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What is the difference between a filtrate and a filter cake?
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filtration
Tap water filtration system.
In the process of filtration, a suspension is separated into two distinct components based on their ability to pass through a filter medium. The difference between them is defined by their physical state and their movement through the filter:12
- Filtrate: This is the clarified liquid or gaseous fluid that successfully passes through the filter medium.13
- Filter cake: This is the solid mass or residue consisting of the particles that were retained by the filter medium because they were too large to pass through its pores.41
In many chemical production processes, both the filtrate and the filter cake are recovered as valuable products. Depending on the specific application, the filter equipment may include specialized mechanisms to wash, dry, or remove the filter cake once it has accumulated.1