Slow slurry filtration

[Willie2112]

I am trying to separate a mixed metal sulfate solution from mixed metal insolubles. The pH of the slurry is 1.0 to 2.0. We are looking to filter in production using a vacuum belt line filter, however the filtration rate is so slow that this does not seem possible at this time. The particle size is 0.5 to 5 micron and is blinding my filter. So far only lab studies have been performed and I am getting 225mL of slurry to filter on 150mm 541 paper in about 23 minutes, which theoretically requires 300 foot squared of line filter without including wash. My question is, is there a flocculant system or filter aid that will work at this pH and not add anything to the filter cake that will not calcine out? Or, is there another method for filtering that would work better?

 

[cub3bead]

Have you considered using a centrifuge or a hydrocyclone?

 

[Willie2112]

I have tried centrifuging a lab sample, but the fines just do not want to fall out. I also have a pilot plant size cyclone, but again I would like to get the material to filter before going to a larger scale.

 

[chemeng1357]

how much of main solution is insolubles ?
it is the main question in filter type selection.
if its percent is high try decanting,
if it too low try cartridges,
if density of insolubles is too higher than solution
you may try continuous decanter centrifuge