Evaluation of the residual moisture content in pilot scale vibrating screening operating with pressure reduction in the screen drying region

Abstract To study the aspects of solid-liquid separation in vibrating screening operations, experiments were carried out with a 3k experimental design, analyzing the following independent variables: g-force, angle of inclination of the screen, and volumetric concentration of solids in the feed. The influence of a reduction of the pressure on the dewatering process was also taken into account. The results obtained for the screening operation without pressure reduction indicate that the minimum residual moisture content was reached with a g-force of 3.0, screen inclination of 1.5°, and volumetric concentration of 6.0%. Additionally, the use of pressure reduction with a sieve allows for the lowest residual moisture content with a g-force of 3.0, 3.0° screen inclination, and 6.0% volumetric concentration. The major influence of pressure reduction in the residual moisture content was observed for the experiments with 2.0% of volumetric concentration, the lowest level adopted for this variable in the experimental design.