Factors which affect the rate of filtration are:
1. Pressure: The rate of filtration of liquid is directly proportional to the pressure difference between the filter medium and filter cake. Thus, the rate of filtration can be increased by applying pressure on the liquid being filtered or by decreasing the pressure beneath the filter.
2. Viscosity: The rate of filtration is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the liquid undergoing filtration. Liquids which are very viscous get filtered slowly. Reduction of viscosity of a liquid by raising the temperature is frequently done in order to accelerate filtration.
3. Surface area of filter media: The rate of filtration is directly proportional to the surface area of filter media. Filter press works on this principle.
4. Temperature of liquid to be filtered: Viscosity is reduced by a rise in temperature and filtration of viscous oils, syrups, etc. is often accelerated by filtering them while they are still hot.
5. Particle size: The rate of filtration is directly proportional to the particle size of the solid to be removed. It is easier to filter a liquid having coarse particles than that having finely divided particles.
6. Pore size of filter media: The rate of filtration is directly proportional to the pore size of filter media.
7. Thickness of cake: The rate of filtration is inversely proportional to the thickness of the filter cake formed during filtration. As the filtration process proceeds, thickness of cake increases which decreases the rate of filtration.
Diagram of leaf filter :