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A depth filtration model of straining within the void networks of stainless steel filters
Author(s) -
Price John C.,
Matthews Graham Peter,
Quinlan Kevin,
Sexton John,
de G. Matthews Alexander G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.11925
Subject(s) - porosimetry , porosity , pressure drop , void (composites) , materials science , mechanics , filtration (mathematics) , lattice boltzmann methods , network model , percolation theory , composite material , mathematics , porous medium , engineering , physics , computer science , topology (electrical circuits) , electrical engineering , statistics , database
Abstract A depth filtration model has been developed, based on the three‐dimensional void network model Pore‐Cor. The geometry of the void network is fitted, by means of an eight‐dimensional Boltzmann annealed amoeboid simplex, to the porosity and percolation characteristics of stainless steel sintered filters measured by mercury porosimetry. Preferential and critical flow paths through the network are calculated. Particles from an experimental size distribution are fed along these flow‐biased paths, and when straining occurs, the flow paths are re‐calculated. We show that the model usefully reproduces experimental filtration efficiencies as a function of pressure drop, measured by single pass tests. We also offer a critique of current measurements of filtration efficiency, suggesting the use of a new “alpha efficiency” rather than the standard beta efficiency. The model is currently being adapted to accept porometry as well as porosimetry data, hence avoiding the use of mercury. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009