Application of high-power ultrasound to enhance fluid/solid particle separation processes

• Published in: Ultrasonics Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 642 - 646
• Main Authors: Riera-Franco de Sarabia, E., Gallego-Juárez, J.A., Rodríguez-Corral, G., Elvira-Segura, L., González-Gómez, I.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2000; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Acoustic particle agglomeration; Acoustical measurements and instrumentation; Acoustics; Exact sciences and technology; Filtration; Flue gas cleaning; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Physics; Ultrasonic dewatering; Ultrasonics, quantum acoustics, and physical effects of sound; Ultrasonic dewatering; Flue gas cleaning; Acoustic particle agglomeration; Filtration; Gas liquid; Gas particle flow; Multiphase flow; High intensity; Industrial application; Acoustic energy; Dewatering equipment; Acoustics; Agglomeration; Solid particle; Acoustic field; Particle suspension; Liquid; Separation method; High power; Fine particle; High field; Separation process; Ultrasound; Slurries
• ISSN: 0041-624X; 1874-9968
• DOI: 10.1016/S0041-624X(99)00129-8

The separation of fine particles from gases or liquids is a topic of permanent industrial attention. The use of ultrasonic energy to assist conventional separation techniques seems to be very promising. The adequate applications of high-intensity ultrasonic fields may contribute to improve the efficiency and capacity of the separation methods presently used. The specific mechanisms to ultrasonically enhance separation processes basically depend on the medium to be treated. In gas suspensions, where very fine particles have to be removed, ultrasonic action involves agglomeration of particles in order to increase their size and, consequently, to improve collection efficiency of conventional filters. In liquid suspensions, agglomeration is, in general, less efficient than in gases. Nevertheless, the ultrasonic energy is useful to dewater fine-particle high-concentration suspensions such as slurries and sludges. This paper deals with the application of acoustic energy to assist fluid/solid separation processes in gas and liquid suspensions and presents some theoretical and experimental results in specific applications.