Leaf Filter

A leaf filter is a pressure filter made up of multiple flat filter leaves arranged inside a sealed vessel. Each leaf consists of a support plate covered by filter cloth through which slurry flows from the outside to the inside, forming a cake on the surface. Filtrate exits through internal channels to a central manifold. Leaf filters enable high-throughput fine clarification and can incorporate precoat, washing, and cake drying phases in one automated cycle. Key design aspects include uniform flow distribution, robust gaskets, leak-tight seams, and appropriate cloth selection for sharp retention and easy discharge. Advantages include closed operation, containment, and high differential pressures; drawbacks include potential channeling and residual heel. Performance indicators are filtrate clarity, cycle time, wash efficiency, and cake dryness. Routine porometry and integrity testing ensure sustained, reproducible operation.