Software applications in filter control, data acquisition and data analysis

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