Roller press for electro-osmotic dewatering of bio-materials

• Published in: Drying technology Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 523 - 538
• Main Authors: Orsat, V, Raghavan, G.S.V, Sotocinal, S, Lightfoot, D.G, Gopalakrishnan, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.03.1999
• Subjects: Calcium compounds; Dewatering; electro-osmosis; Electroosmosis; expression; macroalgae; Moisture; nereocystis luetheana; Pilot plants; press; presses; Slurries
• ISSN: 0737-3937; 1532-2300
• DOI: 10.1080/07373939908917549

In our preliminary investigations, lab-scale and bench-scale electro-osmotic press dewatering units were tested with multiple test combinations and trials with various bio-materials to study the process parameters and to improve equipment designs. Effects of various pre-treatments and treatment combinations on the dewatering rates were evaluated. Obtained results lead to the development of a pilot scale unit. Pilot plant operations were carried in Courtenay, British Columbia (Canada) with locally harvested "bull kelp" Nereocystis luetkeana. Operation of the pilot plant included harvesting the kelp, grinding it into a slurry, reacting the slurry with Calcium Chloride, draining the excess water, and combined fields dewatering. The operations indicated that the Calcium Chloride reaction followed by draining was a necessary step for an effective water removal with the combined fields roller press. The pilot plant operations showed to be a viable process for the production of kelp meal for animal consumption