Filtration apparatus

Abstract

A filtration apparatus 180 comprising a chamber 110 which is configured to discharge the remaining material via rotation, after the first portion of material has passed through the filter member 120 a

Description

TITLE Filtration Apparatus TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD Examples of the disclosure relate to a filtration apparatus. Some relate to filtration apparatus for filtering suspended solids from a liquid. BACKGROUND This invention concerns a filtration apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively an apparatus for filtering suspended solids from a liquid. A wide range of filtration apparatus already exist. Filtration apparatus typically used in the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, energetic material manufacturing and CBD industries often works on a batch process and requires a very large surface area filter element to provide for a required removal of liquid from for instance a suspension of solids. BRIEF SUMMARY According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a filtration apparatus comprising a chamber and a filter member. The chamber is for receiving material to be filtered. The filter member is configured to filter the material in the chamber such that a first portion of the material passes through the filter member and exits the chamber and a second portion of the material does not pass through the filter member and is retained in the chamber. The chamber is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber. In some but not necessarily all examples, the chamber is configured to rotate at least 100° to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber. In some examples, the chamber is configured to rotate substantially 180° to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber. The chamber may be invertible. The chamber may be configured to discharge the second portion of the material through gravity. The axis of rotation of the chamber may be substantially horizontal. The filtration apparatus may be configured such that the speed of rotation of the chamber is greater than 180° per second. The chamber may comprise a first opening for receiving the material to be filtered, and a second opening for the filter member. The chamber may be configured such that the first portion of the material is discharged from the chamber through the second opening, and the second portion of the material is discharged from the chamber through the first opening. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a compartment positioned on the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber. The filtration apparatus may further comprise an axle, wherein the chamber is configured to rotate on the axle to discharge the second portion of the material. The axle may comprise a conduit connecting to the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber. The conduit may be configured to remove the first portion of material. The conduit may be configured to supply gas and / or liquid to the chamber. The conduit may be configured to connect a source of reduced pressure to the chamber. The filtration apparatus may comprise a filter cup comprising the chamber and the filter member, wherein the filter cup is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber. The filtration apparatus may comprise a plurality of filter cups, each comprising a respective chamber and filter member, wherein each of the plurality of filter cups is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the respective chamber. The filtration apparatus may further comprise an outer housing surrounding the chamber and filter member. The outer housing may be a pressure capable vessel. The outer housing may be inwardly tapered in a downwards direction. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a washing arrangement for washing the second portion of the material in the chamber. The washing arrangement may comprise a supply of solvent or other liquid to remove impurities from the second portion of the material. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a drying arrangement for drying the second portion of the material in the chamber. The drying arrangement may comprise a supply of gas which may be nitrogen or air. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a heater for heating the gas prior to delivery into the chamber. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a pressurising arrangement for applying increased pressure to the second portion of the material in the chamber to urge fluid therefrom. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a source of reduced pressure connected to the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber. The filtration apparatus may further comprise a supply arrangement to enable the material to be filtered to be supplied into the chamber. The material to be filtered may be a slurry. The first portion of the material may be substantially liquid. The second portion of the material may be substantially solid. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims. While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or computer program instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a first example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of a second example of a filtration apparatus; Figs 3a - 3c show perspective views of a third example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of a fourth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 5 shows a top view of the fourth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 6 shows a front view of a fifth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 7 shows a side view of the fifth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 8 shows a cross sectional side view of the fifth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 9 shows a plan view of the fifth example of a filtration apparatus; Fig. 10 shows a sixth example of a filtration apparatus; and Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh example of a filtration apparatus. