Factors and selection criteria of filters

The simplest filter is bed filter. It is clearly for relatively small amounts of solid to be
removed from clearly large amounts of water in clarifying the liquid. This apparatus can only
be used on precipitates that do not adhere strongly to the sand and can be easily removed by
backwashing while open tank filters are used in filtering municipal water supplies.

Secondly plate and frame filter presses. It has many factors and criteria of selection to
consider like plate size of the filter to determine the amount of expandability desired. Second
factor is plate construction and plate style to ensure the construction is rigid and withstand
high pressure. The third factor to be considered is for a short cycle. An optional backing plate
which helps when running low volume applications for example the capacity of the filter
press can be temporarily reduced. The cake thickness also plays a part because 32 mm cake
thickness is standard while options include 25, 38 and 50 mm cake thickness. 25 mm used for
high viscosity (slimy) materials and 50 mm used for easily filtered material. One of the most
important factor is the cloth type. Furthermore, around four different options of filter cloths
are to be used in the filter press. PMU (5 micron) suitable with most applications. The PSM
material (50 micron) is used for coarse filtration. The PMM (10 micron) resists oily and tacky
solutions which is made up of a special kind of fibre. For high clarity applications the FTW
material (1 micron) is used. Check your particle size and submit a sample of the material to
us for testing to determine which cloth will be suitable.

Moreover one of leaf filters selection criteria are it is capable if filtering slurry from
any vessel. Furthermore, by immersing the filter in a vessel of water the cake can be washed
and the removal of the cake is facilitated by the use of reverse air flow. The labour cost to
operate this filter is moderate and the most efficient way to operate it is when the solid
content of slurry is not too high.

Lastly is continuous rotary filters as there are 3 types in this classification although
they share the same criteria of selection but used for different purpose. The first is continuous
rotary vacuum drum filter where it is not suitable for viscous liquid or for enclosed liquid but
if the drum is enclosed in a shell where pressure is above atmospheric it can be used. The cost
of a pressure type is around double of a vacuum type rotary drum filter. The second type is
continuous rotary disk filter which has all the same criteria as drum filter but it’s less
efficient. The last one is continuous rotary horizontal filter which is used for large capacity
processes like extraction processes and pulp washing.

Conclusion
 Filtration is the process of separating solid matter from a liquid, by adding a medium
which only the fluid can pass through and the fluid is called the filtrate. It has been
thoroughly discussed by explaining about the types, mechanisms, schematic diagram, and
industrial application in chemical engineering, factors and selection criteria of filters.
Furthermore by discussing the different types and the working principle of filters aided with
schematic diagram, it has enhanced our understanding and looking in to problems has been
eased. The factors and selection criteria research enabled us to see a clear difference between
all the types of filters and which is to chosen for respective situation and problems.
Moreover, by doing research on the application in chemical engineering fields it has given us
a deep understanding on the working sector which will be beneficial for the near future and
the implementation of our education in working life.