Compressive and electro-osmotic dehydrator

Abstract

A dehydrator comprising a filter press including a pair of first and second, electrically insulating press plates supported in parallel on a frame and adapted to be moved relative to each other. Each of the press plates has a wide recess, the recesses forming a closed space between them when they engage. A pair of filter cloths for enclosing feed liquid are provided between the plates. An electricaly insulating diaphragm is fixed at its margin to the first press plate, covers the associated recess, and is adapted to swell outwardly with compressed fluid collected between the diaphragm and the first plate. A metal core plate is embedded within the diaphragm to reinforce it except for its marginal portion, and the core plate is connected to one of the positive and negative poles of an electric DC power source. Electric conductors are fixed in electric connection to the core plate, and project outwardly through the diaphragm. Divided flush carbon electrode plates are fixed in electric connection to the conductors over the diaphragm and core plate. Another electrode plate is supported in the recess of the second press plate in parallel with the divided electrode plates, and connected to the other electric pole.