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 shows a first example of a filtration apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The filtration apparatus 100 comprises a chamber 110 for receiving material to be filtered, and a filter member 120. The filter member 120 is configured to filter the material in the chamber 110 such that a first portion of the material passes through the filter member 120 and exits the chamber 110 and a second portion of the material does not pass through the filter member 120 and is retained in the chamber 110. In some examples, the material to be filtered is a slurry, the first portion of the material is substantially liquid, and the second portion of the material is substantially solid. In some examples first portion of the material comprises smaller particles and the second portion of the material comprises larger particles. The second portion of the material may form a cake. The second portion of the material may be considered to be the filtered material. The chamber 110 is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber 110. The chamber 110 is configured to discharge the second portion of the material through gravity after or during rotation of the chamber 110. In some examples the chamber 110 and filter member 120 rotate together. In other examples only the chamber 110 rotates. The filtration apparatus 100 may be considered to comprise a filter cup I filter container 130 comprising the chamber 110 and the filter member 120. The filter cup 130 may be configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber 110. Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of a second example of a filtration apparatus 200 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The second example of a filtration apparatus 200 may comprise some or all of the features of the first example of a filtration apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. The illustrated filtration apparatus 200 comprises a chamber 110, a filter member 120, a body 125, rotation means 140 and an actuator 150. The chamber 110 comprises a first opening 111 for receiving the material to be filtered, and a second opening 112 for the filter member 120. In the illustrated position, in which filtration takes place, the first opening 111 is an upper opening 111 and the second opening 112 is a lower opening 112. The chamber 110 is configured such that the first portion of the material is discharged from the chamber 110 through the second opening 112, and the second portion of the material is discharged from the chamber 110 through the first opening 111. The chamber 110 is at least partially defined by a wall 113. In the illustrated image the chamber 110 is cylindrical and is defined by a single wall 113. In other examples the chamber 110 may be a different shape, such as cuboid or frustoconical, and the chamber 110 may be defined by multiple walls 113. The illustrated chamber 110 is also partially defined by the filter member 120. The illustrated chamber 110 is located above the filter member 120 when the material is filtered. The filter member 120 is coupled to the chamber 110 and is positioned adjacent to the second opening 112. In this example the filter member 120 is supported by a body 125. The illustrated body 125 defines a compartment 126, which is positioned on the opposite side of the filter member 120 to the chamber 110. The compartment 126 receives the first portion of the material after it has passed through the filter member 120. The compartment 126 may be Plenum chamber for equalizing pressure. Together the chamber 110, filter member 120 and body 125 may be considered to form a filter cup 130. In the illustrated example, filter cup 130 is substantially cylindrical. In other examples the filter cup 130 may be a different shape, such as cuboid or frustoconical. In this example the rotation means 140 comprises a axle 140. The chamber 110 is configured to rotate on the axle 140 to discharge the second portion of the material. In the illustrated example the axle 140 is connected to the body 125. In other examples the axle 140 may be connected to a wall 113 of the chamber 110. The filter cup 130 is mounted on the axle 140. The illustrated filtration apparatus 200 comprises an actuator 150 configured to rotate the axle 140. The actuator 150 may be a powered actuator 150. The illustrated actuator 150 comprises teeth 151 for engaging with the axle 140. In other examples the actuator 150 may comprise other elements such as rollers. The actuator 150 is configured to rotate the filtration chamber 110 via an axle 140 to a required orientation. In the example of Fig. 2 the axle 140 comprises a conduit 142. The conduit 142 connects to the compartment 126 and connects to the opposite side of the filter member 120 to the chamber 110. The illustrated conduit 142 may be considered to be a duct, pipe or manifold. In some examples the conduit 142 is configured to remove the first portion of material. In some examples the conduit 142 is configured to supply gas and / or liquid to the chamber 110, and / or the conduit 142 is configured to connect a source of reduced pressure to the chamber 110. A conduit 142 through the axle 140 allows a chamber 110 to be rotated and for substances to be supplied to and removed from the rotatable chamber 110 in a simple and effective manner. Substances may be supplied to and removed from the chamber 110 even when the chamber 110 is rotating. Figs 3a - 3c show perspective views of a third example of a filtration apparatus 300 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The third example of a filtration apparatus 300 is similar to the second example of a filtration apparatus 200 of Fig. 2, and may comprise some or all of the features of the first and second examples of a filtration apparatus 100, 200. The third example of a filtration apparatus 300 comprises one or more rails 152. This allows the chamber 110 to be moved translationally, such as by the actuator 150. A pneumatic actuator 154 can be used to move the chamber 110 translationally. The pneumatic actuator 154 may be part of the actuator 150, or may be separate to the actuator 150. Fig. 3a shows the filtration apparatus 300 in a first configuration, before rotation. Fig. 3b shows the filtration apparatus 300 in a second