Modeling and simulation of DEHS aerosol filtration by a three-dimensional knitted spacer air filter

Abstract

A three-dimensional knitted spacer air filter (3D filter) proposed is knitted fabric that provides great advantages of improving air permeability and its application of filtration offers a competitive pre-filter capable of removing cooking fume particles in cooking ventilation systems. At present, the effects of structural parameters of the 3D filter on the filtration performance has not been fully understood yet. This study numerically investigated the relationship between the figure of merit (FoM) and the structural parameters. The model of the geometrical structure of 3D filter was established and applied for predicting the filtration performance for Di-Ethyl-Hexyl-Sebacate (DEHS) particles. An experiment was conducted to validate the simulation results. The results showed that, for the front and back surface of the 3D filter, both increasing the number of fibers and reducing the diameter of fiber in a multifilament were to the benefit of filtration, whereas increasing the wale or the course density of fabric reduced the FoM. For the inner layer, increasing the thickness of inner layer could significantly improve the filtration, whereas increasing the inclination angle of monofilament, the knitting density and the monofilament diameter could reduce the FoM.