PHILIPPE Horizontal vacuum belt filter

A vacuum horizontal belt filter is an industrial equipment designed for continuous solid-liquid separation. Commonly used in industries, this filter operates continuously on a flat surface using vacuum filtration. This filter is particularly well-suited for processes that require drying, washing the cake, and recovering the filtrate.

The vacuum horizontal belt filter feeds a mixture of solids and liquids onto a continuous perforated and grooved belt covered with a durable filter cloth for optimal permeability. As the belt advances, vacuum applied from below creates a pressure differential that draws liquid through the cloth while solids remain on top, forming a “filter cake.” The filtrate is collected separately for disposal or further processing. Before drying, the cake can be washed in one or multiple stages to improve purity. After filtration, the cake is removed with a scraper, and the belt is cleaned by washing devices before starting a new cycle.

Horizontal vacuum belt filters offer several advantages over other filtration technologies. They operate continuously and handle a wide range of cake thicknesses (5–110 mm), making them suitable for high-throughput processes. Their washing efficiency is excellent, achieving recovery rates above 98%. Maintenance is simplified with easy access and low downtime. These filters are highly flexible, allowing adjustments in cake thickness, washing stages, and automation levels. Compared to batch systems like filter presses, they are less labor-intensive and more consistent. Their versatility makes them ideal for diverse applications such as mining, hydrometallurgy, chemicals, fertilizers, and flue gas.

Horizontal vacuum belt filters stand out for their:

• Continuous operation, maximizing productivity with minimal manual input
• High filtration efficiency, delivering excellent dewatering and low cake moisture
• Large filtration area, adaptable from pilot to large-scale use (up to 147 m²)
• Superior cake washing, with multi-stage counter-current washing and >99.8% efficiency
• Robust construction, built to withstand harsh industrial conditions
• Customizable design, tailored to process needs and integrated systems
• Easy maintenance, with quick access to key components, reducing downtime
• Process flexibility, suitable for various slurries and industries with consistent performance

These features make them ideal for demanding solid-liquid separation tasks.

The horizontal vacuum belt filter is highly efficient, capable of continuous operation, and is suitable for handling large volumes of material with varying particle sizes.

Its advantages over other filtration methods include greater washing efficiency, higher throughput, better dewatering, and visibility of the filtration process.

HASLER Group horizontal vacuum belt filters can handle slurries with a wide range of particle sizes and concentrations, from fine suspensions to coarser materials, provided the filter cloth and system are properly selected and configured for the specific process. Its adaptability and robust design make it suitable for both corrosive and abrasive materials, with construction materials and filter media tailored to each application’s chemical and mechanical demands.

Applications for horizontal vacuum belt filters go far beyond sludge dewatering, encompassing areas such as fertilizer production, mining, hydrometallurgy, mineral processing like rare earths elements REE, metal processing, as well as chemical manufacturing like soda ash.

A horizontal vacuum belt filter can operate with high performance across a broad range of materials for those found in industries requiring high-performance solid-liquid separation. Typical materials and applications include:

• Minerals concentrates and tailings (such as iron ore, magnetite, lithium, phosphate rock, phosphoric acid, coal fines and uranium).
• Metallurgical ores and hydrometallurgy slurries (including copper leach, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and gold leach residues).
• Chemical processing slurries (such as gypsum, bicarbonate, fertilizers, and various chemical intermediates).
• Power generation wastes, including flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and other power plant byproducts.
• Steel mill wastes and tar sands.
• Pulp and paper industry (pulp washers).

