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中文 Introduction
In the demanding world of chemical processing and mining, selecting the right filtration equipment is not just a technical decision—it is a financial one. While Plate and Frame Filter Presses, Horizontal Filter Presses, and Vertical Filter Presses (VFP) all serve the same core purpose, their efficiency, operational costs, and ROI vary significantly.
As a leader in industrial filtration, NHD (Jiangsu Newhongda) explores the key differences to help you optimize your production line.
Plate and Frame Filter Press: The Traditional Standard
The Plate and Frame Filter Press is the most established technology. It uses a series of plates and frames held together by a hydraulic ram.
- Pros: Low initial capital investment; simple design.
- Cons: High labor intensity, manual cake discharge, and large footprint.
- Best For: Small-scale operations where manual labor is inexpensive and space is not a constraint.
plate-and-frame-filter-press, source: Jingjin
Horizontal Filter Press: The Mid-Range Automation
Horizontal presses often feature recessed plates and some level of automation. While they improve upon the manual plate and frame design, they still face limitations in high-volume industrial environments.
- Pros: Improved automation compared to manual presses.
- Cons: Mechanical complexity; the footprint remains large because the equipment expands horizontally.
Vertical Filter Press (VFP): The Modern Powerhouse
The NHD Vertical Filter Press represents the next generation of filtration technology. Designed for high-capacity mining and chemical projects, it addresses the fatal flaws of horizontal designs.
Key Advantages of NHD Vertical Filter Press:
- PLC Full Control: Unlike traditional units, NHDVFP features a fully automated logic system for 24/7 unmanned operation.
- 4-10x Higher Capacity: With a Max Capacity Ratio of up to 30x, one NHD VFP can replace an entire battery of traditional presses.
- Minimal Footprint: By utilizing vertical space, it saves 80-90% of floor area compared to horizontal units of the same filtration area.
- Lower Cake Moisture: Achieve a direct 10% moisture reduction (e.g., from 50% down to 40%). This translates to saving 10M tons of water transport per 100M tons of ore.
The Largest NHD 180m2 Vertical Automatic Press Filters for Nickel-cobalt Hydrometallurgy Project in Papua New Guinea
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Plate & Frame | Horizontal Press | NHD Vertical Press |
| Automation | Manual / Partial | Partial | Full PLC Control |
| Throughput | Low | Medium | High (Up to 30x) |
| Footprint | Very High | High | Minimal (Vertical) |
| Moisture Content | ~15-25% | ~10-18% | ~10% or Lower |
| ROI Speed | Slow | Moderate | Rapid (1-2 Days) |
Why the Vertical Filter Press Offers the Fastest ROI?
The true value of a filter press is measured by its Payback Period. Due to the significant reduction in freight costs (transporting less water) and the elimination of secondary drying processes, NHD customers often see their equipment investment recovered in as little as 1-2 days of operation.
Conclusion
While traditional plate and frame presses may seem cost-effective initially, the long-term energy, labor, and logistics savings make the Vertical Filter Press the superior choice for modern industrial scaling.
Contact NHD Today
Ready to upgrade your filtration efficiency?
Contact Whatsapp +86 13667324277 or visit NHD website to see the latest projects in the nickel-cobalt and mining industries.
