Role of Filter Structure and Electrostatics in Dust-Cake Formation

Abstract

This study has examined the relationship between filter performance and dust-cake formation. The latter is found to be dependent on filter structure and on electrostatic effects. An important feature of the dust cake is the distribution of mass with distance from the fabric surface. When the cake forms close to the upstream surface, lower dust retention and lower pressure drop result, as well as better capture efficiency. This upstream concentration of the dust cake can be achieved by proper choice of the fibers of which the filter is made, by certain layered constructions of the filter, and by application of an electric field at the filter surface.