Using chematronics to improve filtration equipment

Mechatronics combines the philosophies of mechanical and electrical engineering with computer technology to aid the design and control of mechanical processes. This paper will propose the concept of ‘chematronics’ which involves the combination of these disciplines to solve problems within chemical engineering. A non-invasive tomographic technique has been used to obtain insitu solids concentration profiles and hence the information required to understand more closely the phenomena which occur during the pressure filtration cycle. A novel filter cell and its associated experimental rig, constructed to acquire data for the filtration, dewatering and washing phases of a filter cycle, are described along with some data obtained from filtration tests using calcium carbonate suspensions. The data serve to highlight the potential of a chematronics approach.