Software applications in filter control, data acquisition and data analysis

This paper describes aspects of computer software use in filter apparatus c ontrol and data acquisition and details a robust software procedure for ana lysing cake filtration and consolidation data. It is shown how software can be used to automate state of-the-art laboratory scale leaf filters and pis ton presses and facilitate the real-time display of parameters such as liqu or transport rates and transient cake solids concentrations. Typical expres sion data from the piston press apparatus are used to illustrate an interac tive software analysis procedure which uses basic experimental information provided by the operator to calculate parameters which characterise a separ ation; these include the specific cake resistance, voids ratio and consolid ation coefficient. Methods of overcoming the problems of data scatter are h ighlighted along with the procedures used to provide expert guidance during data analysis. The filtration and consolidation theories which underpin th e software are also briefly described to show how scale-up constants can be software derived for subsequent use in process simulations.