Filter plate frame assembly, a horizontal filter press, such as a tower press, having such a plate frame assembly, and a method of replacing worn components of horizontal filter press

A filter plate frame assembly for a horizontal filter press, comprising:

• a rigid filter plate frame having a first frame flank and an opposing second frame flank parallel to the first frame flank, and a first frame end and an opposing second frame end parallel with the first frame end, wherein the frame flanks and frame ends of the filter frame define a closed periphery;
• and
• a subframe nested within and laterally delimited by the filter plate frame, wherein the subframe has a central opening having a closed area that is configured to define a lateral boundary of an associated filter chamber, when in use,
• wherein either or both of the first frame end and the second frame end is an openable frame end, and
• wherein the subframe is receivable into, and respectively, removable out from the filter plate frame via the openable frame end,
• wherein the subframe is secured within the filter plate frame when the openable frame end is closed,
• wherein the filter plate frame comprises a first bearing surface opening towards a plate side of the filter plate frame assembly and running at least along both the first frame flank and the second frame flank,
• wherein the subframe comprises a second bearing surface opening towards the chamber side of the filter plate frame assembly, and
• the filter plate subframe is supported on and slidable along the first bearing surface at the second bearing surface.