Numerical modeling of nanofibrous filter media and performance characteristics

Abstract

Numerical methodology utilizing a two-dimensional random approach to model fluid flow and particle filtration through a nanofibrous filter media is presented. An algorithm for creating the representative micro-structure of filter media is developed where the statistical parameters of the filter media are given as input. The nanolayer properties are identified based on the proposition that pressure drop across nanofibrous filter media can be the sum of pressure drop across the nanolayer, and base media, which helps simplify the modeling. The simulations were performed in two approaches. In the first one, nanolayer and base media simulations are carried out separately, and in the second approach, simulation was conducted as a single composite. Simulation results infer that it is possible to predict the performance of nanofibrous filter media based on the pressure drop and collection efficiency results of the two layers, which agrees well with the experimental data.