Patent ID: 7674386
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
1. A slurry filtration system for batch processing of a slurry to separate slurry liquids from slurry solids including in combination: a) a pressure filter apparatus comprising at least one upper plate with an internal cavity, at least one lower plate with an internal cavity, and a filter media, said upper and lower plates adapted to close and seal against each other mating said internal cavities to form a sealable pressurizable filtration chamber with said filter media between said sealed plates, means for opening and closing said filtration chamber by moving said plates with respect to each other, means for moving said filter media through the formed filtration chamber when said plates are open, means for introducing a batch of slurry, fluids and gases into said pressurized filtration chamber when said plates are closed, means for withdrawing fluids and gases from said chamber through said filter media and retaining slurry solids as a filter cake on said filter media within said internal cavities of said filtration chamber; b) a source of slurry to be filtered, means connecting said source of slurry to said means for introducing fluids into said filtration chamber and introducing a batch of said slurry to fill said filtration chamber; c) a plurality of means for performing pretreatment procedures on said slurry prior to introducing said slurry batch into said filtration chamber; d) means for analyzing characteristics of said slurry including at least temperature, pH and viscosity; e) means for sensing temperature and pressure within said filtration chamber when said plates are closed and when said slurry batch has been introduced; f) and a controller means for receiving information representing said analyzed characteristics and said sensed temperature and pressure, said controller including g) said plurality of means for performing pretreatment procedures on said slurry prior to introduction of said slurry batch into said filtration chamber additionally being controlled by said controller and comprising h) whereby a batch of slurry can be analyzed, adjusted, mixed, introduced into said pressure filter apparatus and then efficiently separated into liquids and solids.