EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory.

Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

UO 08: FILTER PRESS

PROFESSOR DR. LIM JIT KANG

Group Number: 8
LOH LI YAN (152840)
MAH HIN MAN (148703)
NUR AMYRA BINTI SAHRIR (150204)
MUHAMMAD ROSLAN FIKRI BIN ROSLEE (153899)

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1. To observe the filtration behavior of filter press.

2. To determine the filtration parameters of filter press.
3. To determine the efficiency of filter press in removing water and retaining the calcium carbonate.
4. To determine the compressibility index for calcium carbonate.

2.0 RESULTS

Figures 1,2 and 3 below depict the graph of 𝑡/𝑉 against 𝑉 for 1𝑘𝑔, 3𝑘𝑔 and 5𝑘𝑔 of calcium carbonate, 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
respectively. These figures were drawn to obtain 𝐾𝑝 and filter-medium resistance, 𝑅𝑚 for each case scenario. Meanwhile,
Figure 4 which is a plot of log 𝛼 against log(−∆𝑃) was drawn to determine the compressibility index, 𝑠 for 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 . In
addition, the filtration parameters of filter press, namely 𝐾𝑝 , 𝐵, cake resistance, 𝛼, filter medium resistance, 𝑅𝑚 and
filtration pressure drop, −∆𝑃, are tabulated in Table 1 below.

3500
3300
3100
2900
t/V [s/m3]

2700 y = 1626.6x + 2040.4

2500
2300
2100
1900
1700
1500
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
V [m3]

Figure 2.1: Graph of t/V against V for 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 slurry (1𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 )
 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

3800

3300

t/V [s/m3]
2800
y = 1351.2x + 2006.9

2300

1800
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
V [m3]

Figure 2.2: Graph of t/V against V for 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 slurry (3𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 )

4000

3500

3000
y = 4624.4x + 1381.6
t/V [s/m3]

2500

2000

1500

1000
0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3
V [m3]

Figure 2.3: Graph of t/V against V for 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 slurry (5𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 )

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

9.6000

9.5000
y = 0.8097x + 4.6492
R² = 0.7434
9.4000

log (α) 9.3000

9.2000

9.1000

9.0000

8.9000
5.2000 5.3000 5.4000 5.5000 5.6000 5.7000 5.8000 5.9000 6.0000
log (ΔP)

Figure 2.4: Graph of 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝛼 against 𝑙𝑜𝑔(−∆𝑃)

Table 2.1: Filtration Parameters & Efficiencies of Filter Press

Slurry 𝟒𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 𝟏𝟐𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑
𝑲𝒑 [𝒔/𝒎𝟔 ] 3253.23 2702.42 9248.82
𝑩 [𝒔/𝒎𝟑 ] 2040.38 2006.90 1381.56
9 9
𝜶 [𝒎/𝒌𝒈] 1.00 × 10 1.36 × 10 3.61 × 109
𝑹𝒎 [𝒎−𝟏 ] 3.46 × 1010 1.23 × 1011 1.18 × 1011
−∆𝑷 [𝑷𝒂] 206842.80 551580.80 827371.20
Water Removal [%] 99.93 99.71 99.82
𝑪𝒂𝑪𝑶𝟑 Retention [%] 98.48 93.65 96.42
𝑪𝒂𝑪𝑶𝟑 Compressibility
0.8097
Index, 𝒔

3.0 DISCUSSION

Three different masses of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 powders (1𝑘𝑔, 3𝑘𝑔 and 5𝑘𝑔) were dissolved in 250L of water and mixed well to
produce 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 slurry with concentrations of 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 and 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 respectively. For each slurry, a graph
of 𝑡/𝑉 against 𝑉 was plotted in order to determine important filtration parameters such as 𝑅𝑚 and 𝛼. The straight line in
each plot is represented by the general equation (1) while 𝑅𝑚 and 𝛼 are obtained from equations (2) and (3) as shown
below:
𝑡 𝐾𝑝
= 𝑉+𝐵 (1)
𝑉 2
𝜇𝛼𝐶𝑠
𝐾𝑝 = 2 (2)
𝐴 (−∆𝑃)

𝜇𝑅𝑚
𝐵= (3)
𝐴(−∆𝑃)

Important filtration parameters namely 𝐾𝑝 , 𝐵, 𝛼, 𝑅𝑚 , −∆𝑃, efficiency of filter press in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
retention, and s were listed in Table 2.1. Based upon the inspection of equation (1), each graph should show a positive
linear trend. And based on Figures 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, the data points generally obey the theory, albeit with slight deviation
initially. This can be attributed to the fact that the flow could be unsteady at the initial stage of filtration. Once steady

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

flow rates were achieved after some time, a positive linear trend was observed for all three slurry concentrations. In
addition, the last data point sits much higher than what is indicated by the linear equation. This phenomenon indicates
that filtration had completed as it took a long time for the filtration to occur at the final stage.