A horizontal vacuum belt filter is composed of:

• The frame provides structural support
• The drive drums ensure continuous and smooth advancement of the filter belt, placed above, retaining solids while allowing liquid to pass through
• The support rollers hold and guide the filter cloth and the belt during return
• The belt support table ensures a perfectly flat surface for a uniform filter cake, thus optimising filtration performance.
• The washing ramps and scrapers
• The cake discharge device
• The automatic cloth and belt washing system to keep the cloth clean

To select a horizontal vacuum belt filter, focus on:

• Filtration efficiency: ensure effective particle removal and separation
• Proper sizing: match filter size to process volume and throughput
• Filter media: choose materials compatible with your slurry (e.g., PP, PET, PVDF)
• Cake washing: opt for advanced washing circuits if purity or recovery is critical
• Construction materials: prefer stainless steel and quality rubber or resins for durability
• Maintenance: select designs with easy access and low upkeep
• Automation: look for systems with cloth tracking and cleaning features
• Manufacturer reputation: choose proven expertise and strong support
• Modular design: allows upgrades and process adaptation
• Process compatibility: ensure alignment with slurry type and performance goals

By correctly selecting the filter cloth for the horizontal vacuum belt filter according to the process requirements and addressing these issues, filtration performance is optimized, cloth lifespan is extended, and the following problems are avoided:

• Clogging: caused by unsuitable porosity, poor cloth quality, insufficient cleaning, or overly viscous sludge.
• Solutions: appropriate cloth selection, regular cleaning.
• Misalignment or folding: due to improper installation, faulty tracking system, incorrect roller settings, or uneven product distribution.
• Prevention: regular inspections.
• Leaks: related to excessive feed rate, uneven surface, or unsuitable calendaring.
• Solutions: flow rate control, high-quality cloth.
• Sticky product: risk of clogging or reduced filtration efficiency.
• Solutions: high-pressure manifold or ultrasonic bath.
• Creases on the cloth: caused by tension imbalance or improper alignment.
• Solution: banana roller to prevent folds.

To properly select the filter cloth for a horizontal vacuum belt filter, you must consider:

• Material compatibility: match cloth to slurry chemistry (e.g., PP, PES, PVDF)
• Filtration performance: choose appropriate pore size and permeability for particle retention and cake dryness
• Mechanical strength: ensure high warp/weft resistance, low elongation, and abrasion durability
• Cake release: prefer smooth, monofilament cloths for sticky residues and easy cleaning
• Temperature resistance: verify cloth can withstand process temperatures (e.g., PES up to 130°C)
• Customization: select correct width and closure systems to prevent leakage and ease maintenance

Horizontal vacuum belt filters require regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation and long-term performance.
Key tasks include:

• Filter cloth care: inspect for wear, clean regularly, and replace when needed
• Vacuum system checks: monitor pumps, seals, and pressure for leaks or blockages
• Belt alignment & tension: prevent uneven wear and damage
• Lubrication: maintain rollers and bearings per schedule
• Drainage system cleaning: avoid clogging and corrosion
• Control system testing: calibrate sensors and automation for accuracy
• Cake discharge inspection: ensure smooth removal and clean scrapers
• Support table renewed: inspect for wear, and replace when needed
• Inspections and cleaning (weekly, monthly, quarterly): ensure performance

Horizontal vacuum belt filter prices vary widely based on size, capacity, materials, and configuration.

Small or standard units may be more affordable, while custom-built or high-capacity systems, especially for mining or chemical processing, can reach hundreds of thousands of euros or dollars.

Costs may increase with installation and commissioning, automation, shipping, and after-sales services like training, preventive and predictive maintenance or maintenance contract.

Material choices (e.g., stainless steel vs. painted steel), filter media, and optional features such as advanced washing circuits or modular design also affect pricing.

For accurate estimates, it’s best to request a detailed quotation based on your process needs, throughput, and customization.

Contact us to receive a tailored offer.

• Laboratory trials to validate process parameters
• Comprehensive process audit for efficiency improvement
• Expert mounting supervision
• Cold and hot commissioning for smooth start-up
• Filtration training for operators and maintenance teams
• Preventive and corrective maintenance services
• Flexible maintenance contracts for long-term reliability
• Rapid troubleshooting and repair to minimize downtime