MXPA97006419A - Method and systems to control a medium condition filtration system - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of sensor sensors (22) detect a plurality of parameters which characterize the operation of a filtration system (10) having a continuous motion filter means. The plurality of detector sensors (22) produce a plurality of signals representative of the plurality of parameters. A processor (24) processes the plurality of signals in order to provide at least one control signal. The at least one control signal is applied to the filtering system (10) to control at least one parameter thereof. As a result, a desired operating condition or desired performance criteria is maintained automatically during the operation of the filtration system.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING A CONTINUOUS MEDIUM FILTRATION SYSTEM Related Inventions The present invention relates to the following inventions which were assigned to the same assignee as the present invention: "Method and System for Monitoring and Controlling a Filtration Process" which has series No. 08 / 311,305 filed on September 23, 1994. The subject matter of the subject invention of the above identified is incorporated herein by reference in the disclosure of this invention. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to continuous medium filtration systems which separate a solid material from a liquid material contained in a mixture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many industrial processes result in the creation of liquid waste. .. Liquid waste can be found in forms such as byproducts of unwanted processes, used or contaminated solvents, and / or used or contaminated lubricants. Waste water is an example of liquid waste which is produced in various industrial processes. In many conservation processes in food cans, for example, a byproduct of salt water is produced. Waste water is also a by-product in the production processes of paper, and in the bleaching and drying processes used by the textile industry in the manufacture of garments. Other applications in which wastewater is produced include wastewater processing and food processing. Typically, liquid waste is treated before subsequent disposal, recycling or reuse. A treatment method causes the dilution of the liquid waste to a level of contaminants contained therein to meet a predetermined standard. Thereafter, the diluted liquid waste is typically removed in a nearby stream or lake. This solution is not environmentally healthy since the pollutants introduced into the environment can be cumulative. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,292,438, 5,256,288 and 5,259,952 issued to Lee and assigned to Cer-Wat, Inc., describe methods and systems for separating a solid material and a liquid material contained in a mixture. A filtration system described herein utilizes a continuous filtration medium, such as a displacement band filter on which a mass of the solid material is formed within a separation chamber.

This system can be used to treat liquid waste by filtering the contaminants contained in it. Both the contaminants and the filtered liquid can be reused or recycled. Additionally described in the Patent US No. 5,259,952 is an open cycle control system to control the parameters of the filtration system. The open cycle control system governs the parameters to provide steady-state separation conditions for a given mixture. However, the use of open cycle control results in a system which does not necessarily provide desirable transient separation conditions. In addition, the open cycle control system is not capable of adapting orders to change conditions, such as a change in the concentration of solid material contained in the mixture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is particularly pointed out in the appended claims. However, other features of the invention will be more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system embodiment for controlling a filtration system; Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system for controlling a transverse flow filtration system; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of automatically controlling a filtration system; Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system; Figure 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method of automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system; Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a further embodiment of a method of automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system; and Figure 7 is a flow diagram of still a further embodiment of a method of automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The embodiments of the present invention advantageously utilize methods and closed cycle control systems for controlling the operation of a filtration system employing a continuous motion filter means. Consequently, the filtration system is valid to change the conditions that until now could have required the intervention of an operator. As a result, the filtration system can be operated remotely. Figure 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system for automatically controlling a filtration system 10. The filtration system 10 receives a mixture 12, and separates a solid material 14 from a liquid material 16 contained in the mixture 12. The solid material 14 is separated from the liquid material 16 by a continuous filter means 20. The liquid