Cleaning filter cloth in line with 2% HCL Solution

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Can you clean your filter press in-line (re-circulate through press for x amount of time) with 2% HCL solution.

Larry Dilda
- Dallas, Texas, USA

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Generally, yes. But pack a lunch. 2% is going to take a long time. We found by accident that you can get nearly the same result (if filtering metal hydroxides from waste treatment) by thoroughly drying the cloth using a fan over a weekend. Works like new on Monday. If the cloth is old and fuzzy it should be replaced.

Paul Morkovsky
- Shiner, Texas, USA

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Good Idea!!!! I will definitely try this trick this weekend.. Makes perfect sense.

Ryan Cook
Team Metal Finishing , Inc.

Toccoa, Georgia

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Larry

For what its' worth...

We have been experiencing problems with our filter press. We precipitate chrome and zinc and run it through our filter press. The cloths are 2+ years old. Previously, they were replaced after a year when 'problems' arose. Our symptoms included- the press not filling completely before our diaphragm pump stalled out; and after blowing down, there was still considerable moisture in the cake.

We had tried mechanically cleaning the cloth with a siphon gun/aspirator and had minimal sucess. Then we tried a high pressure washer (car wash style). Our unit had a max output of 1300 psi and we throttled the nozzle back to achieve a 3-4" spray pattern at a distance of 3-4" from the nozzle tip. We started with a gun distance of about 8-10" from the cloth and continously moved the spray across the cloth. After several paths across the surface we could see the white of the cloth. We continued until most visible signs of residue were removed.

Upon re-install, they worked like brand new.

We left the clothes in the plate while cleaning, and would advise starting at a conservative distance when spraying and work closer as needed.

As mentioned earlier, drying the clothes out between uses helps a lot.

Willie Alexander
- Colorado Springs, CO