Perlmutter & Idea Development (P&ID) focuses on holistic optimizations resulting in creative and innovative process solutions. This approach provided the background for my presentation at the Powder & Bulk Solids Conference last month. More than 50 attendees interested in learning about the interconnectivity of powders and solid-liquid separation attended my discussion of Solid-Liquid Separation Technologies for Process Applications.
The Chicago conference covered dry solids processing, bulk material handling, storage, and manufacturing with discussion topics including dust control and explosion prevention, smart manufacturing, pneumatic conveying innovations, and sustainability in material processing. My contribution was the only one highlighting solid-liquid separation, so I drew on my background with:
- Pretreatment options such as chemical treatment with coagulants and flocculants
- Use of filter aids (diatomaceous and perlite) for body feed or for precoat
- Combination filtration such as the use of concentrating candle filters followed by vacuum belt filtration and concentrating candle filters followed by pressure plate filtration.
It was so rewarding after my Center Stage presentation to have many of my listeners waiting to speak to me about process issues, recommendations, ideas, etc.
But a conference like this is also a great source of inspiration. A potential client posed a most intriguing question after my presentation. She wanted to know what I thought about using magnetic separation as a pretreatment method. Basically, her idea was to remove small ferrous particles to change the particle size distribution (PSD) of the entire slurry. Whoa, what a good question and what a new and novel idea for solid-liquid separation.
Innovative Process Solutions for Pretreatment
The question stuck with me (much like a paperclip to a magnet). I charged around the conference and found five exhibitors demonstrating magnetic separation technologies. While attending several technical talks that addressed emerging trends and industry challenges, I also spoke with magnetic solution technology experts about the idea. Everyone was very interested. It was invigorating to explore pretreatment innovation on the spot.
The exhibitors showed me small lab-scale tubular magnetics as well as full scale installations. I came away confident that by removing small ferrous particles, either as a batch or continuous operation, the PSD could be modified to produce a higher permeable cake for filtration, cake washing and dewatering. There are applications in the lithium-ion battery and the battery materials markets as well!
Of course, what I investigated has very specific applications and may only solve certain process issues. But, as I’ve said before, and will probably say again, there is no “one-size fits all” solution. Each process solution’s distinct requirements necessitate a holistic approach to solid-liquid separation technologies selection.
Thanks to the intriguing discussions at the conference, P&ID now has another trick up its sleeve to help engineers, plant managers, or operations directors. I’d love to work with you to develop new ideas and strategies that you can immediately apply to your operations. If you’re looking to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of processing industries, give me a call.