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Mining filtration

Maximise efficiency and performance in mining filtration

Boost recovery and maximise throughput with FLS’s advanced filtration solutions. Our filters are designed to optimise cake recovery and filtrate quality, while standing up to the toughest operating conditions. With low maintenance and user-friendly operation, our filtration equipment sets the industry standard.

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Pressure filters

Filter presses deliver drier cakes at a lower cost compared to other dewatering devices. They work by clamping filter plates together and pumping slurry into the chambers, where solids are captured by filter media and liquids pass through. Once the chambers are full or pressure reaches a set limit, the plates are unclamped and the solid cake is released. Filtration efficiency depends on factors like feed pressure, cake thickness, slurry temperature and viscosity, and the type of filter media used.

Automatic Filter Press

The FLS automatic filter presses (AFPs) are pressure filters designed for large-scale liquid liquid solid separations with heavy duty rugged and reliable construction built to withstand the demands of the minerals processing industry.  Customisable with recess chamber plates, or membrane plates when required, pressures up to 16 bar are utilised to optimise production and minimise cake moisture. Filter plates are available in 900, 1200, 1500, 2000 and 2500 mm square sizes.

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AFP 2500

Automatic filter press

Designed for large-scale tailings dewatering, the AFP2500 can recover over 200 m³ of water per hour -enough to fill six Olympic pools daily at a mine processing 21,000+ tonnes per day.

Demonstration of the AFP2500 filtration system, discharge sequence, cloth washing & repairing station.

Key benefits of mining filter presses

  • High efficiency and productivity

    With efficient solid/liquid separation and larger filter area, our filtration equipment is designed for high throughput and improved operational performance.

  • Reduced operating and maintenance costs

    Engineered for low maintenance and minimal operator intervention, our filtration solutions are designed to be low cost. We limit consumables, reduce power consumption where possible and simplify filter design to help reduce operating and maintenance expenses.

  • Optimised cake recovery and filtrate quality

    Our filter press and vacuum filters prioritise efficient cake formation and recovery, resulting in dry filter cakes with low moisture content, to enhance overall process efficiency and quality.

AFP enhancements: Maxa™ filter plate & IntelliPlate™ system

Maxa™ filter plate

The unique design of the Maxa filter plate resolves common issues related to filter plate performance, including area, volume, flow and durability, granting users as much as 10% more volume, improved filtration times and longer plate lifecycle for your AFP.

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More filtration per cycle

Gain 3-5% more filtration area and up to 15% more filtrate open area for faster, more efficient cycles. The increased plate volume (by 5-10%) allows for greater cake mass per cycle - maximising output without increasing footprint.

Improved flow and efficiency

Engineered port locations and an expanded filtrate path promote smooth, uniform flow across the entire plate. Reduced filtrate velocity helps protect internal components while improving cycle consistency.

Longer plate and cloth life

From pip pattern design to streamlined plate geometry, every detail works to reduce stress and abrasion. Optimised staybosses, sealing surfaces, and port sizing extend plate life, while improved cloth support minimises wear and maximises cloth lifespan.

Vacuum filters

The purpose of a vacuum filter is to filter the slurry or pulp, using a vacuum as the drying agent to pull the moisture from the slurry and create a filter cake of solids. Vacuum filters operate continuously. Filtering time is dependent on cake thickness, temperature and density of the pulp. We offer multiple design options and customisations to meet your process requirements, such as washing or steam addition.   

Horizontal belt filters

Horizontal Belt Filters provide you with high extraction efficiency, low cake moisture, increased production and reduced operating costs.  Our filters are suited for fast filtering materials, concentrates, and tailings, and can be configured for counter-current washing to maximise recovery while minimising water use. The most important component of the filter is the drainage belt. Drainage belts are uniquely designed for each application to suit the process and environment. Each one provides uniform filtration, mechanical strength and chemical resistance.

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Additional filtration solutions

Granular media filtration is a cornerstone of effective liquid-solid separation, widely used across industries for removing suspended solids from water, wastewater, and various process liquids. At FLS, we’ve been leading the way in this technology for over 50 years, offering tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of your operations. Central to our granular media filters is the underdrain system, which ensures optimal filtration performance by managing backwash distribution, preventing media escape, and maintaining the integrity of the filter media. FLS has partnered with AWI, the global leader in underdrain technology, to offer a system that ensures accurate flow distribution, durability, and efficient cleaning — key to achieving long production runs and minimising maintenance.