Theoretically, 𝐾𝑝 value should increase as cake resistance increases. However, this does not seem to be the case as
indicated by the tabulated data in Table 2.1. As we can see, 𝛼 increases as the slurry concentration increases. This agrees
with the expectation that when the slurry concentration increases, a thicker layer of cake will be formed, thereby leading
to increased cake resistance (Doran, 2013). This greater cake resistance will oppose the flow through the filter medium,
causing the filtration rate to gradually decrease. On the other hand, 𝐾𝑝 value decreases from 3523.23 𝑠/𝑚6 to
2702.42𝑠/𝑚6 as the slurry concentration increases from 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 to 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , followed by an increase to
9248.82𝑠/𝑚6 at slurry concentration of 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 . The discrepancy of 𝐾𝑝 value could be attributed to the greatest
average area of cake obtained for slurry concentration of 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 .

As seen from Table 2.1, the filtration pressure drop increases as the slurry concentration increases. The filtration
pressure drop is defined as the exerting differential pressure across the filter separating the fluids from solids and across
the cake formed (Najafpour, 2007). Our findings agree with the theory that pressure drop should increases over time as
there is a lower filtration rate due to greater resistance brought by thicker cake formed at higher slurry concentration,
therefore a greater pressure drop is needed to maintain the filtration rate (Kishor, n.d.). Also, the compressibility index, 𝑠
of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 was obtained by taking the slope of a lot of log(𝛼) against log(−∆𝑃). For incompressible solids, 𝑠 is about
zero; for highly compressible cakes, 𝑠 is about 1 (Najafpour, 2007). The 𝑠 value obtained from our experiment is 0.8097,
indicating that the 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 cake is quite compressible.

Last but not least, the efficiency of the filter press was studied in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 retention. Based
on the data in Table 2.1, the %water removal is very high at all three slurry concentrations, with 99.93%, 99.71% and
99.82% for slurry concentration of 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 and 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 respectively. By right, the %water removal should
decrease as the slurry concentration increases. This can be explained as followed: at higher slurry concentration, a greater
amount of cake is formed. Small particles will penetrate through the filter medium, causing clogging of pores, followed
by larger particles blocking off the pore opening, which in turn reduces the passage for water permeation. Therefore, more
water will be trapped in the cake. In short, the %water removal should decrease as the slurry concentration increases
(Chase et al., 1994). On the other hand, the % 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 recovery decreases from 98.48% to 93.65% as the slurry
concentration increases from 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 to 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , then increases to 96.42% at the slurry concentration of 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 .
This violates the theory that states as the slurry concentration increases, thicker cake will be formed with lower porosity.
Our findings in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 recovery slightly deviate from the theory, and this can be owing to
the greater mass of cake sampled at the slurry concentration of 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 .

4.0 CONCLUSIONS

Plate and frame filter press was used in this experiment in which pressure gradient is the driving force for the filtration
to occur. Three slurries with concentrations of 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 , 12𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 and 20𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 were prepared by dissolving 1𝑘𝑔, 3𝑘𝑔
and 5𝑘𝑔 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250𝐿 water. The efficiency of the filter press was evaluated in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
retention. The %water removal obtained is very high at all three concentrations, with %water removal exceeding 99.7%
for all three slurry concentrations. Our findings slightly disagree with the theory which states that an increase in slurry
concentration will result in a decrease in %water removal. On top of that, the %𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 recovery is slightly lower, ranging
from 93.65% to 98.48%. Again, our experimental data slightly violates the theory which states that ticker cake with lower
porosity will be formed as the slurry concentration increases. Last but not least, the compressibility index, 𝑠 for 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
was obtained to be 0.8097, indicating the 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 cake formed is compressible.

