A philosophy for the selection, scale-up and process simulation of filters

This paper details some generic aspects of a co-ordinated approach to the selection, scale-up and process simulation of filtration and separation equipment. An interactive computer software package capable of identifying a likely separation device is outlined briefly. Choosing the example of cake filters, the beneficial use of computer software and automated data acquisition in laboratory apparatus is illustrated and it is shown how the typical experimental data generated can be analysed in a consistent manner by computer software to generate scale-up data. The paper also indicates how this information can be used within a family of dedicated process modelling software packages to simulate detailed filter cycle operations on batch and continuous cake filters.