Alan G. Letki

Each separation duty and its function is described below. 

Clarification is the separation of insoluble particles from a liquid. The goal is to maximize the clarity of a single liquid phase via solid removal. 

Classification splits a slurry into two streams. The aim is to achieve the separation of solids based on particle size and/or density differences. 

Dewatering is the removal of the vast majority of solids from a slurry to produce a cake that has body and integrity. The objective is to produce a conveyable/ truckable cake, increase the fuel value, or reduce the processing cost of the feed solids by removing the liquid, which is usually water. 

Extraction involves the mixing of a liquid, typically an immiscible organic liquid with an aqueous slurry. The purpose is to transfer the solute from the aqueous to the organic phase and recover the organic phase. 

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Alan G. Letki / Alfa Laval Inc., Warminster, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. 

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