Effect of Agglomerate Pore Structure on Efficiency of Solid-Liquid Separation by an Agglomeration Technique: Use of a Model System

Solid-liquid separation is often difficult to achieve when the solids are finely divided. When the liquid involved is a hydrocarbon, the economics of any process involving such a separation will often depend on the ease and efficiency of liquid recovery. A process is described in which an enhanced solid-liquid separation is achieved by means of a size enlargement technique requiring agitation with a second immiscible liquid, which preferentially wets the solid surface. Potential applications for such a process include removal of ash particles in coal liquifaction and separation of solids from solvent extracted oil-sands. In this work a model system has been used in an attempt to better understand the process mechanics and the factors which affect the efficiency of liquid separation.