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5.0 REFERENCES

Civan, F. (2016). Chapter 12 - Cake Filtration: Mechanism, Parameters and Modeling. Reservoir Formation Damage

(Third Edition). Gulf Professional Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-801898-9.00012-6

Chase, G. G., Arconti, J., & Kanel, J. (1994). The Effect of Filter Cakes on Filter Medium Resistance. Separation

Science and Technology, 29(16), 2179–2196. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496399408002197

ChemBK.com (2015). Calcium carbonate. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from

https://www.chembk.com/en/chem/Calcium%20carbonate

ChemREADY (n.d.). What is a Filter Press and How Does it Work?. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from

https://www.getchemready.com/water-facts/what-is-a-filter-press/

Doran, P. M. (2013). Bioprocess Engineering Principles (Second Edition). Elsevier Ltd.

Dicalite Europe. (n.d.). Filtration ·Dicalite Europe. Retrieved 9 April 2023, from https://www.dicalite-

europe.com/filtration/

Envirogen Group (n.d.). Cake Filtration | Process Filtration. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from

https://www.envirogengroup.com/process-filtration/cake-filtration/

Judd, S. (2020, June 18). Filter presses for sludge dewatering. Sludge Processing.

https://www.sludgeprocessing.com/sludge-dewatering/filter-press/

Kishor, N. (n.d.). Principles of Cake Filtration. Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.

Kudriahov, A. (n.d.) Filter Medium. TheFreeDictionary.Com. Retrieved 9 April 2023, from

https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Filter+Medium

Lim, J.K. (2022). Lecture #02: Filtration and Microfiltration. Universiti Sains Malaysia, EKC316.

McCabe, W. L., Smith, J. C., & Harriot, P. (2005). Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering (Seventh Edition).

McGraw-Hill Education.

Metchem (n.d.) Filter Press, Clarifiers & Wastewater Treatment Systems. Retrieved 10 April 2023, from

https://metchem.com/filter-press-vs-screw-press/

Najafpour, G. D. (2007). CHAPTER 7—Downstream Processing. In G. D. Najafpour (Ed.), Biochemical Engineering

and Biotechnology (pp. 170–198). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-044452845-2/50007-0

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6.0 APPENDIX

Appendix A: Lab Questions

1) Describe the experiment procedure in your own words.

First, the feed tank was filled up with water with a volume of 250L. 1𝑘𝑔 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 powder was weighed
and then fed into the feed tank and let dissolved in water. After that, the stirrer was started to ensure the 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
slurry is well mixed and homogeneous. The stirrer was left running for 20 minutes for mixing. While the mixing
was occurring, the filter press plates were arranged in the correct plate sequence and packed tightly together to
ensure proper filtration. The filter clothes were checked to ensure they are tied and arranged properly without
any creases on the sealing face areas.

After thorough checking was done and proper mixing of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 was achieved, the filtration was commenced
by fully opening the inlet feed valve and turning on the feed pump to transport the slurry from the feed tank to
the filter press. The filtrate discharge valve was opened to collect the water sample. 2 stopwatches were used in
this experiment. The first stopwatch was used to record the filtration time by starting it when the first drop of
filtrate appeared until the last drop of water, indicating the entirety of the filtration process. Meanwhile, the
second stopwatch was used to record the filtration rate during the experiment, which is the time taken to fill up
a 5L beaker. The feed pump was then turned off after the batch filtration had completed, indicated by the last
drop of filtrate leaving the outlet.

After the batch filtration process had ended, the hydraulic valve was released. The plates were opened with
caution. The length, width, and thickness of the cake in each section were measured and recorded. Also, the
weight of these cake samples was measured and then let dried in the oven to obtain their dry weight. These data
were to be used in the calculation of efficiency of filter press in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 recovery.
After taking the sample and weighing, the filter plates and filter clothes were cleaned properly with care to
prevent damage, then installed back onto the filter press. All the aforementioned steps were repeated using 3𝑘𝑔
and 5𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 .

2) For the obtained experimental data, evaluate the quantities

• Cake resistance, 𝛼
• Filter-medium resistance, 𝑅𝑚

From Table 2.1, we can see that as the concentration of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 increases, the cake resistance, 𝛼 increases
as well. This obeys the theory that as the solid concentration increases, more solids will be deposited onto
the filter clothes, leading to the formation of thicker and denser cake, which in turn increases the cake
resistance (Doran, 2013).

Based upon our experimental data, filter-medium resistance, 𝑅𝑚 increases as 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 concentration
increases. This disobeys the theory which states that 𝑅𝑚 depends on the properties of the filter medium
itself such as the effect of fiber cloth and any particles wedged onto it, therefore it should remain constant
(Doran, 2013).

3) What is the unit of filter-medium resistance?

The unit of filter-medium resistance is 𝑚−1 or 𝑘𝑃𝑎/(𝑘𝑃𝑎 ∗ 𝑠 ∗ (𝑚/𝑠)) (McCabe et al., 2005).

