Optimal design of silver-loaded zeolite filter structure based on porous media model

Abstract

Silver zeolite filters have potential applications in nuclear power plant filtration and emission systems due to their high-efficiency adsorption properties for radioactive methyl iodide. The adsorption performance of the filter is closely related to the flow distribution characteristics. To analyze the flow distribution characteristics of the filter element, we established a reasonable numerical calculation model and verified the model through experiments. Then based on the model, the advantages and disadvantages of different filter unit structures are analyzed. We proposed two new structural forms of filters and evaluated the performance of the filters based on the pressure distribution and flow increment curve, considering the difficulty of processing and space utilization. Comparative analysis and characteristic research have been carried out under different sizes, from the cylindrical filter to the round table filter and, finally, to the square filter. Our results show that round table and square filters have significantly improved flow distribution compared to traditional cylindrical filters. However, the structure of the round table filter is irregular, and the space utilization rate is low. Finally, through optimization design, the square filter with channel spacing L of 250 mm has the best performance. Our research results have a certain guiding significance for the design of the silver zeolite filter prototype.