To determine whether the ceramic filter plate is clogged, it is mainly identified through comprehensive indicators such as increased pressure difference, decreased flow rate, decreased slurry suction effect, insufficient backwash pressure, and visual inspection.
When you find that the operating efficiency of the ceramic filter decreases or the vacuum system is abnormal, it is likely that the ceramic filter plate is clogged. This type of problem can directly affect filtration efficiency, increase energy consumption, and even lead to downtime. The following is a multidimensional judgment method based on production practice summary to help you quickly locate problems:
1、 Abnormal operating parameters (online monitoring)
These indicators can be observed in real-time without stopping the machine and are the earliest warning signals.
Significant increase in pressure difference
The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the filter exceeds the design range (such as normally 0.02-0.05MPa, now rising to above 0.1MPa), indicating an increase in fluid resistance and the most direct manifestation of blockage.
System traffic continues to decline
Even adjusting the valve cannot restore the initial flow rate, indicating a decrease in filtration flux due to micropore blockage.
Vacuum degree decreases or fluctuates greatly
Ceramic filter plates rely on vacuum suction to form cakes for dehydration. If the vacuum degree cannot be maintained at around -0.085MPa and fluctuates frequently, priority should be given to investigating whether the holes are blocked, resulting in uneven slurry suction.
Insufficient backwash water pressure
The normal backwash pressure should be between 0.08-0.12MPa. If it is lower than 0.05MPa, flushing will be ineffective, which can easily cause blockage accumulation and ultimately lead to the scrapping of the filter plate.
2、 Physical and visual inspection (shutdown confirmation)
When the operating parameters are abnormal, it is necessary to shut down for visual verification.
Visually observe after disassembly
Remove the ceramic filter plate and check for obvious dirt, scabs, or darkening of color (such as blackening or yellowing) on the surface, especially the formation of a "filter cake" accumulation at the inflow end, which is evidence of blockage.
Transparency test
Blow compressed air from the back and observe whether the front air is evenly discharged. If there are no bubbles emerging in some areas, it indicates that the micropores in that area have been completely blocked.
Weight comparison method
Ceramic plates with severe blockage can absorb a large amount of impurities, resulting in a significantly heavier weight than new or cleaned plates, and can be used as auxiliary judgment criteria.