Optimizing Vacuum Filtration of Fine Clay: Impact of Filtration Mode and Celite 545 Dosage
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Keywords:
vacuum filtration, depth and surface filtration, Celite 545, clay suspension, parameters and filter aidsAbstract
Vacuum filtration is widely used in the chemical and food industries for its simplicity and
convenience. This study evaluates vacuum filtration of clay suspensions (submicron particles) using surface
and depth filtration with Celite 545 filter aid (2.5-7.5 g/500 mL). The experimental results demonstrated
that depth filtration with Celite 545 reduced filtration time by approximately 69% and also achieved a
sixteen-fold reduction in filtrate flux. Moreover, depth filtration with the filter aid removed removed 99%
of the particles, and as a result, the process is more efficient. The filtrate transmittance is above 70%,
resulting in a clearer filtrate. These parameters have been studied on small (52.8 cm²) and large (132.7 cm²)
filtration areas. Increasing Celite dosage progressively improved both techniques by preventing filter
clogging. The addition of Celite 545 consistently led to faster filtration and clearer filtrate, highlighting that
using the appropriate filtration process and the right amount of filter aid is crucial for optimising solid
liquid separation when dealing with very fine particles.
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