configuration, during rotation. Fig. 3c shows the filtration apparatus 300 in a third configuration, after rotation. The axis of rotation of the chamber 110 is substantially horizontal and is perpendicular to first opening 111. Material is added to the chamber 110 in the first configuration. The first portion of the material passes through the filter member 120, whilst the second portion is retained in the chamber 110. The chamber 110 is subsequently rotated. In the illustrated example the chamber 110 is rotated 90° to the second configuration of Fig. 3b and a further 90° to the third configuration of Fig. 3c. The chamber 110 is, therefore, invertible. After or during rotation the second portion of the material slides / flows out of the first opening 111 of the chamber 110. It can then be collected for further use. Subsequently the chamber 110 may rotate back to the first configuration to filter more material. This process can repeat and can be periodic. Discharging the filtered material by rotating the chamber 110 allows for filtering of material in a simple, efficient manner using a compact apparatus. There is no need for a agitator such as a pusher member and / or a jet of gas to discharge the material. This saves energy and means that less filtered material is lost. A further advantage is that due to its simplicity the filtration is easy and efficient to clean and sterilize. In the illustrated example, the chamber 110 is configured to rotate substantially 180° to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber 110. In other examples the chamber 110 is configured to rotate at least 100° to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber 110, such as at least 120° or at least 150°. In some examples the time of rotation is less than 1 second between the initial and final configurations. For inversion, such as less than 0.5 seconds. In some examples, the speed of rotation of the chamber 110 is greater than 90° per second, such as greater than 180° per second. The speed of rotation can assist in discharging the second portion of the material from the chamber 110. Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of a fourth example of a filtration apparatus 400 according to embodiments of the disclosure. Fig. 5 shows a top view of the fourth example of a filtration apparatus 400. The fourth example of a filtration apparatus 400 is similar to the second example of a filtration apparatus 200 of Fig. 2, and may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second and third examples of a filtration apparatus 100, 200, 300. In this example the filtration apparatus 400 comprises a plurality of ports 161,162, 163. The ports 161, 162, 163 may be inlet ports or outlet ports. The illustrated ports 161, 162, 163 connect to the conduit 142 and may allow material to be supplied to the chamber 110. The illustrated filtration apparatus 400 further comprises a washing arrangement 171 for washing the second portion of the material in the chamber 110. The washing arrangement 171 may comprise a reverse pulse connection. It can be used to blast gas through the filter member 120 when the filter cup 130 is inverted. This assists the material I cake removal if required and cleans any fine particles I crystals out of the filter member 120. This is useful for continuous operation. It can also be used to reverse flow solvent to the underside of the material I cake. This can be used to dissolve the material I cake or wash the filter member 110. The washing arrangement 171 may comprise a supply of solvent or other liquid to remove impurities from the second portion of the material. In some examples, the solvent supply for dispensing into the chamber is at the top of the filtration apparatus 400, directly above the chamber 110. In some examples, this is also how the material to be filtered is dispensed into the chamber. In some examples, the washing arrangement 171 is connected to a first port 161. A supply of washing solvent may be connected via a pump or may be gravity fed. It will be appreciated that the solvent used will vary depending on the material to be filtered. Some examples are ethanol, toluene, xylene or isoamyl alcohol. The second port 162 may be used for a temperature probe. Port 163 may be a connection port 163 to allow the first portion of the material (which may be liquid) to exit the system. It can be under vacuum. In some examples, the filtration apparatus 400 further comprises a drying arrangement for drying the second portion of the material in the chamber 110. The drying arrangement may comprise a supply of gas, such as nitrogen or air. In some examples the filtration apparatus 400 further comprises a heater for heating the gas prior to delivery into the chamber 110. In some examples the drying gas may be emitted through a nozzle above the chamber / s 110. In some instances compressed gas may be supplied into the chamber 110 to urge more moisture from the material. The filtration apparatus 400 may further comprise source of reduced pressure connected to the opposite side of the filter member 120 to the chamber 110. The source of reduced pressure may be considered to be a vacuum source. The source of reduced pressure may be connected to the connection port 163 or to a different port. The connection port 163 may be a vacuum port 163. The vacuum port 163 can connect to a filtrate vessel, optionally via a condenser, and to a vacuum pump. Reduced pressure will enhance the filtration of material located in the chamber 110. Figs 6 to 9 show a fifth example of a filtration apparatus 500 according to embodiments of the disclosure. Fig. 6 is a front view, Fig. 7 is a side view, Fig. 8 is a cross sectional side view, and Fig. 9 is a plan view. The fifth example of a filtration apparatus 500 is similar to the fourth example of a filtration apparatus 400 of Figs 4 and 5, and may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second, third and fourth examples of a filtration apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400. In the illustrated example, the filtration apparatus 500 further comprises an outer housing 180 surrounding the chamber 110 and filter member 120. The illustrated outer housing 180 is a pressure