A mechatronics approach to solid/liquid separation

It is shown how a mechatronics approach can improve a traditional unit operation. The basic principles of the task are outlined and the example of a pressure leaf filtration system is chosen to illustrate how the approach yields flexible apparatus. The experimental apparatus, which incorporates full computer control and hardware to provide pseudo-tomographic images of filter cakes, is described. Data are presented to illustrate the benefit of its use in both constant pressure and constant flow modes.