material 16 flows through the continuous filter medium 20, while the solid material 14 adheres to a surface of the continuous filter medium 20 to form a deposit similar to a dough. The continuous filter medium 20 moves at a velocity within the filtration system 10 such that the solid material 14 is transported out of the filtration system 10, and provides a clean surface of the continuous filter medium 20 for filtration. The solid material 14 is continuously removed from a continuous filter medium 20 so that the surface can be returned for further filtration. As a result, the filtration is performed continuously within the filtration system 10. Typically, the continuous filter medium 20 includes a continuous cycle band (not specifically illustrated) that contains a foraminous medium. The filtration system 10 has a plurality of parameters which characterize the operation. The parameters include the speed of the continuous filter medium 20, a flow rate of the mixture 12 on the continuous filter medium 20, an amount of solid material 14 deposited in the continuous filter medium 20, an amount of liquid material 16 extracted of the mixture 12, and a pressure drop through the continuous filter means 20. A sensor sensor 22 is used to detect a first parameter of the filtration system 10 during the operation thereof, and to generate a signal based on the first parameter. A processor 24, operatively associated with the detector sensor 22, produces a control signal in dependence on the signal generated by the detector sensor 22. The control signal is applied to the filtering system 10 to control a second parameter during the operation of the filtration system 10. The second parameter is controlled to maintain a desired operating condition or a desired criterion, such as a desired filtration rate or a desired process efficiency. In a cross-flow filtration system, the second parameter can be controlled to automatically maintain a cross-flow condition within a predetermined section of the filtration system. In many applications, the second parameter differs from the first parameter; for example the speed of the continuous filter medium 20 can be controlled based on the flow rate of the mixture 12. It is noted that the sensor sensor 22 is representative of at least one sensor sensor that detects at least one parameter of the filtration system 10. during the operation thereof and generates at least one signal based on at least one parameter. further, the at least one sensor sensor provides the at least one signal to the processor 24, which produces a control signal for controlling the filtration system 10. In the preferred embodiments, the control signal is applied to the filtration system 10 for controlling the speed of the continuous filter medium 20. Here, it is preferred that the at least one parameter includes a parameter different from the speed of the continuous filter means 20. In the exemplary embodiments, a plurality of control signals are produced to control a plurality of parameters of the filtration system 10.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the system for controlling a cross-flow filtration system 30. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-flow filtration system 30 is incorporated by one of the methods and systems described in the Patents US Nos. 5,292,438, 5,256,288, and 5,259,952, which are incorporated herein by reference. Although the subsequent discussion is directed to the cross-flow filtration system 30, it should be understood that the teaching can be applied to any filtration system using a continuous filter medium. The cross-flow filtration system 30 receives a mixture 32 and separates the solid material 34 from a liquid material 36 contained in the mixture 32. The cross-flow filtration system 30 defines a separation chamber 40 within which it is received and the mixture 32 is contained, and within which the solid material 34 is deposited on a continuous filter medium 42. The separation chamber 40 can be in the form of a box that is located above the continuous filter means 42. An engine 44 drives the continuous filter means 42 in such a manner that the continuous filter means 42 moves at a speed relative to the separation chamber 40. The separation chamber 40 includes a cross-sectional flow section 46 within which the mixture 32 flows on the continuous filter medium 42 at a flow rate generally greater than the speed at which the continuous filter medium 42 moves. The flow velocity being sufficiently large. or that the velocity of the continuous filter medium 42, results in the creation of a transverse flow condition wherein the solid material 34 is prevented from settling on the continuous filter medium 42. A compartment 50, located adjacent to the medium of continuous filter 42, receives the liquid material 36 extracted through the continuous filter means 42 within the cross flow section 46 of the separation chamber 40. The separation chamber 40 further includes a second section 52 wherein the flow rate of the mixture 32 is not sufficient to create a transverse flow condition. As a result, the solid material 34 sits on the continuous filter medium 42 within the second section 52. A compartment 54, located adjacent the continuous filter means 42, receives the liquid material 36 withdrawn through the continuous filter medium 42. within the second section 52 of the separation chamber 40. A sensor sensor 56 detects the flow velocity of the mixture 32 within the separation chamber 40.