4) The septum in any filter must meet specific requirements. Briefly state these requirements.

The septum, typically screen or cloth, principally serves as a support for the cake. Therefore, the choice of
septum is sufficiently imperative to warrant careful selections (Dicalite Europe, n.d.). There are multiple specific
requirements a septum shall meet to ensure a good filtration performance: firstly, the pore size and distribution.
The pore size should be fine enough such that it can retain filter the solid materials of the slurry and allow filter
cake to be formed quickly. At the same time, the pore distribution should allow a minimum resistance to flow,
meaning a clogging of solids on the filter media shall be prevented. The material used for the septum ought to
be durable over a wide range of chemical, pressure and temperature conditions (Dicalite Europe, n.d.). A septum
should have high mechanical strength such that it does not break while operating under high pressure condition.
Also, it should be chemically resistance to a wide range of potential filtrate to prevent fouling of the filter medium,
thereby preventing clogging. In addition, the septum used must be made from materials that are thermal resistant

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

so that it can work well without breaking when the filtration is carried out at elevated temperature conditions
(Kudriashov, n.d.).

5) What are the principles of cake filtration?

Cake filtration is a process used to separate solids from liquids using a porous filter medium. It is based upon
Darcy’s Law which describes the flow of a fluid through a porous medium in the presence of a driving force, a
pressure gradient (Lim, 2022).
In cake filtration, the feed to be filtered which is the slurry (a mixture of solids suspended in a liquid) is
passed through the filter medium, in this case, the filter cloth on each plate. As the slurry is passed through the
filter medium, the solids will accumulate on the surface of the filter medium, forming a packed bed of solids
known as cakes. As filtration continues, the accumulation of solids will increase the cake thickness, which in
turn increases the cake resistance towards the flow of the filtrate. They become the actual barrier for further
solids retention. The filter medium becomes the support of the actual filter that is the filter cake, and cake
filtration occurs through this (Envirogen Group, n.d.). However, as the cake thickness increases, the pressure
gradient decreases due to the increase in the resistance of filtrate flow through the filter medium. Consequently,
the filtration rate gradually decreases until it becomes constant, indicating the filtration has completed (Civan,
2016).

6) Provide a detailed industrial application of filter press.

One of the industrial applications of filter press is wastewater treatment. Filter presses are used to dewater
and separate solids from municipal and industrial wastewater, reducing the waste volume, and producing more
concentrated cakes for disposal or further processing. A filter press operates by separating out solids from liquid
across the filter medium in the presence of a pressure gradient, in the process removing impurities and suspended
solids from the wastewater, which in turn allows for eased handling and dispose of waste (ChemREADY, n.d.)
In wastewater treatment, filter presses are primarily used in sludge dewatering.

Figure A.1: Operation of Filter Press (Judd, 2020).

In sludge dewatering, the filter press functions by pressing the sludge between a series of porous plates. The
process forces water out of the sludge by applying high pressures to compress the sludge layers. The plates are
recessed to allow them to be filled with sludge. The operation of the filter press then proceeds by slowly filling
the recesses between the plates with the sludge before applying a high pressure, typically 7 to 20 bars over a
period of 1 to 2 hours. The water is forced out of the sludge under the pressure applied, and the filtrate is returned
to the wastewater treatment works influent. To displace the residual water from the cake formed, air is then
flushed through the system for 5 to 15 minutes. The filter cake may be washed at this point to remove
contaminants. At last, the plates are then separated and the cake solids, ranging from 25mm to 40mm thick, are
allowed to fall out. The complete operating cycle of filling, filtering and emptying, and washing down the filter
press can take up to 5 hours (Judd, 2020).

The filter press is the only batch-mode mechanical thickening/dewatering technology. It is also the only
dewatering technology capable of routinely achieving high concentrations of the dewatered cake product,
between 35 to 45% dry solids, depending on the chemical conditioning applied and the feed sludge origin (Judd,
2020). Since the cake is drier, the transportation and disposal of solids become easier. A second benefit to the
filter press is that the technology is simpler compared to other technology such as a screw press. There are fewer
moving parts, meaning less maintenance, less downtime and less manpower is needed when a filter press is used.

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

Last but not least, due to the simpler operation of filter press, it is much cheaper than a screw press (Met-Chem
Inc., 2022).

