Although through-flow, deep-bed, multimedia filtration, and cross-flow ultrafiltration with thin-skinned membranes are both well-known techniques for solid-liquid separation, it has not been generally recognized in the literature that it may be possible to retain the advantages of both multimedia Filtration and cross-flow filtration (CFF), while avoiding the disadvantages of either, by using successive layers of suitable thick-walled matrices in a CFF mode. In the proposed program, novel in-depth, tubular, cross-flow filters will be developed using successive layers of cheap, commercially-available filter materials and these will be systematically tested in the laboratory in order to assess their ability to remove suspended and colloidal solids from synthetic as well as actual feeds. Parametric tests and associated theoretical studies will also be carried out for filter optimization and for developing an understanding of the phenomenology involved.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: Demonstration of the feasibilty of the proposed concept will result in a technology for solid-liquid separation which is efficient, relatively inexpensive, and has low energy requirements. The technology will have application in any area requiring suspended solids removal from liquid streams.
