Vacuum Belt Filter Cloths

A vacuum belt filter cloth is a specialized filtration fabric used in Horizontal Belt Vacuum Filters (HBVF) to separate solids from liquids in various industrial applications. It provides mechanical stability and efficient drainage while handling fine filtration.

Vacuum belt filter cloths are commonly made from polypropylene and polyester, which offer durability, chemical resistance, and mechanical stability. These materials are woven into double-layer or multi-layer weaves to enhance filtration efficiency.

Mostly double-layer and multi-layer weaves, as well as needle felt fabrics, are used to create a mechanically stable and durable belt filter cloth. These materials enhance both drainage and filtration efficiency. A combination of different yarns and weave types is utilized to optimize performance for specific applications.

HBVFs are widely used in mineral processing, gypsum production, catalyst recovery, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, where medium-to-low resistance cake applications require efficient dewatering.

The choice of filter cloth directly affects cake formation, dewatering speed, and filtrate clarity. A properly selected cloth ensures minimal blinding, optimal cake release, and extended service life.

Key factors include:

• Slurry characteristics (particle size, pH, temperature, chemical composition)
• Filtration rate and cake formation
• Mechanical strength and durability requirements
• Resistance to chemical and thermal degradation

Replacement frequency depends on the operating conditions, slurry composition, and maintenance practices. Signs of wear include reduced filtration efficiency, fabric blinding, and mechanical damage.

• Regular cleaning to prevent clogging and blinding
• Proper tensioning to avoid excessive wear
  Using suitable washing systems (high-pressure water or chemical cleaning)
• Monitoring operating conditions to prevent unnecessary stress on the fabric
• Ensuring rollers are straight and free from sticky slurry material to maintain proper cloth alignment

Yes. Multi-layer weaves and specialized fabric structures are designed to handle fine filtration while maintaining good drainage and cake release properties.

• Polypropylene (PP): Offers high chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and good mechanical stability.
• Polyester (PE): Provides better temperature resistance and is ideal for applications with elevated operating temperatures.

Air permeability should be chosen based on the desired filtration rate, cake thickness, and vacuum pressure. Too high permeability may lead to poor cake formation, while too low permeability can slow filtration.

• Regular backwashing or high-pressure cleaning
• Periodic chemical cleaning for oily or sticky slurries
• Optimizing slurry conditioning with flocculants or coagulants

Yes, filter cloths can be tailored by adjusting weave type, material selection, air permeability, and edge reinforcement to match the specific needs of a filtration process.

Vacuum belt filter cloths can be supplied with different connection methods and edge treatments to enhance durability and ease of installation:

• Connection types:
  Clipper seams for easy installation and replacement.
  Welded solutions for improved strength and sealing.
• Edge treatments:
  Ultrasonic sealing to prevent fraying and improve longevity.
  Polyurethane-treated edges for added durability and resistance to wear.

• Increased filtrate turbidity (reduced clarity)
• Uneven cake formation or poor cake release
• Frequent clogging or fabric blinding
• Physical damage (tears, fraying, or excessive stretching)
• Wrinkles in the cloth, which can indicate improper tensioning or fabric degradation and may lead to inefficient filtration.
• Uneven cloth length on both sides, which can cause misalignment and operational inefficiencies.

• Ensure proper alignment and tensioning to prevent wrinkles or misalignment.
• Both sides of the cloth should be perfectly even in length to ensure smooth operation.
• Check for leaks or improper sealing after installation.
• Rollers should be straight and clean from sticky slurry material to maintain proper cloth movement.
• Run a trial cycle to confirm proper operation before full production.