OBJECTIVES

 To run the operation of Filter Press for filtration of Calcium Carbonate slurry.
 To record the data of filtrate volume against time.
 To find the time when the filtrate volume is the lowest.
 To determine the density and viscosity of the filtrate.
 To determine filtration time to completion.
 To determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate after filtration process.

SUMMARY

This experiment explained on the filtration process of Calcium Carbonate through the usage
of the Plate & Frame Filter (Shown in Appendices-Figure 1). The purposes of this experiment
are basically to determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate after the filtration process,
as well as to find out the density and viscosity of the filtrate, together with other aims. At the
end, the weight loss of the Calcium Carbonate powder was determined by subtracting the
final weight from the initial weight to obtain a value of 1.4kg. Also, the viscosity obtained for
the 20L and 50L filtrates were 0.9 mPa.s and 0.8 mPa.s respectively. On the other hand for
the density of the 20L and 50L filtrates obtained were 0.9969 g/cm3 and 0.9967 g/cm3
respectively. In addition to that, a trend graph was plotted to show the relationship between
the volumes of filtrate against time. It was observed that the relationship showed a linear
increment of the filtrate in time. In conclusion, we have learned the filtration process even
deeper by studying the processes it underwent in order to obtain the solid product, as well as
to identify the filtrate’s viscosity and density values.
 INTRODUCTION

This experiment is basically about the filtration process through the usage of the Plate &
Frame Filter (Shown in Appendices-Figure 1). In filtration, the Cake/Crystal/Sludge from the
process will be removed. This experiment is about the filtration of Calcium Carbonate, and
the comparison of its filtrate, in Litres, to its original volume which is 3.0 kg in order to
determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate. Also, to determine the viscosity and
density of the filtrate. The Calcium Carbonate solution will be fed to the Filtration Cycle by
the Slurry Pump from the mixer machine. Then, at a suitable pressure for filtration, the
solution will begin to go through filter plates. The filtrate will go through the plates, while the
solid is retained within the Cake Chamber. At the end, the weight of the solid is measured, in
order to determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate.
 THEORY

Filtration is the separation of solids from liquids by forcing the liquid to flow through
a porous medium and depositing the solids on the medium. A filter aid is a finely divided
material which, when added to the liquor to be filtered, helps control flow and solids removal.
The septum, usually screen or cloth, serves principally as a support for the cake. The filter aid
forms a porous layer on the septum and thus the filter aid is the filtering medium that traps
the solids being removed and prevents them from blinding the septum. Filter aid filtration is
mechanical, not chemical in nature.

The experiment of Plate and Frame Filtration Process was used one instrument that
known as the filter press. The function of filter press is as a “fixed volume”, which means it is
built to hold a specific quantity of solids.

Figure 2 & 3 - Filter Press

The filter press may also be used as a "polishing" filter to remove minute quantities of
solids from an influent stream. In these applications the press is not sized for the quantity of
solids holding capacity but for maximum filtration area and hydraulic throughput.
Furthermore, a filter press is also used as a "variable volume" filter through the use of a filter
plate known as a diaphragm or membrane plate. This type of plate has a flexible drain-field
which when sealed around the edges forms an integral bladder or diaphragm that may be
inflated to physically press additional liquid from the filter cake.
 Figure 4 - Filter Pack

The filter pack is where the actual liquid/solid separation process takes place. The
pack consists of a series of filter elements that form a series of chambers when held together
in the press skeleton. Each chamber wall has a series of raised cylinders or "pips," which are
then covered with a porous cloth medium.
 RESULTS

1. Initial Weight of Calcium Carbonate powder 3.0 kg

2. Final Weight of Calcium Carbonate powder 1.6 kg
3. Weight Loss of Calcium Carbonate powder 1.4 kg

4. Percentage of Weight Loss 46.67 %

5. Total Filtration Time 15.07 min
6. Total Volume of Filtrate 80 L
7. Viscosity of Filtrate, μ 20 L 0.9 mPa.s
50 L 0.8 mPa.s
8. Density of Filtrate, ρ 20 L 0.9969 g/cm3
50 L 0.9967 g/cm3

