Decreasing Filter Cake Resistance by Using Packing Structures

Packed beds used in absorption columns are evaluated to determine whether they can also be beneficial for cake-forming filtrations. To assess this, model systems are characterized and separated by using a dead-end filter cell. Filtrations are conducted with different packings; the filtrate amount over time and resulting turbidity are evaluated. Packings increase the filter cake resistance and the separation time of the cakes formed with approximately incompressible solids. However, they exhibit a positive effect on the filtration of a more complex, compressible substance; the process is not only accelerated, but also the quality of the obtained filtrate is not compromised. These results demonstrate potential in the use of packed beds for the filtration of complex biogenic suspensions.