matec quotes hourly capacity/solid recovery based on number of mixer trucks and NRMCA average for washout volume. The filter presses feature HPT pumps to work at more than 20 bar, Gasser Shakers for discharging the cakes perfectly, and Allen Bradley PLC system with remote monitoring and assistance. — www.matecamerica.com
Phoenix Process Equipment
Louisville, Ky.-based Phoenix and Italian water filtration solution specialist Fraccaroli & Balzan have partnered to offer the advanced Recessed Chamber & Membrane filter presses in North America. The companies’ waste water treatment and dewatering equipment engineering experience allows for what officials contend are superior products and services across all markets, including concrete and slurry fines recovery.
The Phoenix/FB Model 630-8 Filter Press has an overall footprint of 13 ft. 5 in. x 7 ft. 6 in. and 630-mm (24.8 x 24.8 in.) square plates. Depending on the slurry characteristics, the machine’s production rate is 20 gal./cycle with around seven to eight cycles per hour. The residual moisture is between 20 to 25 percent. Special features of the Phoenix/FB Model 630-8 Filter Press include an automatic cloth wash and cloth hydration automation for downtime. — www.dewater.com
Water Treatment Solutions
The company’s EnviroSystem provides operators with the ability to remove cement and sand solids, usually after a reclaimer, and to produce a clear effluent that can be reused in truck and mixer wash outs. It can be custom designed to meet the needs of any size operation. If desired, the pH can be adjusted to neutral levels allowing the effluent to be reused 100 percent in the batch process—meeting industry specs. The company’s 100-percent closed-loop solution meets Environmental Protection Agency thresholds and eliminates any discharge to a city sewer, all without the use of any settling chemicals.
Small operations may choose a 6-cu.-ft. press, while larger operations opt for a 25-cu.-ft. press. However, there is no limitation on the size of the filter press that the company can provide. Plates begin at 630 mm and increase in size based on the design to 800 mm, 1,000 mm, 1,200 mm, and larger. Filter plates and cloths are made of polypropylene. Moisture content of processed cakes is 50 percent or lower, depending on the need and the design. The company provides coast-to-coast service in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, all system components are stocked in the U.S. with next day shipment guaranteed. — www.watertreatmentonline.com
Oquamax
Six filter press models—FP47020C, FP63020C, FP63050C, FP80040C, FP100045C and FP150045C—are engineered to operate without clarifying or thickening tanks. Oquamax uses a unique washing system that completely clears the press and lines of any residual concrete for longer filter cloth life and no build up in the piping. The filter cloths are 100-percent pure nylon. The presses feature full automation with remote monitoring; automated filter cloth and hose washing system; stainless steel guards and electrical cabinets; and, fast cake unloading system with air hammers.
Models range in size from the 470-x 470-mm FP47020C, which has 20 plates and an overall footprint of 2- x 2- x 17-ft., to the 1,500- x 1,500-mm FP150045C with 45 plates and a 7- x 7- x 34-ft. footprint. Plate sizes are 630-mm, 800-mm, 1,000-mm, and 1,500-mm square. Solids recovery ranges from 0.5 tph to 30 tph, depending on model. Typical moisture content of processed cakes is between 15 and 25 percent. — oquamax.com