The flow velocity of the mixture 32 is detected along an axis generally parallel to an axis along which the continuous filter means 42 moves in relation to the separation chamber 40. Preferably, the flow velocity of the the mixture 32 is detected in a region of the separation chamber 40 where the mixture 32 flows at a rate generally greater than the speed at which the continuous filter means 42 moves. Here, the sensor sensor 56 can be located within the transverse flow section 46 for detecting the flow velocity of the mixture 32 therein. Alternatively, the sensor sensor 56 may be located within the second section 52 to detect the flow rate of the mixture 32 therein. Various types of flow detectors may be used in the sensor sensor 56. The sensor sensor 56 may include a mechanical flow detector such as an impeller, turbine, or fluted installation located within the separation chamber 40. Alternatively, the sensor detector 56 may include a thermal flow detector or an ultrasonic flow detector. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor sensor 56 includes an electromagnetic flow detector having an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field transverse to the axis along which the flow rate of the mixture is detected., and a voltage detector that detects a voltage induced in the mixture according to Fraday's law. The voltage provides a signal representative of the flow velocity. The pressure sensors 60 and 62 are used to detect a pressure drop through the continuous filter means 42. The pressure sensor 60 is placed in a first location within the separation chamber 40. The pressure sensor 62 is placed in a second location external to the separation chamber 40. As a result, a differential pressure, or a pressure drop, can be detected between the first location and the second location. The pressure sensor 60 is located either within the cross-flow section 46 or within the second section 52 of the separation chamber 40 to detect a pressure exerted by the mixture 32 on the continuous filter medium 42. Preferably, the The pressure sensor 62 is located either within the compartment 50 or within the compartment 54 to detect a reduced pressure below the continuous filter means 42 produced by a vacuum 64 or a vacuum 65, respectively. A sensor sensor 66 detects the speed of the continuous filter medium 42 during the operation of the cross-flow filtration system 30.

Preferably, the sensor sensor 66 detects the speed based on an angular velocity of either the motor 44 or a measuring cylinder (not specifically illustrated) mechanically coupled to the continuous filter means 42. The sensor sensor 66 generates a representative signal of speed. In some transverse flow filtration systems, the separation chamber 40 defines an opening, or a gap, through which the mass-like reservoir of the solid material 34 on the continuous filter medium 42 exits. The size of the opening determines the efficiency of these cross-flow filtration systems. If the opening is too large, the mixture 70 leaves the opening. The mixture 70 must be transported back to a mixing receiving inlet of the cross-flow filtration system 30, which results in a reduction in process efficiency. In contrast, if the opening is too small, the solid material 34 becomes clogged within the separation chamber 40. As a result, the filtration rate of the system is reduced, requiring that the speed of the mixture 32 applied to the filtration system be reduced. reduce. In one embodiment of the present invention, a displacement detector 72 detects an amount of solid material 34 deposited in the continuous filter means 42 during the operation of the transverse flow filtration system 30. Preferably, the displacement detector 72 detects a dimension physical, such as a thickness, of the solid material 34 deposited on the continuous filter means 42. Furthermore, it is preferred that the physical dimension of the solid material 34 be detected on the outside of the separation chamber 40 in the vicinity of the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the displacement detector 72 includes an ultrasonic distance detector (not specifically illustrated) mounted above the continuous filter means 42 in proximity to the aperture. The ultrasonic distance detector is directed downstream of the continuous filter means 42 to detect the altitude of the solid material 34 deposited therein. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the displacement detector 72 measures the separation or opening through which the solid-like mass-like reservoir 34 on the continuous filter medium 42 leaves the separation chamber 40. In a In this embodiment, the displacement detector is implemented using a linear variable displacement transformer coupled to the separation chamber 40, calibrated to produce a zero shift reading when there is no separation or opening. Other displacement detectors may optionally be used including an ultrasonic or optical detector or a simple mechanical manometer with an electronic interface. A sensor sensor 74 detects an amount of the mixture 70 which exits through the opening. Preferably, the sensor sensor 74 includes a flow detector (not specifically illustrated) which detects the amount of mixture 70 transported back to the mixing reception inlet, and produces a signal based thereon. To monitor the filtration rate and process efficiency of the cross flow filtration system 30, a sensor sensor 76 is included to detect an amount of liquid material 36 extracted from the mixture 32. The sensor sensor 76 may include a flow sensor that it detects a rate of extraction of the liquid material 36. Alternatively, a mass detector, a volume detector, or a weight detector may be employed to detect an absolute measure of the extracted liquid material 36. The sensor sensors 56, 60, 62, 66, 72, 74 and 76 detect a plurality of parameters of the cross-flow filtration system 30 during operation thereof and generate a plurality of signals based on the plurality of parameters. A processor 80, operatively associated with the detectors 56, 60, 62, 66, 70, 74 and 76 produce at least one control signal based on the plurality of signals. The at least one control signal is applied to the cross-flow filtration system 30 to control at least one parameter thereof. The at least one parameter can be controlled to maintain a transverse flow condition within a predetermined section of the separation chamber, regulate a physical dimension of the solid material 34 deposited in the continuous filter means 42, maintain a desired filtration rate, and / or maintaining an efficiency of the desired cross-flow filtration system 30. