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Design parameters for rotating cylindrical filtration
John A Schwille1, Deepanjan Mitra, Richard M Lueptow
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
Journal of Membrane Science
|September 20, 2002
Summary
Rotating cylindrical filters reduce pore plugging, but design is complex. Rotational shear is the dominant mechanism preventing particle build-up, predictable by a new non-dimensional parameter.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Filtration technology
- Particle science
Background:
- Rotating cylindrical filtration reduces pore plugging and cake layer formation.
- Complex design due to numerous adjustable parameters.
- Understanding particle build-up mechanisms is crucial for optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate twelve parameters affecting particle build-up on rotating cylindrical filters.
- Identify dominant mechanisms reducing pore plugging and cake layer formation.
- Develop a predictive non-dimensional parameter for particle build-up.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of particle build-up after a fixed operation time.
- Measurement of particle accumulation on the rotating filter surface.
- Analysis of four potential mechanisms: axial shear, rotational shear, centrifugal sedimentation, and vortical motion.
Main Results:
- Particle build-up is significantly influenced by rotational speed, radial filtrate flow, particle size, and gap width.
- Suspension concentration and total flow rate have minor impacts on particle build-up.
- Rotational shear appears to be the dominant mechanism, with others playing supporting roles.
Conclusions:
- A non-dimensional parameter, based on the ratio of shear force to Stokes drag, effectively predicts particle build-up.
- This parameter offers a simplified approach to designing and optimizing rotating cylindrical filters.
- The findings facilitate improved filtration efficiency and reduced maintenance.