摘要 |
A method and apparatus are disclosed for mechanically locking a movable filter shell of a pressure filter in filtration position adjacent a second fixed filter shell, in order to accommodate and resist higher internal filtering pressures. In the method, a gasket between the two filter shells is compressed to an extent greater than necessary to achieve a liquid tight seal, in response to movement of the movable shell toward the fixed shell. Next, a locking member is freely inserted between the movable shell and an abutment with clearance being provided in order to facilitate the insertion of the locking member due to the movable shell excessively compressing the gasket. Upon initiation of the filtration cycle, the movable shell is slightly displaced away from the fixed shell in response to internal filtration pressures, with the locking member preventing further displacement in order to maintain the gasket in water-tight sealing compression. Upon termination of the filtration cycle, the movable shell is slightly displaced toward the fixed shell, to provide clearance for free withdrawal of the locking member.
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