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one control signal includes a first control signal that is applied to an input of the motor 44. The first control signal is used to control the speed of the continuous filter means 42 in order to maintain a transverse flow filtration condition within a predetermined section of the separation chamber 40. The predetermined section is typically within the cross flow section 46 of the separation chamber 40. The at least one control signal may include a second control signal that is applied to a vacuum inlet 64 or vacuum 65 to control the pressure drop through the continuous filter means 42. The pressure drop can be controlled to modify the conditions for the transverse flow within the cross flow 46, to prohibit a transverse flow condition within the second section 52, and / or to improve the efficiency of the pro ceso. The at least one control signal may include a third control signal that is applied to an inlet of a valve 82 to control the flow rate of the mixture 32 entering the separation chamber 40. The flow velocity of the mixture 32 can be controlled to maintain a transverse flow condition within the cross flow section 46 of the separation chamber 40, to regulate an amount of the mixture 70 exiting through the opening of the separation chamber 40, and / or to improve the efficiency of the process. In the exemplary embodiments, the processor 80 produces a plurality of control signals used to control a plurality of parameters of the cross-flow filtration system 30 during operation thereof. Figure 3 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for automatically controlling a filtration system. As indicated by block 90, the method includes a step of detecting at least one parameter of the filtration system during operation thereof. The at least one parameter may include a flow velocity of a mixture on a continuous filter medium, a rate at which the continuous filter medium moves, a differential pressure between a first location and a second location separated by the medium of continuous filter, an amount of the solid material deposited in the continuous filter medium, an amount of the liquid material extracted from the mixture, a physical dimension of the solid material deposited in the continuous filter medium, and / or an amount of the mixture that is transports back to a mix receiving inlet of the filtration system. Preferably, the at least one parameter includes a parameter other than the speed at which a continuous filter medium moves within the filtration system. As indicated by block 92, the method includes a step of generating at least one signal based on at least one parameter. Preferably, each of the at least one signal is either an analog electrical signal or a digital signal representative of a corresponding parameter. The method further includes a parameter for controlling the velocity of the continuous filter medium in dependence on the at least one signal, as indicated by the block 94. Preferably, the steps indicated by the blocks 90, 92 and 94 are performed repeatedly during the operation of the filtration system in order to automatically maintain a desired operating condition or a desired performance criterion such as a desired filtration speed or efficiency. Figure 4 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system. As indicated by block 100, the method includes a step of detecting a first parameter of the cross-flow filtration system during the operation thereof. The first parameter is either a flow velocity of a mixture within a separation chamber, a velocity at which a continuous filter medium moves, a differential pressure between a first location within the separation chamber and a second location outside the separation chamber, an amount of the solid material deposited on the continuous filter medium, an amount of the liquid material extracted from the mixture, a physical dimension of the solid material deposited on the continuous filter medium or an amount of the mixture that it is transported back to a receiving inlet of the filtration system mixture. As indicated by block 102, the method includes a step of generating a signal based on the first parameter. Preferably, the signal is either an analog electrical signal or a digital signal representative of the first parameter. The method further includes a step of controlling a second parameter of the cross-flow filtration system in dependence on the signal, as indicated by block 104. The step of controlling the second parameter typically includes the steps of generating a control signal in dependence on the signal, and apply the control signal to an input of the cross-flow filtration system. Preferably, the second parameter is either the velocity of the continuous filter medium, the pressure of either the first location or the second location, or the flow velocity of the mixture within the separation chamber. Accordingly, the control stage typically includes a step of applying the control signal to an input of a motor that drives the continuous filter medium toward an inlet of a vacuum, or to an inlet of a valve, respectively, within the system of cross-flow filtration. Preferably, the second parameter that is controlled differs from the first parameter that is detected. It is preferred that the steps indicated by the blocks 100, 102, and 104 be performed repeatedly during the operation of the cross-flow