Filter Press Performance for Fast‐Filtering Compressible Suspensions

In some batch filtration processes, highly permeable suspensions dewater fast compared to the rest of the process. Here, the impact of fast-filtering compressible materials on the throughput of fixed-chamber filter presses is explored. The dewatering properties for a compressible yet highly permeable minerals processing slurry are used as inputs to a filter press model to explore the effects of operating and design parameters. For fast-filtering materials, maximum throughput is achieved with wide cavities and minimal handling time, while membrane resistance can be significant. Pressure affects the maximum achievable concentration, as given by the strength of the material. Overall, this work demonstrates the combined use of material characterization and device modeling for filter press optimization.