Solid-liquid separation process for fine particle suspensions by an electric and ultrasonic field

A method of separating a solid-liquid suspension comprising:

• a. flowing the suspension into a separation zone;
• b. subjecting the suspension to an acoustical field at an amplitude and frequency adapted to cause a separation of liquid bound to particles in the suspension;
• c. concurrently subjecting the suspension to an electrical field adapted to cause a migration of particles toward one portion of the zone and to cause a migration of liquid toward another portion of the zone;
• and
• d. removing liquid from the portion of the separation zone toward which liquid is migrating.

A method of separating a solid-liquid suspension in a separatiaon chamber with an inlet and discharge outlet, and having two electrodes, one of which is liquid permeable, forming opposing walls of the separation chamber which method comprises:

• a. flowing the suspension into the separation chamber and between the two electrodes;
• b. applying an acoustical field to the suspension at a frequency and amplitude adapted to separate liquid bound to suspended particles in the suspension;
• c. applying an electrical field concurrently with step b between the two electrodes adapted to cause the suspended particles to migrate away from the liquid permeable electrode and liquid toward the permeable electrode;
• d. concurrently with step c removing liquid from the suspension through the liquid permeable electrode;
• and
• e. removing the deliquided suspension from the separation chamber.