Abstract: A method of removing liquid from a suspension by concurrently subjecting the suspension to the action of a pulsed D.C. electrical field and in a second embodiment a concurrent sonic or ultrasonic field so as to remove liquid from the suspension. The suspension is moved into a liquid removal chamber between opposing electrodes one of which is permeable to the liquid. The sonic or ultrasonic field may then be optionally applied to the suspension concurrently with the pulsed electrical field, at a frequency and amplitude adapted to cause liquid to separate from the suspension particles. The concurrently applied electrical field between the electrodes causes the particles to migrate away from the permeable electrode and liquid to migrate toward the permeable electrode. Liquid is then removed through the permeable electrode. The method requires less energy to remove a unit of liquid, has a more advantageous rate of liquid removal and achieves a lower moisture content than if a steady electrical field is applied.

Abstract: A method of removing liquid from a suspension by concurrently subjecting the suspension to the action of a pulsed electrical field and optionally a concurrent sonic or ultrasonic field so as to remove liquid from the suspension. The suspension is moved into a liquid removal chamber between opposing electrodes one of which is permeable to the liquid. The sonic or ultrasonic field may then be optionally applied to the suspension concurrently with the pulsed electrical field, at a frequency and amplitude adapted to cause liquid to separate from the suspension particles. The concurrently applied electrical field between the electrodes causes the particles to migrate away from the permeable electrode and liquid to migrate toward the permeable electrode. Liquid is then removed through the permeable electrode. The method requires less energy to remove a unit of liquid, has a more advantageous rate of liquid removal and achieves a lower moisture content than if a steady electrical field is applied.