BLOWDOWN - PURGING OF LIQUID
The operator initiates the clean cycle by pressing the "Clean Cycle Start" push button, located on the filter control panel. The filter PLC, which controls the filter valves and functions, opens and closes the filter valves in a pre-programmed sequence. During this sequencing of valves, the filter is isolated from the process and compressed air is introduced to the filter chambers. The air forces the liquid from within the filter and related piping into a holding tank. This process is referred to as blowdown.

BLOWDOWN - DRYING THE MEDIA
The media within the filter chambers remains wet with liquid and requires drying before the filter plates may be opened. Air continues to blow through the media for some amount of time in order to dry the spent media.

MEDIA EXTRACTION AND REPLACEMENT
Once blowdown is complete, the filter plates open, allowing the spent media to be extracted. The operator may then operate the media extractor to pull the spent media from the filter, while simultaneously pulling new paper from rolls located on a paper roll rack at the far end of the filter.

RETURN TO ON-LINE STATUS
To re-initiate filtration, the operator pushes the clean cycle start push button one more time. At this cue, the PLC directs the filter plates to close. Once the plates are closed, some additional sequencing of valves returns the filter to on-line operation. The clean cycle is now complete.