How does the process of filtration work?

Filtration is a physical process used to separate solid particles from a fluid or a gas by passing it through a medium that retains the particles. This medium is called a filter. The filter can be made of various materials, such as paper, cloth, sand, or other porous materials. The particles that are retained on the filter are known as the residue, while the fluid or gas that passes through the filter is known as the filtrate.

There are several types of filtration, including gravity filtration, vacuum filtration, and pressure filtration. In gravity filtration, the fluid is allowed to flow through the filter due to the force of gravity. In vacuum filtration, a vacuum is applied to the filter, which helps to pull the fluid through the filter. In pressure filtration, the fluid is forced through the filter by applying pressure on the fluid.

The effectiveness of the filtration process depends on several factors, including the size of the particles to be filtered, the type of filter medium used, and the pressure or force applied during the process. Filtration is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, water treatment, food processing, and many more.