Appendix B: Raw Data and Data Tabulation

Table B.1: 1𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Filtrate Volume, V [m3] Time, t [s] Cumulative time t/V
[s] [s/m3]
0.005 9 9 1800
0.01 10 19 1900
0.015 11 30 2000
0.02 12 42 2100
0.025 11 53 2120
0.03 12 65 2166.667
0.035 13 78 2228.571
0.04 11 89 2225
0.045 11 100 2222.222
0.05 10 110 2200
0.055 12 122 2218.182
0.06 10 132 2200
0.065 11 143 2200
0.07 12 155 2214.286
0.075 11 166 2213.333
0.08 11 177 2212.5
0.085 10 187 2200
0.09 11 198 2200
0.095 11 209 2200
0.1 11 220 2200
0.105 11 231 2200
0.11 11 242 2200
0.115 10 252 2191.304
0.12 13 265 2208.333
0.125 11 276 2208
0.13 11 287 2207.692
0.135 11 298 2207.407
0.14 11 309 2207.143
0.145 12 321 2213.793
0.15 10 331 2206.667
0.155 13 344 2219.355
0.16 11 355 2218.75
0.165 11 366 2218.182
0.17 34 400 2352.941
0.175 11 411 2348.571
0.18 10 421 2338.889
0.185 13 434 2345.946
0.19 11 445 2342.105
0.195 12 457 2343.59
0.2 12 469 2345
0.205 11 480 2341.463
0.21 11 491 2338.095

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

0.215 11 502 2334.884

0.22 11 513 2331.818
0.225 11 524 2328.889
0.23 11 535 2326.087
0.235 12 547 2327.66
0.24 19 566 2358.333
0.245 36 602 2457.143
0.25 173 775 3100

Table B.2: 3𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Filtrate Volume, V [m3] Time, t Cumulative time t/V
[s] [s] [s/m3]
0.005 10 10 2000
0.01 11 21 2100
0.015 10 31 2066.667
0.02 10 41 2050
0.025 11 52 2080
0.03 10 62 2066.667
0.035 11 73 2085.714
0.04 11 84 2100
0.045 11 95 2111.111
0.05 11 106 2120
0.055 10 116 2109.091
0.06 12 128 2133.333
0.065 9 137 2107.692
0.07 11 148 2114.286
0.075 11 159 2120
0.08 11 170 2125
0.085 11 181 2129.412
0.09 11 192 2133.333
0.095 10 202 2126.316
0.1 11 213 2130
0.105 11 224 2133.333
0.11 11 235 2136.364
0.115 11 246 2139.13
0.12 12 258 2150
0.125 11 269 2152
0.13 12 281 2161.538
0.135 10 291 2155.556
0.14 12 303 2164.286
0.145 11 314 2165.517
0.15 12 326 2173.333
0.155 11 337 2174.194
0.16 11 348 2175
0.165 11 359 2175.758
0.17 11 370 2176.471
0.175 12 382 2182.857
0.18 11 393 2183.333
0.185 11 404 2183.784

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

0.19 12 416 2189.474

0.195 11 427 2189.744
0.2 12 439 2195
0.205 12 451 2200
0.21 12 463 2204.762
0.215 11 474 2204.651
0.22 12 486 2209.091
0.225 12 498 2213.333
0.23 12 510 2217.391
0.235 12 522 2221.277
0.24 15 537 2237.5
0.245 22 559 2281.633
0.25 342 901 3604

Table B.3: 5𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Filtrate Volume, V [m3] Time, t [s] Cumulative time [s] t/V [s/m3]
0.005 6 6 1200
0.01 6 12 1200
0.015 8 20 1333.3333
0.02 8 28 1400
0.025 8 36 1440
0.03 9 45 1500
0.035 9 54 1542.8571
0.04 9 63 1575
0.045 9 72 1600
0.05 10 82 1640
0.055 9 91 1654.5455
0.06 12 103 1716.6667
0.065 11 114 1753.8462
0.07 11 125 1785.7143
0.075 12 137 1826.6667
0.08 11 148 1850
0.085 11 159 1870.5882
0.09 10 169 1877.7778
0.095 13 182 1915.7895
0.1 11 193 1930
0.105 13 206 1961.9048
0.11 12 218 1981.8182
0.115 12 230 2000
0.12 12 242 2016.6667
0.125 12 254 2032
0.13 12 266 2046.1538
0.135 12 278 2059.2593
0.14 12 290 2071.4286
0.145 12 302 2082.7586
0.15 12 314 2093.3333
0.155 13 327 2109.6774

