Plate and frame filter press AFP

membraneautomaticcontinuous

Overview
FLS filtration solutions are engineered for large-scale mining dewatering and solids/liquid separation. Systems prioritise high water recovery, low cake moisture and reliable operation in harsh process environments. Options and configurations support a range of mineral-processing applications and site conditions.

Pressure filters
Pressure filter presses deliver drier filter cakes by forcing slurry into plate chambers where solids are captured by filter media while filtrate exits. Performance depends on feed pressure, cake thickness, slurry properties and selected filter media. Presses are suitable where lower cake moisture and high recovery are required.

Automatic Filter Press (AFP) — product highlights
The FLS Automatic Filter Press (AFP) range is designed for heavy-duty, high-throughput mineral processing. Configurations include recessed chamber plates and optional membrane plates for additional cake squeeze. Typical AFP capabilities include high feed pressures (up to 16 bar), multiple plate sizes and adaptable plate designs to optimise throughput and minimise cake moisture.

• Plate sizes available: 900, 1200, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mm square.
• Optional membrane plates to increase cake squeeze and reduce moisture.
• Recessed chamber plates for specific slurry types.
• Designed for continuous, rugged operation in mining environments.

AFP 2500 — example performance
The AFP 2500 is configured for large-scale tailings dewatering. Example performance: capable of recovering >200 m³ of water per hour under suitable operating conditions, enabling very high throughput for large mines (reference operations processing 21,000+ tpd).

AFP enhancements and options

• Maxa™ filter plate: optimised geometry and flow paths to increase plate volume (typical +5–10%), add filtration area (+3–5%) and improve open filtrate area for faster cycles and longer plate life.
• IntelliPlate™ turbidity-detecting plate alarm system: optional self-contained sensor to continuously monitor filtrate turbidity and detect cloth damage in real time for early localized alerts.
• Automatic cloth washing and cloth-repair/maintenance provisions for continuous operation.

Other pressure-filter product variants

• Shriver® Filter Press: general-purpose press configurable for membrane plates, corrosion-resistant or food-grade options; widely deployed across industries.
• Pneumapress® Filter: pneumatic-assisted pressure filter offering a compact solution for improved throughput and filtrate quality.

Vacuum filters
Vacuum filters operate continuously using vacuum to dry the filter cake. Cycle and drying times depend on cake thickness, temperature and pulp density. Multiple vacuum-filter types and customisations (washing stages, steam addition, media choices) are available to meet process requirements.

Vacuum filter types and characteristics

• Horizontal belt filters: continuous operation for fast-filtering concentrates; designed for multi-stage washing and low cake moisture; belts selected per application.
• Disc filters: rotating discs with vacuum zones for continuous cake formation, washing and discharge; suitable for concentrate dewatering and paste backfill.
• Drum filters: rotating drum partially submerged in slurry; cake formation, washing and discharge occur during each revolution; flexible speed control for cake thickness.
• Horizontal pan filters: continuous vacuum filters for granular or fast-settling solids with options for steam/hot-air drying and high capacity per square metre.

Granular media filters
Granular media filtration removes suspended solids from water and process liquids. FLS offers granular media filters with engineered underdrain systems (AWI® partnership) to ensure uniform backwash distribution, media retention and efficient cleaning—suitable for large-volume treatment and long production runs with limited maintenance.

Key benefits (general across FLS filtration solutions)

• High separation efficiency and productivity: large filter area and designs tuned for high throughput.
• Reduced operating and maintenance costs: engineered for low maintenance and lower consumable use.
• Optimised cake recovery and filtrate quality: solutions targeting drier cakes and improved water recovery.
• Flexibility and configurability: pressure and vacuum designs, membrane options, washing stages and material choices for corrosive or food-grade applications.

Applications

• Mining: tailings dewatering, concentrate dewatering, paste backfill, water recovery from process streams.
• Chemical and general industry: slurry dewatering, solids handling where dry cakes, washability or filtrate clarity are required.
• Processes requiring low cake moisture, counter-current washing or very high throughput dewatering.

Technical specifications

• AFP operating pressure: up to 16 bar (application dependent).
• Filter plate square sizes: 900, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500 mm.
• AFP 2500 example capacity: >200 m³ water/hour (application dependent).
• Maxa™ plate improvements: typical +5–10% plate volume, potential +3–5% filtration area, increased open filtrate area for faster cycles.
• Optional features: membrane plates; recessed chamber plates; automatic cloth washing; IntelliPlate™ turbidity detection; custom underdrain options for granular media filters.
• Vacuum filter types: horizontal belt, disc, drum, horizontal pan; continuous operation with washing and drying options.
• Materials and construction: heavy-duty designs with options for corrosion-resistant or food-grade materials; engineered underdrain (AWI®) for granular media filters.