Table 1: Table of Raw Data

Volume of Filtrate (L) Time (min)
0 0
5 1.02
10 1.55
15 2.50
20 3.46
25 4.41
30 5.38
35 6.35
40 7.32
45 8.29
50 9.25
55 10.22
60 11.20
65 12.18
70 13.15
75 14.08
80 15.07

Table 2: Volume of Filtrate (litre) against Time (minute)

 PROCEDURES

General Start-up Procedures

3.0kg of Calcium Carbonate powder was dissolved in a 5L beaker and was transferred
into the Slurry Tank. Ensure that 3 wt% of Calcium Carbonate Slurry is contained in a 100L
of water. The slurry concentration is from 3 wt% to 5 wt%. The main switched was switched
on to ensure that power is supplied to all the equipment. The cloth was checked to be free of
creases on the sealing face areas. Filtrate was checked and the outlet valves and spigots are
fully opened. The maximum inlet feed pump was checked and make sure the discharged
pressure for filtering does not exceed the maximum feed pressure stated in the specification.
The button was pressed to stop the process in case of emergency. The Compressor and Dryer
were checked and the manual isolation valve was opened to allow the Compressed Air supply
to the Filter Press system.

Experimental Procedures

The Hydraulic Pump Air valve was released and the operation valve (knob) was set to
anti-clockwise to release the Hydraulic Pressure. Then, the Filter Press was packed by
pushing it towards the stationary platen. At the same time, the filter cloths were dressed with
creases. The moving platen was moved towards the Filter Plate pack. Afterwards, the trust
bar was lowered down and was aligned with the Hydraulic Piston. Then, the Hydraulic Piston
was moved towards the trust bar by pumping the Hydraulic pump using the lever. The P VC
Drip Tray was pulled towards the Stationary Platen at the bottom of the Filter Pack. The
Hydraulic Ram started pumping until it reaches to the required working pressure. Then, it
was locked by turning the operation valve (knob) clockwise. On the Control Panel, the Feed
Pump start button was pressed and the run light was activated. Also, do not release the
Hydraulic Pump Pressure before operating the squeeze process and ensure that the feed
process has already completed. The Air Regulator valve was closed and the Inlet valve was
slowly opened. Let the Compressed Air in, in order to inflate the Rubber Membrane slowly.
 Shut-down Procedures

Upon completion, Air Regulator inlet valve was closed and the outlet valve was slowly
opened to deflate the Rubber Membrane slowly. Do not release the Hydraulic Pump pressure
until the Compress Air outlet valve is fully opened. The drip tray was shifted away from the
bottom of the Filter Pack. Then, the pressure of the Hydraulic Pump was released by turning
the operation valve (knob) anti-clockwise. The Hydraulic Piston was retracted back to the
body. Afterwards, swing the trust bar back to the stopper and hold. The Moving Platen was
pushed back towards the Hydraulic Piston. In the end, the Filter Plate was moved next to the
Moving Platen towards the Hydraulic Piston. Solid Cakes was dropped onto a Receptacle at
the bottom of the Filter Press. Subsequently, the rest of the Filter Plate was unpacked one at a
time. The residue was cleaned from the Filter Cloth by means of a Plastic Scrapper. Ensure
that all the Sealing Edges are clear of residues especially at the bottom area. This is to prevent
any improper sealing during the next Filtration Compression process. Upon completion, for
the next Filtration Process, subsequently repeat the operating process.
 DISCUSSION

This experiment is all about the operational procedure of the Filter Press for filtration
of Calcium Carbonate slurry. Furthermore, this experiment also requires to record the data of
filtrate volume against time (L/min), to find the time when the filtrate volume is the lowest, to
determine the density and viscosity of the filtrate, to determine the completion of the
filtration time, and to determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate after the filtration
process using the equipment shown in Figure 1 (Refer to Appendices). The variables
involved in this experiment are the initial weight of Calcium Carbonate powder (kg), final
weight of Calcium Carbonate powder (kg), weight loss of Calcium Carbonate powder (kg),
percentage of weight loss (%), total filtration time (min), total volume of filtrate (L), viscosity
of filtrate,  (mPa.s), density of filtrate,  (g/cm3), volume of filtrate (L), and the time (min).