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

0.16 13 340 2125

0.165 13 353 2139.3939
0.17 13 366 2152.9412
0.175 12 378 2160
0.18 13 391 2172.2222
0.185 12 403 2178.3784
0.19 13 416 2189.4737
0.195 13 429 2200
0.2 13 442 2210
0.205 13 455 2219.5122
0.21 13 468 2228.5714
0.215 13 481 2237.2093
0.22 13 494 2245.4545
0.225 13 507 2253.3333
0.23 13 520 2260.8696
0.235 13 533 2268.0851
0.24 14 547 2279.1667
0.245 30 577 2355.102
0.25 327 904 3616

Table B.4: Calculated Parameters for 1𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Plate 1 2A 2B 3A 3B 4
3
Concentration ,Cs [kg/m ] 4 4 4 4 4 4
Thickness of cake [cm] 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Length of cake [cm] 28.5 28.6 29 29.1 28.5 28.3
Width of cake [cm] 28.1 28.2 29.2 29.3 28.5 28.4
Diameter of the hole [cm] 10.8
Area of cake [cm2] 709.2412 714.9112 755.1912 761.0212 720.6412 712.111
3
Volume of cake [cm ] 141.8482 71.4911 75.5191 76.1021 72.0641 71.2111
3
Total volume of cake in each section [cm ] 213.3393 151.6212 143.2752
Weight of clean petri dish [g] 9.0325 9.0322 9.0329 9.0328 9.0325 9.0331
Weight of wet cake +petri dish [g] 61.1837 54.0067 68.1593 56.7535 50.0001 54.3816
Weight of dry cake + petri dish [g] 53.8162 46.6933 60.1943 49.3532 43.8995 47.6045
Weight of wet cake [g] 52.1512 44.9745 59.1264 47.7207 40.9676 45.3485
Total weight of wet cake in each section [g] 97.1257 106.8471 86.3161
Weight of dry cake [g] 44.7837 37.6611 51.1614 40.3204 34.867 38.5714
Total weight of dry cake in each section [g] 82.4448 91.4818 73.4384
Weight of water [g] 14.6809 15.3653 12.8777
Volume of water in the wet cake [cm3] 14.7251 15.4115 12.9164
Volume of CaCO3 [cm3] 28.1382 31.2225 25.0643
Cake porosity 0.3435 0.3305 0.3401
Volume of water in cake[cm3] 73.2898 50.1076 48.7249
Total volume of water in cake [cm3] 172.1222
3
Volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm ] 140.0495 101.5137 94.5504
3
Total volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm ] 336.1136
Weight of CaCO3 [g] 410.3452 297.4350 277.0325

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

Total weight of CaCO3 [g] 984.8127

Efficiency of filter press in terms of 98.48
CaCO3 recovery [%]
Efficiency of filter press in 99.93
term of water removal [%]

Table B.5: Calculated Parameters for 3𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Plate 1 2A 2B 3A 3B 4
3
Concentration ,Cs [kg/m ] 4 4 4 4 4 4
Thickness of cake [cm] 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1
Length of cake [cm] 33 33 33 33.5 32.5 31.5
Width of cake [cm] 33 33.5 33.5 32.5 32.5 32.5
Diameter of the hole [cm] 10.8
Area of cake [cm2] 997.391 1013.891 1013.891 997.141 964.641 932.14
2 2 2 2 2 1
Volume of cake [cm3] 299.217 304.1673 405.5565 299.142 289.392 93.214
3 3 3 1
Total volume of cake in each section [cm3] 603.3847 704.6988 382.6065
Weight of clean petri dish [g] 9.032 9.032 9.032 9.032 9.032 9.032
Weight of wet cake +petri dish [g] 159.79 133.85 120.835 133.107 130.393 110.16
3
Weight of dry cake + petri dish [g] 127.932 108.113 97.401 107.624 106.116 90.045
Weight of wet cake [g] 150.758 124.818 111.803 124.075 121.361 101.13
1
Total weight of wet cake in each section 275.576 235.878 222.492
[g]
Weight of dry cake [g] 118.9 99.081 88.369 98.592 97.084 81.013
Total weight of dry cake in each section 217.981 186.961 178.097
[g]
Weight of water [g] 57.595 48.917 44.395
Volume of water in the wet cake [cm3] 57.7683 49.0642 44.5286
Volume of CaCO3 [cm3] 74.3962 63.8092 60.7840
Cake porosity 0.4371 0.4347 0.4228
Volume of water in cake[cm3] 263.7357 306.3209 161.7749
Total volume of water in cake [cm3] 731.8314
3
Volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm ] 339.6490 398.3780 220.8316
Total volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm3] 958.8585
Weight of CaCO3 [g] 995.1715 1167.2474 647.0365
Total weight of CaCO3 [g] 2809.4555
Efficiency of filter press in terms of 93.65
CaCO3 recovery [%]
Efficiency of filter press in 99.71
term of water removal [%]

