Optimization of the locations of side streams in a filter cake washing process

A macroscopic model was developed to perform optimization studies for countercurrent, nonequilibrium, displacement filter cake washing on a belt filter with incoming side streams. Each washing stage was assumed to contain a number of perfect mixing cells connected in series. The optimum locations of the side streams, which yielded the minimum exit solute concentration for the washed cake, were evaluated. Three cases were considered: Incoming side stream added to the wash liquor flow, incoming side stream added to the cake flow and incoming side streams added to both flows simultaneously. A parameter study was performed systematically to determine the effect of washing parameters on the optimum side stream locations.