Preliminary simulation study on filter media compression and effect on initial filtration performance

Micro scale simulation of filter media has become an increasingly important tool for industrial development of next generation filter media. Initial performance of filter media is simulated as particle deposition in 3D fibrous structures. Up to now, the simulation considers the fibrous structure to remain static without undergoing compression or deformation. However, this might not apply to all kinds of filter media or applications. Therefore, in a joint research work we prepare the next level of filter media simulation taking into account media deformation. This current study is part of our ongoing work regarding the evaluation of the impact of media compression on filtration performance. In a previous publication we compared a new method for simulating the compression of filter media with experimental results [1]. We showed a good correlation between measured and simulated permeability for various compression levels. Based on the compressed virtual structures we now simulate the initial performance and compute typical characteristic properties, e.g. percolation path, pore size of the compressed filter media. In our talk we discuss first results of how media compression affects characteristic properties and initial filtration performance. Furthermore we will talk about current limitations and give an outlook on how this new method is going to change filter media simulation.