**Acknowledgements**

The authors would like to acknowledge the Management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and TETFund for providing funding for this work under the IBR grant with reference number, VCPU/TETFund/155.

We appreciate Engr. A. Smart and Engr. Idowu of EMDI, Akure, for analyzing the possible designs for the hydraulic press system with us at the commencement of this study; Mr. Yekin Obe and staff of Foundry Department, FIIRO, Lagos, for their assistance with the casting of the filter moulds; and Mr. J. O. Oke and Mr. M. Familusi of the Industrial Design Department, FUTA for their assistance in the entire course of the study and specifically for test running the equipment after its manufacture. Our appreciation also goes to Robert Pillers for reviewing the filter press in progress and making useful inputs that led to some adjustments.
