Computer software for the automated specification of solid/liquid separation equipment

This paper details Filter Design Software® (FDS), Windows® software for the selection and simulation of solid/liquid separation equipment as well as the analysis of test data. FDS was developed in collaboration with multi-national companies spanning a wide range of industrial sectors to provide a comprehensive calculation, education and training tool that maintains a balance between ease of use, level of knowledge conveyed and comprehensibility. The selection module of the FDS compares up to 7 user-defined selection criteria with information contained in databases to produce a numerically ranked list of potentially suitable equipment. The FDS allows access to text and pictorial descriptions of more than 70 equipment types and hyperlinks provide more specific equipment manufacturer details via the internet. The data analysis module facilitates interactive analysis of leaf filtration, jar sedimentation and piston press test data. Calculations are performed in a hierarchical manner using the available information, if some data are not measured then the FDS performs the best possible analysis using approximations. The results of an analysis can be used to refine (shorten) a list of selected equipment or provide scale-up information for equipment simulation. The two equipment simulation modules provide calculation sequences for more than 20 types of vacuum and pressure filters, potentially involving combinations of cake formation, compression, gas deliquoring and washing. The user is able to input filter cycle data in their preferred units and guidance is given as to suitable numeric ranges for the type of filter being simulated. Results are presented on-screen in graphical and tabular forms and a mass balance is given for the solid, liquid and dissolved solute components present. The results are also made available in data sheet form which can subsequently be imported into a spreadsheet.