Modelling the backwash process in micro filtration

Abstract

Microfiltration separates fine solids from a liquid substrate, but requires a process to remove the accumulated solids from the filtering device. In this study, a backwash process was examined, in which a flow of high-pressure air in the direction opposite to the usual fluid flow, is used to dislodge and remove the particles.

The dynamics of the original air penetration of the filtering fibres, the flux balances of the displaced liquid, and the distribution of pressures through a network of modules were all studied. They fall naturally into a classification by increasing spatial scales.