Q1.

Explain the classifica on of filters based on their opera ng mechanism

and construc on. Discuss examples of each type.
Ans: Filters are classified into three main types:

1. Cake Filters

o These filters separate large amounts of solids as a cake.

o Ini ally, some par cles enter the medium but later accumulate on the
septum surface.

o The cake itself becomes the filtering medium, requiring periodic

removal.

o Examples: Filter presses, rotary drum filters, vacuum nutsch filters.

2. Clarifying Filters

o These remove small amounts of solids to produce clear liquid or gas.

o The solid par cles get trapped inside or on the surface of the filter
medium.

o Examples: Cartridge filters, edge filters, gravity-bed filters.

3. Crossflow Filters

o Used for suspensions of fine par cles or macromolecule separa on.

o The term microfiltra on applies to par cles of 0.1–5 μm.

o Examples: Membrane filters, ultrafiltra on systems.

Q2. What is the principle of cake filtra on? How does the forma on of a filter
cake affect the filtra on process?
Ans: Principle of Cake Filtra on Cake filtra on involves the accumula on of solid
par cles on the filter surface, forming a cake that itself acts as a secondary filter.

 Process:

1. Ini ally, par cles are retained by the filter medium.

2. Over me, a cake of par cles builds up, improving filtra on efficiency.

3. However, as the cake thickens, flow resistance increases, slowing down

filtra on.
  Effect on Filtra on:

o Posi ve: Improved efficiency as cake acts as a finer filter.

o Nega ve: Increased resistance, requiring higher pressure for con nued
flow.

Q3. Differen ate between cake filters and clarifica on filters. Provide
examples of each.
Ans:

Feature Cake Filters Clarifica on Filters

Remove large amounts of Remove small impuri es to clarify

Purpose
solids. fluids.

Filtra on Solids form a cake and act Solids are trapped within or on the
Mechanism as the filter. filter medium.

Filter presses, rotary

Examples Cartridge filters, edge filters.
drum filters.

Q4. Discuss the role of centrifugal se ling in the liquid clarifica on process.
Explain how centrifugal force enhances the separa on efficiency.
Ans: Centrifugal Se ling in Liquid Clarifica on Centrifugal se ling uses rota onal
force to enhance separa on efficiency.

 Principle:

o Heavier solids move outward due to centrifugal force.

o The clarified liquid remains in the center and is removed.

 Advantages:

o Faster than gravity-based se ling.

o Can handle high par cle concentra ons.

o Suitable for con nuous opera ons.

 Examples:
 o Decanter centrifuges (used in wastewater treatment).

o Hydrocyclones (used in oil refining).

o Used in cyclone separators and centrifuges for rapid clarifica on.

Q5. A filtra on process uses a pressure-driven cake filter. The cake resistance is

4 × 1011 m−2 and the viscosity of the fluid is 0.001 Pa·s. If the applied pressure is

5 × 104 Pa and the area of the filter is 1 m2, calculate the volumetric flow rate

through the filter. Assume negligible filter medium resistance.

Ans:
Q6. In a clarifica on filter, a suspension containing 1% solids by volume is

treated. If 10 m3 of suspension is processed, calculate the volume of solids

removed and the clarified liquid obtained.

Q7. A filter press is used to process a slurry containing 10% solids by weight.
A er filtra on, the cake contains 40% solids by weight. If the slurry feed rate
is 1000 kg/h, calculate:
a. The weight of the cake produced per hour.
b. The volume of liquid removed per hour.
Answer above in image
Q8. Imagine you are designing a filter for a pharmaceu cal company to
separate bacteria from a liquid medium.
a. What type of filter would you choose (cake or clarifica on)?
b. Jus fy your choice based on opera ng principles and product
requirements.
Ans: Filter Design for Pharmaceu cal Bacteria Removal
(a) Type of Filter: Clarifica on Filter

(b) Jus fica on

 Bacteria are small (0.2–1 µm), requiring fine filtra on.

 Membrane filters or cartridge filters are ideal for sterile pharmaceu cal
applica ons.

 Cake filters are unsuitable because bacteria don’t form a removable cake.

 HEPA filters may be used for air purifica on.

 Ensures sterility for pharmaceutical applications.

Example: Sterile filtration of vaccines and antibiotics.

Q9. Discuss how the properties of the filter medium (porosity,

permeability, and compressibility) affect the performance of a cake
filtration system. Provide examples of materials used for such filter media
and explain their selection criteria.

Ans : Effect of Filter Medium Properties on Cake Filtration

1. Porosity
o Affects flow rate and retention.
o Higher porosity = faster filtration but poorer separation.
 o Example: Metal mesh vs. depth filter.
2. Permeability
o Determines ease of fluid flow.
o Affects pressure drop and filtration rate.
o Example: Sand filters for water purification.
3. Compressibility
o Affects cake formation and removal.
o Highly compressible materials form dense cakes with higher resistance.
o Example: Diatomaceous earth filter aids.

Q10. Write short notes on:

(a) Dynamic filtration

(b) Role of filter aids

Ans: (a) Dynamic Filtration

 Continuous removal of solids from liquid without frequent stoppage.

 Used in crossflow filtration to prevent clogging.
 Example: Ultrafiltration in protein separation, Example: Vibrating
membrane filters in biotech applications.

(b) Role of Filter Aids

 Added to prevent clogging and improve filtration.

 Provide porosity and permeability to the cake.
 Examples: Cellulose, diatomaceous earth, perlite, Used in beer filtration, oil
purification.