Sugar process equipment selection: to continuously separate sugar juice from settled mud after clarification, which filtration device is most commonly employed for large throughputs?

Introduction / Context:
In cane sugar factories, the clarified juice still carries fine mud particles that must be removed efficiently and continuously. Equipment choice depends on capacity, solids concentration, wash needs, and operating costs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Large, continuous flow typical of sugar mills.
• Slurry contains fine mud that forms a cake.
• Desire for continuous operation with cake washing capability.

Concept / Approach:
Rotary drum vacuum filters (RDVFs) provide continuous cake formation, washing, and discharge on a rotating drum under vacuum. They are well-suited to handling large volumes of dilute slurries such as sugar mud, offering steady filtrate flow and manageable cake handling.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match process needs (continuous, high capacity) to RDVF capabilities.Rule out primarily batch devices for this duty.Select RDVF as the common industry solution.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industry practice and historical plant designs show RDVFs widely used for sugar mud removal, often preceding evaporation steps.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sparkler filter: a fine polishing filter, generally lower capacity and batch-oriented.Plate and frame press: effective but usually batch, labor-intensive for very large flows.Centrifugal filter: more typical for crystal–mother liquor separation later in the process.

Common Pitfalls:
Oversizing batch filters to meet continuous flow; this inflates capital and labor. RDVFs or continuous vacuum belts often provide better lifecycle economics for sugar mud service.

Final Answer:
Rotary drum vacuum filter