RED MUD, A CHALLENGE FOR FILTRATION

Technical, economical and environmental aspects of red mud separation and disposal challenge filtration technology and its equipment. Characteristics and behaviour of red mud with particular attention to methods of disposal are being analysed.

Vacuum drum filters as a general tool for liquid-solid separation with its special application to red mud separation have changed lake disposal to dry mud stacking. Economic and environmental problems, however, still weigh heavily on alumina production with its huge filter plants and cumbersome disposal areas.

Pressure filtration as an answer to many of today's red mud handling and disposal problems, meeting most of the stringent environmental rules and regulations, is herewith presented. Equipment for pressure filtration and its potential disposal methods are discussed. Technical and economical results highlight the technological progress of pressure filtration. Pressure filtration may offer a similar answer in other problem areas.