capable vessel 180. The illustrated outer housing 180 is inwardly tapered in a downwards direction and so comprises a tapered section 181. In some examples the angle taper is 40° to 80°, such as approximately 60°. In some examples, the filtration apparatus 500 further comprises a pressurising arrangement for applying increased pressure to the second portion of the material in the chamber 110 to urge fluid therefrom. A source of reduced pressure may be provided connected beneath the filter member 120, and / or positive pressure may be provided within the outer pressure capable vessel 180 to aid in filtration. The illustrated filtration apparatus 500 comprises one or more inlet ports 164 for the supply of material to be filtered. In some examples, the filtration apparatus 500 comprises a supply arrangement to enable the material to be filtered to be supplied into the chamber 110. The supply arrangement may comprise an inlet port 164. The supply of material may be from a material buffer vessel, or via a constant feed for example from a continuous reactor / crystalliser. The illustrated filtration apparatus 500 comprises one or more outlet ports 182 for the second portion of the material to release it from the outer housing 180. The outlet port 182 may be a rotating discharge valve. In some examples the one or more outlet ports 182 comprise an airlock. The second portion of the material may be discharged from the outer housing 180 periodically to reduce pressure cycling. Fig. 10 shows a sixth example of a filtration apparatus 600 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The sixth example of a filtration apparatus 600 is similar to the third example of a filtration apparatus 300 of Fig. 3, and may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth examples of a filtration apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. The sixth example of a filtration apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of filter cups 130a to 130d. Each filter cup 130 comprises a respective chamber 110 and filter member 120, and each of the plurality of filter cups 130 are configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the respective chamber 110. The sixth example of a filtration apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of chambers 110. In the illustrated example four filter cups 130 are present, in other examples a different number of filter cups 130 are present. In some examples the filter cups 130 may be equispaced and / or equisized. The illustrated filter cups 130 are substantially the same size and shape. In other examples the filter cups 130 may be different sizes and / or shapes. The illustrated filtration apparatus 600 comprises a wall 185 but does not comprise a pressure capable vessel 180. In this case the filtration is achieved by vacuum. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other examples a filtration apparatus 600 may comprise multiple filter cups 130 / chambers 110 inside a pressure capable vessel 180. In the illustrated example, each filter cup 130 is rotated by a separate axle 140 and actuator 150. The chambers 110 rotate on these axles 140 to discharge the filtered material. In other examples multiple filter cups 130 may be rotated by the same rotation means 140 and / or actuator 150. For example using a central rotating hub. In the example of Fig. 10, the top left and bottom right filter cups 130a, 130c are in the first configuration with the first opening 111 facing upwards. These filters cups 130a, 130c are able to receive the material and are in position to have the material filtered, washed and dried. The bottom left filter cup 130d is in the second configuration, partway through rotation, with the first opening 111 facing horizontally. The top right filter cup 130c is in the third configuration, after being inverted, with the first opening 111 facing downwards. Here the second portion of the material can fall out of the chamber 110 due to gravity. A typical ordering of the process steps would be initial filtration, which may under pressure or vacuum. Afterwards the remaining material in the chamber 110 is washed and then dried. Then the chamber 110 is rotated and the remaining material is discharged. A reverse gas pulse or solvent wash can be applied to aid the removal of the material. In some examples the second portion of the material can be re-dissolved and discharged wet. Different steps and orders can be used for different conditions, and in some instances additional chambers 110 can be provided to enable a greater number of stages. In the example of Fig. 10, the filter cups 130a - 130d are at different stages, and so the process happens in series. This can allow of constant streams of input of the material to be filtered and the output of filtered material. There is thus described filtration apparatus 600 which enables a number of steps such as filtration, washing, and drying, to be carried out on a continuous basis, whilst still providing a compact apparatus. The steps to be carried out in the filtration can be selected as required. In other examples the process for different filter cups 130a - 130d may occur at the same time, and so the processes happen in parallel. This can improve drying of the second portion of the material as there would not be solvent or other liquid from a different filter cup 130 present during the drying. Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a seventh example of a filtration apparatus 700 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The seventh example of a filtration apparatus 700 may comprise some or all of the features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth examples of a filtration apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described. The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’ In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus. Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not. The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning. The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result. In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described. The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon. l / we claim:

