High Flux Rate Particle Filtration From Liquids

Abstract

A method for efficient solid particle removal from liquids using microporous tubes with flow swirl and flow interruption is presented. Experiments were performed using particle laden water obtained from an actual field project of high pressure water jet paint stripping. The flow rate, orientation, flow interruption, and swirl index were varied, and their effect on performance observed and measured as a function of time. Flux rate increases of a factor of 20 over a conventional microporous tube cross flow filtration were generated. Flux rates were found to increase both with increasing swirl and with moderate increases in the shear exerted on the tube wall. Results of independent testing by the US Navy at Port Hueneme of a small field unit demonstrate high flux rate performance with high permeate quality and turbidity removal.