The experiment first started by feeding the Calcium Carbonate solution into the
Filtration Cycle by the Slurry Pump from the mixer machine. Next, at a suitable pressure for
filtration, the solution will begin to go through filter plates. Then, the filtrate will go through
the plates, while the solid is retained within the Cake Chamber. At the end, the weight of the
solid is measured, in order to determine the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate.

After all the data were written down, the weight loss of Calcium Carbonate can be
obtained by deducting the initial weight of Calcium Carbonate powder, 3.0 kg with the final
weight of Calcium Carbonate powder, 1.6 kg which is 1.4 kg. It was observed that as the time
(min) increases, the volume of filtrate (L) also increases. This shows that the trend of results
increases linearly. Moreover, a trend graph was generated to further clarify on the statement.

Theoretically speaking, filtration is the separation of solids from liquids by forcing the
liquid to flow through a porous medium and depositing the solids on the medium.
 There are several possibilities that might have contributed to the errors that occurred
during the experiment. One of those errors is physical errors (human error). The parameters
weren’t allowed to be stabilized first when the readings were recorded, which could lead to
an abnormal trend of results. Not just that, the parameter in the field of another parameter
might have been recorded due to lack of focus. By doing so, the recordings will be inaccurate
and it will result in abnormality in generating trend/correlation graphs. Thus, the ideal
expected results could not be achieved. Besides that, the wires or other equipment involved
may be faulty or not plugged in. When this happens, the panel will not display the correct
value and could even disrupt the whole process of the experiment.

Graph of Volume of Filtrate (L) against Time

(min)
90
80
70
Volume of Filtrate (L)

60
50
40
Calcium Carbonate
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15 20
Time (min)
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the flow and process of the Plate and Frame Distillation process were
explained in this experiment. The data and information were collected and recorded and were
utilized in obtaining the time when the filtrate volume is the lowest, the density and the
viscosity of the filtrate, the filtration time to completion, and to find the lost quantity of the
Calcium Carbonate after the filtration process. After all the data were written down, the
weight loss of Calcium Carbonate can be obtained by deducting the initial weight of Calcium
Carbonate powder, 3.0 kg with the final weight of Calcium Carbonate powder, 1.6 kg which
is 1.4 kg. In addition to that, it was observed that as the time (min) increases, the volume of
filtrate (L) also increases. This shows that the trend of results increases linearly. From that,
the objectives were achieved based on the results obtained which were to run the operation of
Filter Press for filtration of Calcium Carbonate slurry, to record the data of filtrate volume
against time, to find the time when the filtrate volume is the lowest, to determine the density
and viscosity of the filtrate, to determine the filtration time to completion, and to determine
the lost quantity of Calcium Carbonate after filtration process.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To prevent physical errors (caused by experiments) from occurring, focus and

patience play a huge role to record any data. Also, work together to record data, and not just
be dependent on just a team member. Next, in order to prevent recording the wrong data,
team members should reconfirm with each other on the results to acquire the readings which
best fit.

Early precautions are important so that the experiment can be carried out smoothly
without any unwanted errors. Make sure to read the lab manual before going through with the
experiment to get a brief idea on how to conduct the experiment. This step is really important
so that the experimenters know what to do in the lab rather than waiting for the technicians to
guide them through until the end and to prevent any amateur hour. Furthermore, prioritizing
the instrument’s condition is really important as it will affect the results. Asking the
technician to check on the instrument beforehand is strongly recommended.

Make sure there is no leakage along the pipings and the tank to prevent the Calcium
Carbonate from flowing out by which will affect the results drastically.
REFERENCES
[1] Anonymous A (2014). What is a Filter Press?, [Online]. Available from:
http://www.water.siemens.com/en/products/sludge_biosolids_processing/filter_press/
Pages/dewatering_systems_generic_what_is_a_filter_press.aspx [2nd March 2014]
[2] Anonymous B (2014). Filtration, [Online]. Available from: http://www.dicalite-
europe.com/filtrat.htm [2nd March 2014]
APPENDICES

Figure 1 – Plate & Frame Filter