Table B.6: Calculated Parameters for 5𝑘𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in 250L water

Plate 1 2A 2B 3A 3B 4
3
Concentration ,Cs [kg/m ] 20 20 20 20 20 20
Thickness of cake [cm] 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3
Length of cake [cm] 31.4 31.4 32.3 32.5 32.4 32.7
Width of cake [cm] 31.5 31.6 31.5 31.2 31.1 31.5

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

Diameter of the hole [cm] 10.8

Area of cake [cm2] 897.491 900.631 925.841 922.391 916.031 938.441
2 2 2 2 2 2
Volume of cake [cm3] 448.745 450.315 370.336 276.717 274.809 281.532
6 6 5 3 3 3
Total volume of cake in each section [cm3] 899.0612 647.0538 556.3417
Weight of clean petri dish [g] 9.032 9.0321 9.0315 9.0324 9.0322 9.0319
Weight of wet cake +petri dish [g] 54.4707 53.1985 55.2471 54.2613 54.9981 54.2262
Weight of dry cake + petri dish [g] 50.7273 49.5635 51.5972 50.6256 50.9853 49.0262
Weight of wet cake [g] 45.4387 44.1664 46.2156 45.2289 45.9659 45.1943
Total weight of wet cake in each section 89.6051 91.4445 91.1602
[g]
Weight of dry cake [g] 41.6953 40.5314 42.5657 41.5932 41.9531 39.9943
Total weight of dry cake in each section 82.2267 84.1589 81.9474
[g]
Weight of water [g] 7.3784 7.2856 9.2128
Volume of water in the wet cake [cm3] 7.4006 7.3075 9.2405
Volume of CaCO3 [cm3] 28.0637 28.7232 27.9684
Cake porosity 0.2087 0.2028 0.2483
Volume of water in cake[cm3] 187.6137 131.2314 138.1628
Total volume of water in cake [cm3] 457.0079
3
Volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm ] 711.4474 515.8224 418.1789
3
Total volume of CaCO3 in cake [cm ] 1645.4487
Weight of CaCO3 [g] 2084.5410 1511.3595 1225.2642
Total weight of CaCO3 [g] 4821.1647
Efficiency of filter press in terms of 96.42
CaCO3 recovery [%]
Efficiency of filter press in 99.82
term of water removal [%]

Table B.7:Calculated Parameters for Compressibility Index, 𝑠 for 1kg, 3kg, 5kg of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 powder in 250L water
Slurry 𝟒𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 𝟏𝟐𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 𝟐𝟎𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑
−∆𝑷 [𝑷𝒂] 206842.80 551580.80 827371.20
𝜶 [𝒎/𝒌𝒈] 1.00 × 109 1.36 × 109 3.61 × 109
log (α) 9.5579 9.1330 9.0018
log (ΔP) 5.9177 5.7416 5.3156

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

Appendix C: Sample Calculation

A sample of calculation is done for the 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 slurry.

Equations for constant-pressure batch filtration process:

𝑡 𝐾𝑝
= 𝑉+𝐵 (1)
𝑉 2
𝜇𝛼𝐶𝑠
𝐾𝑝 = 2
(2)
𝐴 (−∆𝑃)

𝜇𝑅𝑚
𝐵= (3)
𝐴(−∆𝑃)

By assuming the constant-pressure batch filtration is held at 25°𝐶, and that the slurry has the same property as water,
the parameters used are:

Viscosity of slurry, 𝜇 = 8.9 × 104 𝑃𝑎 ∗ 𝑠

Density of slurry, 𝜌𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑦 = 0.997𝑔/𝑐𝑚3
Density of calcium carbonate solids, 𝜌𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 = 2.93 𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 (ChemBK.com, 2015).

