FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CERAMIC MEMBRANES FOR SUGAR INDUSTRY

Abstract

A ceramic nano porous membrane of pure Al2O3 (with dimensions 2.54 cm diameter and 0.2 cm thickness) has been prepared via hydraulic pressing and subsequent sintering. Numerous samples prepared under different sintering conditions have undergone characterization via hardness testing using Micro Vickers hardness test, compression testing using Shimadzu Testing machine and pore size analysis through SEM; after balancing mechanical properties with porous open networks, an optimized sinter cycle of 1250°C with a soaking time of 15 hours has been suggested. Additionally, a lab-scale filtration apparatus has been fabricated for experimental testing of the sintered Al2O3 samples to simulate the process at lab scale while maintaining 5–8 bars of pressure. The filtration apparatus and filter can be optimized further for industrial usage and a simulated process flow has been proposed.