Abstract: A slurry separation system, apparatus, method and process to separate solids and liquids from a slurry which results in optimal drying of the solids with (1) lowest energy use; and/or (2) use of a minimum amount of apparatus; and/or (3) use of a minimum amount of space for the apparatus; and/or (4) least amount of time necessary to accomplish the separation; and/or (5) minimizing the amount of treatment or washing fluids required to achieve the desired separation; and/or (6) minimizing waste of process streams.

Abstract: A slurry filtration system and apparatus with peripheral elements for conditioning a slurry prior to entry into a pressure filter (32) and the control of fluid and liquid introductions into the filter (32) to produce a desired filter cake or filtrate. The system includes a controller (16) for controlling the operation of the peripheral treatment for the introduction of coagulants, flocculants and polymers to treat or condition a slurry introduced into the filter (32) and the control of additional peripheral equipment for treatment of the slurry with liquid clearing or cake forming gas, steam, or drying or conditioning gas within the filter chamber (40) for the production of both filtrate and filter cake from the filter (32) to a form desired.

Abstract: A pressure filter apparatus is shown and disclosed with a construction that permits the filter to be operated to produce food grade or pharmaceutical grade products where there are requirements for periodic cleaning, sterilizing or sanitizing of the apparatus. The structures of the filter apparatus are sloped or clad to drain any fluids away from the apparatus. The exterior can be washed in place and the interior can be washed with the exterior washing or can be operated with internal washing cycles.

Abstract: A pressure-filter is disclosed along with its peripheral equipment that permit the automatic controlled operation of the filter for extracting liquids from a fluid liquid/solid slurry and for the formation of a substantially dry filter cake. The efficiency of the filter apparatus is increased by the use of hot gas as an material for treating the cake within the filter for extracting the liquids as filtrate. The hot gas may be hot air, hot inert gas, steam, or combinations thereof in controlled sequences. The filter is adapted to be able to operate under vacuum or elevated pressure and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A pressure-filter apparatus includes at least one filtration chamber coupled with a source of slurry. The filtration chamber is also coupled with a source of fluid at an elevated pressure, which may be arranged in series or in parallel with a source of wash fluid. The pressure-filter apparatus may also include a source of fluid at a conventional pressure. The source of fluid at elevated pressure has a limited volume for initially treating the slurry within the chamber. The source of fluid at conventional pressure has a substantially unlimited volume for completing the treating of slurry within the chamber. The relative volume capacity of the two fluid sources provides an improved efficiency in the treatment of the slurry and the overall efficiency of the apparatus by limiting the time and capacity of accumulation of elevated pressure fluid while using the conventional pressure for extended treatment of the slurry within the chamber.