Even the best designed and installed filtration system can suffer operational problems at times. These problems often show themselves as a poor or deteriorating performance of the filter, such as a reduced rate of filtration or a wetter than usual cake. In such circumstances the responsible engineer needs to establish the cause(s) and consequence(s) of the fault(s) and then devise and implement an appropriate remedy to ensure correct filter operation in the future. Troubleshooting tasks require timely intervention and rapid solution to minimise economic and operational consequences for the plant in which the filter is installed.

By way of example Tables D.1 D.6 present a troubleshooting guide to the problems that may be encountered during the operation of a diaphragm filter press; descriptions of basic press operation are provided in Sections 1.4.2.5 and 6.1.4. Each potential phase in the filter cycle is considered in turn, and the effects of faults that either exist at the start of the cycle or develop during operation are related to the resultant operation of the press. It is intended that the reader can use the guidance presented to troubleshoot the operation of other filters and presses.