The significant advantage of the membrane filter plate technology is that the unproductive pressure filtration phase is replaced by squeezing with the membrane. Thus, the filtration phase is conducted in only the efficient stage of the filtration cycle.
Furthermore, the filtration cycle times are shorter and due to the even spread of pressure a homogeneous porosity is created within the cake and the grade of dewatering is profoundly higher.
The fixed welded Klinkau Membrane Filter Plate is manufactured with a center core body plate and two molded membrane sections welded to each side of the center core body to form the complete filter plate. The membranes are supported by the core body and guarantees a gently controlled membrane movement during the filtration phase. The center core of the Membrane Plate is profiled to prevent the membrane from completely closing against the center core body (see advantages of Klinkau Membrane Filter Plates).
The movement of the membrane causes bending stresses, which can adversely affect the membrane's ability to resist chemical attack. Klinkau Membrane Filter Plates have two defined hinge lines, therefore the risk of hinge failures has been minimized.
The Membrane Filter Plate design requires a minimum cake thickness before squeeze of 1/3 of the initial chamber thickness. Many filtration processes differ in solids content and filtering characteristics that may cause the risk of uncontrolled filling of the chamber. If the chamber filling cannot be controlled during the filtration stage we recommend our »Empty Chamber« fixed welded Membrane Filter Plate design. This system was developed to allow squeezing into the empty chamber without damage to the membrane.

Many filtration processes differ in solids content and filtering characteristics that may cause the risk of uncontrolled filling of the chamber which may initiate insufficient chamber fillings or empty chambers. Subsequently, this overstretching causes damage to the membranes.
The »Empty Chamber « design was developed so the membrane would be adequately supported not only during the pressure filtration filling phase but as well as squeezing into the empty chamber. The design prevents an overstretching and consequently prevents damage to the membrane.
Long-term testing with this special design confirmed this positive effect. After more than 20.000 cycles - the membrane was squeezed into the empty chamber with 16 bar pressure - no signs of damage showed up.
If cake washing after filtration is required the chambers have to be filled according our recommendations for Membrane Filter Plates Standard welded.
Membrane Filter Plates »empty chamber« designs are available in fixed welded and replaceable design.