Validation of numerical filtration modelling for industrially relevant materials

Abstract

Dewatering models based on the theoretical framework developed by Buscall and White, 1987, have been used for the prediction of filtration behaviour from fundamental material properties. The material properties were determined from laboratory based filtration tests. The models properly account for compression of the suspension network structure within a filter cake in one dimension. A numerical model was then applied to predict the operation of a plate-and-frame filter press and enable comparison with actual process performance. Comparisons suggest that the modelling can describe dewatering performance of fine particulate slurries with reasonable accuracy. More importantly, predictions of de..