filtration system in order to maintain a cross-flow condition automatically within the separation chamber and to maintain a desired filtering speed automatically. Figure 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for automatically controlling a filtration system. As indicated by block 110, the method includes a step of detecting the speed of a continuous filter medium. A step of generating a first signal representative of the speed of the continuous filter medium is performed, as indicated by block 112. As indicated by block 114, the method includes a step of detecting the flow rate of the mixture over the continuous filter medium. It is preferred that the flow velocity of the mixture is detected along an axis generally parallel to an axis along which the continuous filter medium moves. A step of generating a second signal representative of the flow velocity of the mixture is performed, as indicated by block 116. As indicated by block 118, the method optionally includes a step of detecting a pressure drop across the continuous filter medium in the cross-sectional flow section of the separation chamber. A step of generating a third signal representative of the pressure drop is performed, as indicated by block 120. As indicated by block 122, the method includes a step of processing the first signal, the second signal and the third signal to produce a control signal A step of applying the third control signal to an input of a motor that drives the continuous filter means is performed, as indicated by block 124. The control signal governs the motor to drive the medium of continuous filter at a speed within a predetermined range in proportion to the flow velocity of the mixture. The default range can be defined for example, through an upper limit that ensures a transverse flow condition and a lower limit that ensures a sufficient filtration rate. If the step of detecting the pressure drop is performed, the predetermined range is determined in dependence on the pressure drop. By performing the steps described above, both the cross-flow condition and the filtration rate are maintained by the filtration system. Figure 6 is a flow chart of a further embodiment of a method for automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system. The method includes a step of detecting a physical dimension of the solid material deposited on the continuous filter medium, as indicated by block 130.

The physical dimension is detected in the vicinity of the opening of the separation chamber through which the solid material exits. A step of generating a signal based on the physical dimension is performed, as indicated by block 132. The additional method includes a step of processing the signal to produce a control signal, as indicated by block 134. a step of applying the control signal to a valve in a mixing receiving inlet, as illustrated by block 136. The steps described above are used to control the flow velocity of the mixture in order to regulate the physical dimension of the material solid deposited in the continuous filter medium. In particular, the physical dimension is adjusted according to the size of the opening of the separation chamber so that the mixture does not flow out of the opening, and the solid material does not obstruct the separation chamber. In one embodiment, the control signal governs the valve to reduce the flow rate of the mixture if the dimension is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If the dimension is less than the predetermined threshold, the control signal governs the valve to increase the flow velocity of the mixture. The predetermined threshold is based on the size of the aperture, and is typically set approximately equal thereto. Figure 7 is a flow diagram of still a further embodiment of a method for automatically controlling a cross-flow filtration system. The method includes a step of detecting an amount of the mixture flowing through the opening in the separation chamber, as indicated by the block 140. This is the mixture that must be transported back to a mixing receiving inlet of the Transverse flow filtration system. A step of generating a signal based on the amount is performed, as indicated by block 142. The method further includes a step of processing the signal to produce a control signal, as indicated by block 144. A signal is made. step for applying the control signal to a valve at a mixing reception inlet, as indicated by block 146. The steps described above, are used to control the flow rate of the mixture in order to regulate the amount of mixture flowing through the opening of the separation chamber. In one embodiment, the control signal governs the valve to reduce the flow rate of the mixture if the amount is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. If the quantity is greater than the predetermined threshold, the control signal governs the valve to increase the flow velocity of the mixture. The default threshold is based on the size of the opening. Typically, the predetermined threshold is set approximately equal to but slightly greater than zero. The methods described herein and used in the various embodiments of the present invention are performed using the processor 24 or the processor 80 as described herein. The processors 24 and 80 may have a digital implementation using a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the microprocessor performs a series of programmed steps. Alternatively, processors 24 and 80 may have an analogous implementation that uses standard means to perform analogous calculations. The processors 24 and 80 may also be in the form of an integrated circuit according to needs, a specific application integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic circuit arrangement. The term mixture has been used throughout this description and should be broadly defined to include any combination of a fluid and solid components including but not limited to sediment or suspension. In this way, a concept has been described herein, as well as various embodiments including a preferred embodiment of a method and a system for controlling a continuous medium filtration system. Due to the various modalities of methods and systems for controlling the continuous medium filtration system as described herein from a control signal based on detected parameters, a significant improvement is provided which is able to adapt the operation of the filtration system to changing conditions. Additionally, the various embodiments of the present invention as described herein detect two critical quantities, i.e. the velocity of the continuous filter medium and the size of the separation chamber opening, so that the operation of the filtration system can be quantified and optimized. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described invention can be modified in numerous ways and can assume many different modalities to the preferred forms specifically set forth and described above. In accordance with the foregoing, it is proposed by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. A system for controlling a cross-flow filtration system that receives a mixture and separates a solid material from a liquid material contained in the mixture, the cross-flow filtration system defining a separation chamber within which the liquid is deposited. solid material on a continuous filter medium, moving the continuous filter medium at a speed in relation to the separation chamber, the transverse flow filtration system having a plurality of parameters that characterize its operation, the system comprises: a sensor detector which detects a first parameter of the cross-flow filtration system during operation thereof, the detector sensor generating a signal based on the first parameter; and a processor operatively associated with the sensor sensor, the processor producing a control signal in dependence on the signal generated by the sensor sensor, applying the control signal to the cross-flow filtration system to control a second parameter thereof. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first parameter is a flow velocity of the mixture within the separation chamber, 3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the second parameter is the velocity of the continuous filter medium. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the cross-flow filtration system includes a motor that drives the continuous filter means, the motor having an input that receives the control signal from the processor. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first parameter is a differential pressure between a first location within the separation chamber and a second location external to the separation chamber. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that the second parameter is the velocity of the continuous filter medium. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first parameter is an amount of the solid material deposited in the continuous filter medium. 8. A system for controlling a filtration system that receives a mixture and separates a solid material from a liquid material contained in the mixture, the filtration system having a continuous filter medium in which the solid material is deposited, moving the medium continuous filter at a speed within the filtration system, the filtration system having a plurality of parameters that characterize its operation, the system comprises: at least one sensor sensor to detect at least one parameter of the filtration system during the operation thereof , the at least one sensor sensor that generates at least one signal based on at least one parameter, - and a processor operatively associated with the at least one sensor sensor, the processor producing a control signal depending on the at least one a signal, the control signal being applied to the filtration system to control the speed of the continuous filter medium. 9. A system for controlling a cross-flow filtration system that receives a mixture and separates a solid material from a liquid material contained in the mixture, the cross-flow filtration system defining a separation chamber within which the liquid is deposited. solid material on a continuous filter medium, the continuous filter medium moving at a speed relative to the separation chamber, the continuous filter medium being operated by a motor having an inlet, the system comprising: a plurality of sensor sensors which detect a plurality of parameters of the cross-flow filtration system during the operation thereof, selected the plurality of parameters of the group consisting of the speed of the continuous filter medium, a flow velocity of the mixture within the separation chamber, and a differential pressure between a first location within the separation chamber and a second location outside the separation chamber, the plurality of sensor sensors generating a plurality of signals based on the plurality of parameters; and a processor operatively associated with each of the plurality of sensor sensors and the motor, the processor producing a control signal in dependence on the plurality of signals, wherein the control signal is applied to the input of the motor for maintaining a cross-flow filtration condition within a predetermined section of the separation chamber. 10. A method for controlling a cross-flow filtration system that receives a mixture and separates a solid material from a liquid material contained in the mixture, the cross-flow filtration system defining a separation chamber within which the liquid is deposited. solid material in a continuous filter medium, moving the continuous filter medium at a speed in relation to the separation chamber, the continuous flow filtration system having a plurality of parameters that characterize its operation, the method comprises the steps of: detecting a first parameter of the cross-flow filtration system during the operation thereof; generate a signal based on the first parameter; and controlling a second parameter of the cross-flow filtration system in dependence on the signal.