What four basic requirements are needed for filtration?

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To perform filtration, four basic requirements must be met:

  • A filter medium: A material that permits the fluid to pass through while retaining solid particles.1
  • A fluid with suspended solids: The mixture that requires separation.1
  • A driving force: A mechanism, such as a pressure difference, used to cause the fluid to flow.1
  • A mechanical device (the filter): Equipment that holds the filter medium, contains the fluid, and allows for the application of the driving force.1

These components work together to separate solids from liquids or gaseous fluids, whether the goal is to recover the clarified fluid, the solid particles, or both.1