A solid/liquid separation process based on cross flow and electrofiltration

The cross flow/electrifiltration process combines migration of particles in the presence of electrical and shear fields to increase filtration rates. A mathematical model and the experimental data are presented for both a kaolin clay suspension and an oil in water chemically stabilized emulsion. When the filter is operated in a regime above the critical voltage, filtration rate‐electric field strength dependence becomes linear, and both electroosmosis in the filtration medium and electrophoresis in the liquid film are the controlling mechanisms of transport. Both experimental data and the mathematical model indicate that the fluid circulation rate tangential to the filtration media does not necessarily increase filtration rate depending on the regime of operation. The model is used in conjunction with the experimental data to separate the liquid film resistance adjacent to the filter cake which is determined by fluid shear and electric field from the cake and filter medium resistances which are influenced by electroosmosis.