To calculate the slurry concentration,

𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 [𝑘𝑔]

𝐶𝑠 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 [𝑚3 ]
1𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑠 =
0.25𝑚3
𝐶𝑠
= 4𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

To obtain the average filtrate area,

𝐴1 + 𝐴2𝑎 + 𝐴2𝑏 + 𝐴3𝑎 + 𝐴3𝑏 + 𝐴4

𝐴=
6
(709.2412 + 714.9112 + 755.1912 + 761.0212 + 720.6412 + 712.1112)
𝐴=
6
0.0001𝑚2
𝐴 = 728.8528 𝑐𝑚2 ×
𝑐𝑚2
𝐴 = 0.07289 𝑚2

From Figure 1,

𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 1626.62
𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 2040.38

By comparing the slope and y-intercept obtained in Figure 1 with equation (1), we can get:

𝐾𝑝 = 3253.23 𝑠/𝑚6
𝐵 = 2040.38 𝑠/𝑚3

By using equations (2) and (3), we obtain the cake resistance, 𝜶 and filter-medium resistance, 𝑹𝒎 :

𝐾𝑝 𝐴2 (−∆𝑃)
𝛼=
𝜇𝐶𝑠
(3253.23)(0.07289)2 (206842.80)
𝛼=
(8.9 × 10−4 )(4)
𝛼 = 1.00 × 109 𝑚/𝑘𝑔

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

𝐵𝐴(−∆𝑃)
𝑅𝑚 =
𝜇
(2040.38)(0.07289)(206842.80)
𝑅𝑚 =
8.9 × 10−4
𝑅𝑚 = 3.46 × 1010

Then, to solve for compressibility index, 𝑠 for the 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 cake, we use:

log 𝛼 = 𝑠 log 𝛼 ′ + log 𝛼0

By comparing the equation above with the straight-line equation in Figure 4, we get:

𝑠 = 0.8097

To evaluate the efficiency of the filter press in terms of water removal and 𝑪𝒂𝑪𝑶𝟑 retention, we first obtain the
area and volume of cake on plate 1:
𝐴1 = 𝐶𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝐶𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ − 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝜋(10.8)2
𝐴1 = 28.5 × 28.1 −
4
𝐴1 = 709.2412 𝑐𝑚2

𝑉1 = 𝐴1 × 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒 1 = 709.2412 × 0.2 = 141.8482 𝑐𝑚3

The area on each subsequent side of plate (2a, 2b, 2a, 3b, and 4) were obtained and tabulated in Table B..

The volume of the first section (1+2a) is obtained and shown below:

𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡 1 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2
𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡 1 = 141.8482 + 71.4911
𝑉𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡 1 = 213.3393 𝑐𝑚3

The volume of the two subsequent sections were obtained and tabulated in Table B.4.

Then, the weight and volume of water in the removed first section (1+2a) are obtained as followed:

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑊𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎 = 97.1257 − 82.4448

𝑊𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎 = 14.6809 𝑔

14.6809
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑉𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎 =
0.997
𝑉𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎 = 14.7251 𝑐𝑚3

The weight and volume of water removed in the following sections were determined and listed in Table B.4.

Next, the cake porosity, 𝜀 in the first section is calculated:

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝜖 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
𝑉𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎
𝜖=
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝑉𝐻2𝑂,1+2𝑎 +
𝜌𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
14.7251
𝜖= = 0.3435
82.4448
14.7251 +
2.93

The cake porosity, 𝜀 for the other sections were obtained and shown in Table B.4.

After that, we obtain the total volume of water and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in the first section as shown in the following:

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 EKC 396 Traditional Laboratory. Semester II, Session 2022/2023)

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
= 213.3393 𝑐𝑚3 × 0.3435 = 73.2898 𝑐𝑚3

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × (1 − 𝜖)

= 213.3393 × (1 − 0.3435)
= 140.0495 𝑐𝑚3

Then, the total volume of water and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in the subsequent sections are obtained and used to calculate the total
volume of water and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 in all the cake:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 = 73.2898 + 50.1076 + 48.7249

= 172.1222 𝑐𝑚3

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 = 140.0495 + 101.5137 + 94.5504

= 336.1136 𝑐𝑚3

At last, the efficiencies, 𝜂 of filter press in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 retention are obtained as shown
below:

Water removal:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑒𝑑 − 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒
%𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 = × 100%
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑒𝑑
250000 − 172.1222
%𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 = × 100%
250000
%𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑙 = 99.93%

𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 retention:

𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒

% 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = × 100%
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑦
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑘𝑒 × 𝜌𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3
% 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = × 100%
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑦
𝑔
336.3316 × 2.93 3
% 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑐𝑚 × 100%
1000𝑔
% 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 98.48%

The efficiencies of filter press in terms of water removal and 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 retention at 3𝑘𝑔 and 5𝑘𝑔 of 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑂3 were
obtained and tabulated in Table B.4.

xi