Filter press idea.

[Johnny t]

I've got a 7" short bank and got thinking, what if you put two windows back to back and cut a slit in the filter right away between them to "blow" it right away. The syrup will still flow to the adjoining waffle plates on each side and be filtered all the same. This in effect would add "capacity" to your press wouldn't it? Or am I missing something here? Be the same as having a thicker window plate?

[maple flats]

That should work but it might not help much. The would be no savings by slitting the filter papers, but in the process you have reduced the surface area building a filter cake, cutting the flow rate. It's likely best to use as designed. You would not get more filtered on a set of papers, just would take longer to finish since you need the paper you slit to seal the mating surfaces of the hollow plates.

[wiam]

Filter press capacity is how much filter aid the hollow plates will hold. As long as you are using enough filter aid the hollow plates should fill completely before it won't filter any more.

[Sugarmaker]

For some reason blowing papers on a filter press just doesn't seem right? Lots of these used for years in the industry. Sorry I just didn't buy into the plate press system and chose to go another direction.
Good luck in your testing. Maybe you have something no one has thought of yet????
Regards,
Chris

[maple flats]

Since you are not adding any plates it would not increase capacity. The only way to increase capacity is to add a set or more of plates. When each hollow plate is filled, just clean the press.

[Johnny t]

Since you are not adding any plates it would not increase capacity. The only way to increase capacity is to add a set or more of plates. When each hollow plate is filled, just clean the press.
Sorry I didn't clarify, I meant to say I was adding an extra window leaving all existing waffles in place. I'm trying to think outside the box and in essence make a thicker window. I don't have the extra set of plates yet and the only reason for the filter between the windows is to seal the seam. Practicality suggests this is a foolish idea, but now I'm curious and may give it a try.

[Johnny t]

Thanks for the replies guys

[wiam]

Sorry I didn't clarify, I meant to say I was adding an extra window leaving all existing waffles in place. I'm trying to think outside the box and in essence make a thicker window. I don't have the extra set of plates yet and the only reason for the filter between the windows is to seal the seam. Practicality suggests this is a foolish idea, but now I'm curious and may give it a try.

This makes more sense. This would add a little capacity. Should not need to tear the paper as I unfiltered syrup will flow into each hollow plate anyway. Let us know what happens.