The technique involves removing liquid content from slurries to produce two distinct outputs: a dry solid cake and clarified filtrate. The efficiency of moisture removal depends on multiple factors, including particle size distribution, applied pressure, cycle time, and filter media selection (Team, 2025a).
Industrial dewatering systems employ various mechanical principles to achieve effective solid-liquid separation (Team, 2025b). Each equipment type utilizes specific mechanisms to create the necessary conditions for removing moisture from process streams.
Key techniques in dewatering and filtration are thickening, filtration, centrifugation (optional) and drying (in cases where extremely low moisture is required- such as smelter feed). Belt presses, filter presses (but not limited to) are some equipment used in the process of dewatering.
Efficient dewatering reduces the energy required for subsequent drying or smelting. Also, it improves tailings management by reducing the volumes of wet slurry sent to tailings dams, enhancing stability and safety.
Which dewatering or filtration technique do you use for your beneficiation operations? Share your insights below.
