Simulation of Cake Formation for Nano-Fibrous Filter Media Using Image Processing

Electrospun nano-fibrous webs have great potential in application in high efficiency air cleaning systems. In filtration process, the formation of cake on the filter media causes pressure drop that increase the filtration efficiency. Pressure drop of fibrous media is a function of cake characteristics such as porosity and air permeability. In this paper, the cake formation on nano-fibrous filter media is simulated using an image processing technique. The effects of particles’ characteristics, such as shape, size and configuration on cake porosity are investigated using the newly developed algorithm. Results of simulation show that the larger particles in air stream cause higher cake porosity.