Procedure and Installation for Determining the Filtering Capacity

Abstract

The paper presents a method and an installation for determining the filtration capacity of filters made of composite materials with ceramic matrices. Applicable to fluid media (liquid, gaseous) the process is based on generating a pressure gradient in the filter area. The pressure difference between the two sides of the filter determines the passage of the fluid through the filter and its retention of the suspended particles. The process allows the testing of filters with a great diversity regarding the nature of the materials from which they are made, respectively their geometry and dimensions. In the present experiment, filters made of ceramic composite materials based on bentonite reinforced with SiC type ceramic powders and Al type metal powders were tested. From these materials were made cylindrical filters (diameters of 16 mm and length of 15 mm), which, after sintering at a temperature of 1250°C, were tested on the installation, for filtering rainwater samples. The determinations made highlighted a good ability of the filter to retain suspended particles in the water.