USING MECHATRONICS FOR THE INTERPRETATION AND MODELING OF THE PRESSURE FILTER CYCLE

An experimental apparatus combining the principles of mechatronics wit h a dead-end pressure leaf filter is described. The computer controlle d and sequenced apparatus was used to monitor performance during the c ake formation, gas dewatering and displacement washing phases of filte r cycles. Data relating to cake properties and liquor transport rates were acquired through electrical resistance measurements and suitable transducers. The data illustrate the versatility and accuracy of the a pparatus and they are used to compare with predictions given by existi ng theories, particularly for cake formation. Batch experimental resul ts obtained with aqueous suspensions of calcite are shown to compare f avourably with theoretical predictions for important design parameters such as cake height and cumulative volume of filtrate whereas data fo r more compressible talc systems tended to show more deviation. The wo rk presented highlights the benefit of a mechatronics approach to expe rimentation and emphasizes the importance of data acquisition and syst em control to future developments in filter design.