The influence of porous-medium microstructure on filtration

Abstract

We investigate how a filter-medium microstructure influences filtration performance. We derive a theory that generalizes classical multiscale models for regular structures to account for filter media with more realistic microstructures, comprising random microstructures with polydisperse unidirectional fibres. Our multiscale model accounts for the fluid flow and contaminant transport at the microscale (over which the medium structure is fully resolved) and allows us to obtain macroscopic properties such as the effective permeability, diffusivity and fibre surface area. As the fibres grow due to contaminant adsorption, this leads to contact of neighbouring fibres. We propose an agglomeration algorithm that describes the resulting behaviour of the fibres upon contact, allowing us to explore the subsequent time evolution of the filter medium in a simple and robust way. We perform a comprehensive investigation of the influence of the filter-medium microstructure on filter performance in a spectrum of possible filtration scenarios.