GPT Series Disc Vacuum Filter

The GPT Series Disc Vacuum Filter is a continuous, high-efficiency vacuum dewatering machine widely applied in mineral processing, coal preparation, metallurgy, and various industrial solid–liquid separation processes. Known for its compact structure, large effective filtration area, stable operation, and relatively low operating cost, the GPT disc filter has become a standard solution for concentrate dewatering in large and medium-scale processing plants.

Unlike batch filtration equipment, the disc vacuum filter operates continuously. Multiple filter discs rotate synchronously in a slurry tank, completing the entire filtration cycle — including cake formation, dewatering, optional washing, cake discharge, and filter cloth cleaning — without interruption. This continuous operating mode ensures stable throughput, uniform product quality, and efficient integration into modern automated beneficiation circuits.

The GPT Series is especially suitable for materials with good settling characteristics, relatively coarse particle size, and low compressibility, making it an ideal choice for the final solid–liquid separation stage before concentrate storage, transportation, or downstream processing.

The filtration process of the GPT Series Disc Vacuum Filter is driven by vacuum suction. Each disc consists of multiple sector-shaped filter plates covered with filter cloth. During operation, the lower portion of the rotating discs is immersed in the slurry tank.

As the disc enters the filtration zone, vacuum pressure draws liquid through the filter cloth and filter plates, while solid particles are retained on the surface to form a filter cake. As rotation continues, the cake is further dewatered in the dewatering zone under sustained vacuum. Depending on process requirements, a washing zone may be included to remove soluble impurities from the cake.

When the disc reaches the discharge zone, vacuum is cut off and replaced with compressed air (or atmospheric pressure), allowing the dried filter cake to be discharged by scraper blades. Immediately afterward, the filter cloth enters the cleaning zone, where high-pressure water or air removes residual solids, ensuring consistent filtration performance in the next cycle.

1. Main Shaft and Disc Assembly

A horizontal hollow main shaft runs through the machine and supports multiple filter discs. Each disc is assembled from several sector-shaped filter plates (typically 8–12 sectors per disc), providing a large effective filtration area. Internal channels in the shaft collect filtrate from each sector and guide it to the distribution head.

2. Slurry Tank

A semi-cylindrical slurry tank holds the feed pulp. The immersion depth of the discs can be adjusted to optimize cake thickness and filtration efficiency under different operating conditions.

3. Distribution Head (Core Control Component)

Located at one end of the main shaft, the distribution head precisely controls vacuum application, air blow-off, and zone switching. Internally divided into filtration, dewatering, discharge, and cleaning zones, it ensures accurate and reliable process control throughout continuous operation.

4. Vacuum System

The vacuum system consists of vacuum pumps, gas–liquid separators, and associated pipelines. It provides stable negative pressure for filtration and dewatering while effectively separating air and filtrate to protect downstream equipment.

5. Cake Discharge System

Scraper blades positioned at the discharge zone remove the dried filter cake from the filter cloth efficiently and consistently, minimizing residual solids and reducing cloth wear.

6. Filter Cloth Cleaning System

High-pressure water spray or compressed air nozzles clean the filter cloth after cake discharge, preventing pore blockage and maintaining long-term filtration performance.

7. Drive System

A speed-controlled drive unit rotates the main shaft and disc assembly at a low, adjustable speed to match different slurry properties and capacity requirements.

8. Frame and Auxiliary Systems

A rigid structural frame supports the entire machine, combined with automatic feed, filtrate discharge, and instrumentation systems for stable and safe operation.

Mineral Processing (Typical Application)

The GPT Series Disc Vacuum Filter is widely used for dewatering iron concentrate, copper concentrate, lead-zinc concentrate, sulfur concentrate, and other metallic mineral products. It is a standard configuration in traditional large-scale beneficiation plants.

Coal Preparation

Applied to flotation clean coal and fine coal slurry dewatering.

Metallurgical and Chemical Industries

Suitable for dewatering crystalline products, precipitates, catalysts, and intermediate materials.

Non-Metallic Minerals and Building Materials

Used for quartz sand, feldspar, phosphogypsum, and similar materials with good filtration properties.

The GPT Series is best suited for slurries with:

Good settling behavior

Relatively coarse particle size (typically >10 μm)

Low compressibility

Good cake permeability

It is not recommended for highly viscous, ultra-fine, colloidal, or extremely compressible materials, where pressure filtration equipment may be more appropriate.

Continuous Operation: Stable capacity with no batch interruptions

High Filtration Efficiency: Large effective filtration area in a compact footprint

Low Energy Consumption: Vacuum-driven process with optimized system design

High Automation Level: Easy integration with modern control systems

Reliable and Proven Technology: Long service life and stable performance

Low Operating Cost: Reduced labor demand and maintenance requirements

The GPT Series Disc Vacuum Filter is commonly installed as the final dewatering stage before concentrate stockpiling, transport, drying, or packaging, ensuring product moisture content meets handling and economic requirements.