Common Problems of Automatic Filter Press & How to Troubleshoot Them

The Automatic Filter Press has revolutionized solid-liquid separation across industries such as mining, chemical processing, food production, and wastewater treatment. Its efficiency, automation, and low labor dependency make it a top-tier choice over manual systems and other dewatering equipment.

But like any advanced machinery, Automatic Filter Presses may occasionally face operational issues. Whether you’re operating a small filter press or a fully automated large system, knowing how to diagnose and resolve common problems can save you significant downtime and maintenance costs.

In this article, we’ll cover the most frequent issues faced in automatic filter press operations, offer practical troubleshooting steps, and explain why choosing a reliable Chinese filter press manufacturer matters more than ever.

1. Incomplete Cake Discharge

Problem:
The filter cake does not fully fall off after plate opening, leading to inefficient cycles and potential cloth damage.

Possible Causes:

·Sticky or fine-grained slurry

·Worn-out or low-quality filter cloth

·Insufficient plate shaking or cake loosening force

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Upgrade to non-stick filter cloth or chemically treat sticky slurries

·Install or calibrate automatic vibration/shake systems

·Ensure filter cloth is cleaned regularly to maintain permeability

Tip: Top-rated China filter press supplier often integrate enhanced cake discharge mechanisms in their fully automatic models, helping minimize this issue.

2. High Moisture Content in Filter Cake

Problem:
The discharged cake is too wet, increasing drying costs and reducing product quality.

Possible Causes:

·Low feed pressure or flow rate

·Short filtration cycle

·Absence of membrane squeezing function

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Increase feed pressure and adjust cycle timing

·Consider upgrading to membrane filter plates for higher pressure squeeze

·Use air blowing or steam drying functions if available

Why it matters: Leading Chinese filter press manufacturer offer customizable membrane filter press systems with high-pressure squeezing for improved dewatering efficiency.

3. Filter Cloth Clogging or Blinding

Problem:
Filter cloth becomes blocked over time, causing pressure buildup and longer cycles.

Possible Causes:

·Lack of automatic cloth washing system

·Incorrect cloth material for slurry type

·Infrequent manual cleaning

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Install automatic cloth washing mechanisms (available on most Automatic Filter Press systems)

·Match cloth porosity with specific slurry particle sizes

·Schedule preventive maintenance cleaning intervals

4. Hydraulic System Failure or Pressure Loss

Problem:
Plates fail to close properly or lose pressure during filtration.

Possible Causes:

·Hydraulic oil leakage

·Faulty hydraulic pump or seals

·PLC signal errors

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Check for visible oil leaks around cylinders and hoses

·Replace hydraulic seals or check oil quality regularly

·Recalibrate sensors or update PLC firmware if needed

Tip: Reputable China filter press supplier now include remote diagnostics and smart pressure monitoring systems to minimize hydraulic failures.

5. Slurry Leakage During Operation

Problem:
Slurry leaks between plates or from feed ports during filtration.

Possible Causes:

·Misaligned filter plates

·Damaged sealing gaskets

·Overloaded feed pressure

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Realign plates before each run (automated in newer machines)

·Replace sealing rings or gaskets regularly

·Monitor feed pump output to avoid pressure spikes

Most automatic filter presses from Chinese filter press manufacturer come with automatic plate alignment systems to eliminate manual errors.

6. Unresponsive PLC Control Panel

Problem:
The touchscreen or control panel malfunctions or becomes unresponsive.

Possible Causes:

·Software bugs or memory overload

·Faulty power supply

·Signal interference or sensor failure

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Restart or reset the PLC system

·Update software firmware from the supplier

·Ensure proper grounding and eliminate electromagnetic interference sources

Chinese filter press manufacturers such as Jingjin or Dazhang offer OEM-supported PLC panels with multilingual interfaces and remote update capabilities.

7. Excessive Cycle Times

Problem:
Each filtration cycle takes longer than expected, reducing throughput.

Possible Causes:

·Slow slurry feed rate

·Dirty or clogged filter media

·Delayed plate shifting mechanisms

Troubleshooting Tips:

·Ensure slurry pump is properly sized for application

·Use auto-washing cloth features after every few cycles

·Lubricate or replace shifting gear components periodically

Chinese automatic filter press systems typically come with auto-lube features and high-efficiency pumps to reduce this risk.

Why Chinese Filter Press Suppliers Lead the Market

Beyond affordability, China filter press manufacturers have earned a global reputation for:

·Customization: Filter presses tailored to your industry and slurry type

·Technology: Advanced PLC controls, auto-wash, and remote monitoring

·After-sales Support: Global shipping, installation, and training assistance

·Certifications: ISO 9001, CE, SGS compliance

Whether youre in the food, chemical, or wastewater industry, buying from a trusted China filter press supplier ensures operational stability and long-term value.

Conclusion: Solve Issues Early, Operate Efficiently

The Automatic Filter Press is a powerful investment—but even the best systems can encounter occasional problems. By understanding these common issues and implementing the right troubleshooting strategies, you can ensure minimal downtime and maximum performance.

Remember, your equipment is only as reliable as the supplier behind it. Thats why many global operations now rely on Chinese filter press manufacturers—for performance, service, and cost-efficiency that outshine the competition.

References

GB/T 7714:Teutscher D, Weber-Carstanjen T, Simonis S, et al. Predicting Filter Medium Performances in Chamber Filter Presses with Digital Twins Using Neural Network Technologies[J]. Appl. Sci, 2025, 15: 4933.

MLA:Teutscher, D., et al. "Predicting Filter Medium Performances in Chamber Filter Presses with Digital Twins Using Neural Network Technologies." Appl. Sci 15 (2025): 4933.

APA:Teutscher, D., Weber-Carstanjen, T., Simonis, S., & Krause, M. J. (2025). Predicting Filter Medium Performances in Chamber Filter Presses with Digital Twins Using Neural Network Technologies. Appl. Sci, 15, 4933.