Filtration Performance of 3D-Printed Ceramic Pellets: Investigation Using CFD and Computed Tomography

Abstract

This study demonstrates the potential for computer-aided engineering and additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate protective layer materials with a novel design of filtration channels. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for channels of various geometries, potential locations of the capture of solid dust particles in ceramic filter pellets were identified. The filter pellets were fabricated from ceramic material using laser stereolithography. The printed samples were subjected to a filtration test. The CFD simulation of the pellet channels to identify potential filtration locations, followed by a comparative assessment of the simulation results and the post-test X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan of the 3D-printed pellets, demonstrated the feasibility of CFD models for the design of filter materials. The study findings are intended for the development of innovative protective materials with filtering capabilities to be implemented in specific industrial refining applications