Claims

1. A filtration apparatus comprising:a chamber for receiving material to be filtered; anda filter member, wherein the filter member is configured to filter the material in the chamber such that a first portion of the material passes through the filter member and exits the chamber and a second portion of the material does not pass through the filter member and is retained in the chamber;wherein the chamber is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber.

2. The filtration apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to rotate at least 100° to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber.

3. The filtration apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber is configured torotate substantially 180° to discharge the second portion of the material from thechamber.

4. The filtration apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the chamber is invertible.

5. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber isconfigured to discharge the second portion of the material through gravity.

6. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation of the chamber is substantially horizontal.

7. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration apparatus is configured such that the speed of rotation of the chamber is greater than 180° per second.

8. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber comprises a first opening for receiving the material to be filtered, and a second opening for the filter member; and wherein the chamber is configured such that the first portion of the material is discharged from the chamber through the second opening, and thesecond portion of the material is discharged from the chamber through the first opening.

9. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a compartment positioned on the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber.

10. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an axle, wherein the chamber is configured to rotate on the axle to discharge the second portion of the material.

11. The filtration apparatus of claim 10, wherein the axle comprises a conduit connecting to the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber.

12. The filtration apparatus of claim 11, wherein the conduit is configured to remove the first portion of material.

13. The filtration apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the conduit is configured to supply gas and / or liquid to the chamber, and / or the conduit is configured to connect a source of reduced pressure to the chamber.

14. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration apparatus comprises a filter cup comprising the chamber and the filter member, wherein the filter cup is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the chamber.

15. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the filtration apparatus comprises a plurality of filter cups, each comprising a respective chamber and filter member, wherein each of the plurality of filter cups is configured to rotate to discharge the second portion of the material from the respective chamber.

16. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer housing surrounding the chamber and filter member, wherein the outer housing is a pressure capable vessel.

17. The filtration apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer housing is inwardly tapered in a downwards direction.

18. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a washing arrangement for washing the second portion of the material in the chamber.

19. The filtration apparatus of claim 18, wherein the washing arrangement comprises a supply of solvent or other liquid to remove impurities from the second portion of the material.

20. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a drying arrangement for drying the second portion of the material in the chamber, wherein the drying arrangement comprises a supply of gas which may be nitrogen or air.

21. The filtration apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a heater for heating the gas prior to delivery into the chamber.

22. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressurising arrangement for applying increased pressure to the second portion of the material in the chamber to urge fluid therefrom.

23. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a source of reduced pressure connected to the opposite side of the filter member to the chamber.

24. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a supply arrangement to enable the material to be filtered to be supplied into the chamber.

25. The filtration apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the material to be filtered is a slurry, the first portion of the material is substantially liquid, and the second portion of the material is substantially solid.

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