Solid-liquid separation
Settling & Creaming
To measure the kinetics of interfacial development between a solid and a liquid phase we use one of two methods:
- Optical technique 1 - centrifugal force to accelerate settling of slow or small sample volumes
- Optical technique 2 - gravitational settling with temperature control
… or we could just use a measuring cylinder, a ruler and a litre of sample!
Our systems clearly define settling regions caused by differences in particle size and density providing an instant picture as to the solid/liquid separation characteristics of the sample. Data from these techniques will provide information on:
- Emulsion/suspension stability
- Shelf life
- Sedimentation
- Foams
- Sludges & slurries
Solid/liquid separation
Rapid filtration
Unique to the UK, we are able to undertake rapid filtration measurements to characterise, and optimise, the compressive dewatering behaviour for solid-liquid dispersions. With an ability to measure concentrations up to 40wt%, we can then determine:
- Compressive yield stress
- Hindered settling function
- Solids diffusivity
… which describe the full behaviour of a sediment bed during dewatering & process optimisation.
Constant pressure batch filtration rigs
The kinetics of the dewatering behaviour of solid-liquid dispersions is measured under a known pressure using our batch filtration facility. Data generated is used to calculate the:
- Average specific cake resistance
- Filter medium resistance
… in dilute to concentrated systems in solutions including extreme pH and salt conditions.
Position of solid-liquid interface with time
This sample is monodispersed :
This sample is polydispersed :
