Filtration
Filtration
Filtration
• Filtration is the mechanical or physical operation which is used for the separation of solids from fluids (liquids or gases)
• Uses a medium through which only the fluid can pass.
• Oversize solids in the fluid are retained, • filtrate may contain some fine particles
• depending on the pore size
Liquid Filtration
• The separation of solids from a suspension in a liquid by means of a porous medium or screen which retains the solids and allows the liquid to pass is termed filtration.
Important parameters to be considered for liquid filtration
(a) The properties of the fluid, particularly its viscosity, density and corrosive properties.
(b) The nature of the solid—its particle size and shape, size distribution, and packing
characteristics.(c) The concentration of solids in suspension.(d) The quantity of material to be handled, and
its value.
Important parameters to be considered for liquid filtration
e) Whether the valuable product is the solid, the fluid, or both.
(f) Whether it is necessary to wash the filtered solids.(g) Whether very slight contamination caused by
contact of the suspension or filtratewith the various components of the equipment is
detrimental to the product.(i) Whether any form of pretreatment might be
helpful.
Liquid Filtration
• Filtration is essentially a mechanical operation and is less demanding in energy than evaporation or drying where the high latent heat of water is to be provided.
• In Filtration, the cake gradually builds up on the medium and the resistance to flow progressively increases.
• During the initial period of flow, particles are deposited in the surface layers of the cloth to form the true filtering medium.
Factors on which rate of filtration depends
(a) The drop in pressure from the feed to the far side of the filter medium.
(b) The area of the filtering surface.(c) The viscosity of the filtrate.(d) The resistance of the filter cake.(e) The resistance of the filter medium and initial
layers of cake.
Types of Filtration
• Cake Filtration• Deep Bed Filtration
Cake Filtration
• particles from the suspension, which usually has a high proportion of solids, are deposited on the surface of a porous septum which should ideally offer only a small resistance to flow.
• As the solids build up on the septum, the initial layers form the effective filter medium,
• It prevents the particles from embedding themselves in the filter cloth
• Also ensures that a particle-free filtrate is obtained.
Deep Bed Filtration
• particles penetrate into the pores of the filter medium,
• used for the removal of fine particles from very dilute suspensions
• Recovery of the particles is not of primary importance.
• Filter bed becomes clogged with particles• Resistance to flow increases (Very high)• Removal of accumulated solids is necessary
Filter Medium
• The function of the filter medium is generally to act as a support for the filter cake
• the initial layers of cake provide the true filter.• The filter medium should be mechanically
strong, resistant to the corrosive action of the fluid
• offer as little resistance as possible
Filter Medium
• Woven materials are commonly • the ease of cake removal • since this is a key factor in the operation of
modern automatic units
Filtration Theory and Mechanism
• Defined as rate of flow of a fluid through a bed of granular material given in Chapter 4, Vol 2 Rich. And Coulson
• Though some differences may occur (as due to increase in filter cake height)
• However generalization can be made
Filtration Theory and Mechanismwhere V is the volume of filtrate which has passed in time t , A is the total cross-sectional area of the filter cake, uc is the average/superficial velocity of the filtrate, l is the cake thicknessS is the specific surface of the particles, e is the voidage, μ is the viscosity of the filtrate,and P is the applied pressure difference.
Filtration Theory and MechanismEquation can be simplified to :
Relation between thickness of cake and volume of filtrate
Relation between thickness of cake and volume of filtrate
Filter selection
• one which will fulfils the requirements at minimum overall cost.
• Filtering area• obtain a high overall rate of filtration. • use of relatively high pressures • But max pressures are often limited by mechanical
design
• Higher throughput obtained from a continuous filter than from a batch filter– But continuous operate under reduced Pressure
Filter selection
• Quality of Filtrate• specific resistance of the filter cake • quantity to be filtered• solids concentration
Types of Filters
• Bag Filters• Plate and frame press• Pressure leaf filters
• Cartridge filters
• Vacuum Filter• Rotary Drum Filter