Description
UOP12 is a benchtop unit designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of solid/liquid filtration. The apparatus consists of an
acrylic feed tank connecting to a progressing cavity pump which feeds a slurry to the acrylic plate and frame filter press.
A pressure sensor on the output of the pump measures the feed pressure. The filter press consists of two end plates, two frame plates
and a wash plate. The filtrate passes through an optical sensor which determines the efficiency of the filtration process.
Filtrate temperature is also measured. The second inlet to the filter is for mains water for filter cake washing. A second pressure sensor and
a needle valve control the water pressure during the washing cycle.
A three-way valve allows filtrate to be returned to the feed tank or to a filtrate vessel/drain.
Key features
The plate and frame filter unit uses nylon as the filter medium.
The unit is constructed in clear acrylic which enables the entire filtration process to be observed: the feed slurry in the feed channels, the build up of filtered solids in the frame plates and the clarified filtrate in the filtrate channels.
The filter unit uses gaskets to prevent leakage and enable operation up to 2 bar.
Bleed valves in the top of the frame plates enable trapped air to be removed for efficient filtration
An optical absorbance sensor is provided for on-line and off-line monitoring of the filtration process. It is also used to monitor the efficiency of filter cake washing operations
A controller enables constant pressure operation by controlling the speed of the feed pump
The progressing cavity feed pump enables constant feed rate operation
All electrical sensors: pressure, optical absorbance, temperature and the feed pump flow rate can be logged using a PC (optional teaching software available)
Water and calcium carbonate are the recommended working materials for reasons of safety and ease of use