The effect of particle size distribution on the performance of batchwise centrifugal filtration is studied. By analyzing the velocity of particles in a filter, a numerical program is designed for simulating the migration and deposition of particles. The particle size distributions and the average specific filtration resistances of cake are then estimated under various rotating speeds of the centrifuge. A large deviation of particle concentration profiles in the filter chamber will occur if the particle size distribution is not taken into consideration. A more heterogeneous cake will form under a lower rotating speed due to the sedimentation effect of particles. The predicted results of particle size distribution and average specific filtration resistance of cake agree well with the available experimental data.
