A dual functional solid liquid separation process based on filtration and settling

Abstract The dual functional filter combines both the mechanisms of filtration and settling or decantation. The combined mechanisms of separation permit very high degrees of sludge dewatering; for example, slurries containing 0.2 wt. % gelatinous particles have been dewatered to produce a sludge of 35 wt. % particles. A mathematical model which includes both the effects of axial (vertical) variation of pressure driving force and cake compressibility effects is used in conjunction with experimental data to evaluate the dual functional filter performance.