For applications where large volumes need to be treated cost-effectively, the OTG™ (Open-Top Gravity) filter is the perfect choice. Designed with flexibility in mind, OTG filters can handle varying headlosses and feed water qualities while offering high filtration rates through deep, multi-media beds. Their versatile design can accommodate a range of backwash processes, including combined air and water, making them ideal for treating challenging feed streams or biological effluents. Available in circular and rectangular tank designs, OTG filters provide robust, low-maintenance filtration, with optional self-backwashing control systems for uninterrupted performance.

When pressurised feed streams are involved, the Vertical Pressure Filter (VPF) is your go-to solution. Built to handle deeper filter beds and higher solid loadings, the VPF is engineered for heavy-duty filtration and is ideal for applications where reliability and high capacity are a must. Featuring FLS's advanced AWI® stainless steel underdrains, the VPF provides exceptional flow distribution and efficient cleaning. These filters, fully shop-fabricated to meet ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code standards, ensure superior durability, with multi-unit installations that offer self-backwashing capabilities for continuous, efficient operation.

Filters

Benefits, features, applications

Key benefits
Lowest cost per tonne. High availability (93%). Optimised water recovery. Efficient cake recovery. Robust, long-lasting design.
Easy operation and maintenance. Safe controls. Customizable design. Efficient cake washing. Corrosion-resistant options.
Features
Recess or membrane plates. Sizes: 900–2500 mm. High-pressure filtration. Low cycle times. Automatic cloth washing apparatus.
Pneumatic or electric controls. Membrane options. Lightweight design. Over 30,000 installations.
Applications
Mining (tailings, concentrate). Chemical industries.
General industry. Food-grade and corrosive applications.

Mining filtration add-ons

Frequently asked questions

FAQs for mining filtration

Mining filtration is the process of separating solids from liquids in the mining industry, primarily to extract valuable minerals from ores and manage waste materials. This process is crucial for enhancing the recovery of valuable minerals while minimising environmental impact. Mining filtration typically involves various techniques and equipment to dewater slurries, concentrate ores, and treat tailings. Effective filtration helps improve the overall efficiency of mining operations by optimising water use, reducing waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

A filter press is a type of filtration equipment commonly used in mining to separate solids from liquids in slurry form. It consists of a series of filter plates that are stacked together and clamped, creating chambers that hold the slurry. The liquid is forced out through filter media while the solids remain trapped in the chambers, forming a filter cake. Filter presses are highly efficient and can achieve high solid content in the filter cake, making them ideal for applications such as tailings management, mineral concentrate dewatering, and wastewater treatment in mining processes. They are known for their ability to produce drier cakes, leading to reduced disposal costs and improved resource recovery.

In mineral processing, various types of filters are used, each suited for specific applications and operational needs. Here are some common types:

  • Filter Presses: Used for dewatering slurries, filter presses consist of multiple plates that trap solids, producing a dry filter cake. They are efficient for thickening and can handle a wide range of materials.
  • Vacuum Disc Filters: These filters use a vacuum to draw liquid through a porous medium on rotating discs, separating solids from liquids. They are ideal for processing fine particles and provide continuous operation with high dewatering efficiency, often used in mineral processing for large-scale operations.
  • Horizontal Belt Filters: A continuous filtration method that uses a moving belt to separate solids from liquids. They are suitable for applications requiring low cake moisture and multi-stage washing.
  • Rotary Drum Filters: These filters operate on a rotating drum that is partially submerged in a slurry. As the drum rotates, solids are deposited on the surface and subsequently washed and discharged.
  • Pneumapress (Pneumatic Filters): These filters utilise gas pressure to assist in the separation of solids from liquids. They are typically employed in processes where high moisture content is present, offering effective dewatering and low energy consumption. Pneumapress is especially useful in applications requiring efficient handling of high-volume slurries with moderate moisture levels.
  • Continuous Vacuum Drum Filters: Designed for continuous operation, these filters have a rotating drum and can provide efficient solid-liquid separation, commonly used in mineral processing.