Ijerph 16 00247 PDF

International Journal of
Environmental Research
and Public Health
Article
Study on the Filtration Performance of the Baghouse
Filters for Ultra-Low Emission as a Function of Filter
Pore Size and Fiber Diameter
Xingcheng Liu * , Henggen Shen and Xueli Nie
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China;
shenhg@dhu.edu.cn (H.S.); 2121187@mail.dhu.edu.cn (X.N.)
* Correspondence: 1159197@mail.dhu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-021-6779-2513

Received: 15 November 2018; Accepted: 31 December 2018; Published: 16 January 2019
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of filter pore size and fiber
diameter on the performance of the baghouse filters for ultra-low emission. In this study, three kinds
of conventional polyester filter (depth filtration media) and two kinds of polytetrafluoroethylene
membrane-coated polyester filter (surface filtration media), having various filter pore sizes and fiber
diameters, were tested to determine the performance of static and dynamic filtration. In order to
determine the static filtration performance, the filtration resistance and the filtration efficiency of the
clean filter media were measured by the arrestance method. The dynamic filtration performance
experiments were conducted to determine the dynamic resistances, dust depositions, and dynamic
filtration efficiencies of the dust-containing filter media under the condition of dust airflow filtration
through a pulse-cleaning cycle. In the dynamic filtration performance experiments, the size of 50%
test dust was less than 2.5 µm, and the mass mean aerodynamic diameter of the dust was 1.5 µm.
The filtration velocity was 2 m·min−1 , and the dust concentration was 18.4 g·m−3 . The static filtration
performance experiments showed that the filter pore size greatly affected the filtration resistance and
the filtration efficiency of the fabric structure of the surface filtration media. In the depth filtration
media, the filtration efficiency and the filtration resistance of the fabric structure were improved when
the filter pore size and the fiber diameter were smaller in magnitude. For all the five filter media,
smaller the pore size of the filter media, greater was the filtration precision (for fine particles, such as
PM2.5 ) of the fabric structure. In the dynamic filtration performance experiments, the filter pore size
and the fiber diameter of the depth filtration media affected the dynamic filtration resistance and the
dynamic filtration efficiency of the depth filtration media by affecting the deposition rate of dust in
the depth filtration media; however, the filter pore size of the surface filtration media affected the
blocking rate of dust in the membrane micropores, thus influencing the dynamic filtration resistance
and the dynamic filtration efficiency of the surface filtration media.
Keywords: PM2.5 ; air pollution; ultra-low emission; baghouse filter; filter pore size; fiber diameter;
filtration performance
1. Introduction
Baghouses are widely used to purify the flue gases emitted by industries. They represent some
of the most important equipment used for environmental protection. They are used for the efficient
removal of industrial dusts, especially fine particles [1–3]. The operation of a baghouse filter can be
described as follows: when the airflow containing dust passes through the filter, the particles are
captured and a dust cake is formed on the surface of the filter [4–7]. The formation of a dust cake on a
conventional filter media has to go through three stages: depth filtration, transient filtration, and surface
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 247; doi:10.3390/ijerph16020247 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 247 2 of 19
filtration [8,9]. The membrane-coated filter has a layer of microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
membrane on its surface, enabling the direct passage of dust into the surface filtration stage [10,11].
Therefore, the deposition morphology of dust is different in a needle-punched/spunlaced filter
(conventional filter) and in a membrane-coated filter. Conventional filters are generally known as
depth filtration media, while membrane-coated filters are generally known as surface filtration media
in the industry.
A filter medium is the core component of a baghouse; its filtration performance will directly
affect the operation energy consumption and the dust collection efficiency of a baghouse. Several
research studies have been conducted to determine the filtration performance of filter media. In these
studies, filtration resistance, filtration efficiency, and cleaning performance were determined [12–16].
Sang et al. [17] determined whether the processing conditions were affected by the filtration
performance of filter bags. The results indicated that the differential pressure of the filter bags decreased
while the collection efficiency increased with an increase in main-needling strokes. Jiang et al. [18]
determined the filtration characteristics of a PTFE membrane-coated filter medium. Compared to a
needle-punched filter medium, the filtration efficiency of a PTFE membrane-coated filter medium was
greater than 99.99% for micron-sized particles. Liu et al. [19] investigated the relationship between the
filtration efficiency, filtration velocity, and particle sizes of a PTFE membrane-coated filter medium.
The efficiency curves for PTFE membrane-coated filter media are typically “v” shaped for the following
characteristics: the particle sizes are in the range of 10 to 300 nm and face velocities are in the range of
0.3 to 15 cm·s−1 . For PTFE membrane-coated filter media, the most penetrating particle sizes (MPPS)
decrease gradually with an increase in the face velocity. Bao et al. [20] determined the influence of
fibers on the dust dislodgement efficiency of filter bags. The authors concluded that the dust could
be dislodged more easily from the filter when the linear density of the fiber in the filter bag was
higher. When the Young’s modulus had a lower value, the fiber could be bent easily and the dust
could be prevented from penetrating the filter. Cirqueira et al. [21] performed surface treatment of
a conventional needle-punched filter to avoid the deep deposition of particles. With this strategy,
the filter cleaning cycle was prolonged and the filtration efficiency of the filter media was improved.
However, previous scholars did not study the differences in the deposition morphology of dust,
which was associated with the surfaces of the depth filtration media and the surface filtration media.
On the other hand, there are few reports about the effects of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the
deposition morphology of dust in the two types of filter media and the filtration performance of the
two types of filter media.
In this experimental study, we investigated the influence of filter pore size and fiber diameter
on the filtration resistance and filtration efficiency of clean filter media. We also investigated the
effect of filter pore size and fiber diameter of a baghouse filter on the dust deposition rate, dynamic
filtration resistance, and dynamic filtration efficiency. For this purpose, static and dynamic filtration
performance tests were conducted on three kinds of conventional polyester filter media (depth filtration
media) and two kinds of PTFE membrane-coated polyester filter media (surface filtration media).
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Filter Samples

Table 1 displays performance parameters of the five kinds of polyester filters which were included
in this study. All five filter media were manufactured by Aobo Technology Co., Ltd. (Dezhou,
Shandong, China). The three kinds of depth filtration media were as follows: polyester spunlaced
felt (PSF), polyester needle-punched felt (PNF), and Aobo polyester needle-punched felt (APNF).
The two kinds of surface filtration media were Aobo polyester membrane-coated needle-punched felt
(APMCNF) and polyester membrane-coated needle-punched felt (PMCNF). The two kinds of Aobo
filter media (APNF, APMCNF) were composed of polyester fibers of different fiber diameters (95 wt%
16-µm-diameter fiber and 5 wt% 28-µm-diameter fiber). The remaining three kinds of filter media
were composed of polyester fiber of the same fiber diameter (fiber diameter = 16 µm). Using a PTFE
membrane-coated process, we developed the surface filtration media of APMCNF and PMCNF3from
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW of 19
the depth filtration media of APNF and PNF, respectively.
Table 1. The performance parameters of the five tested filter media.
Table 1. The performance parameters of the five tested filter media.
Filter Grammage Thickness Fiber-Filling Average Pore
Fiber Diameter (μm)
Filter
media Grammage
(g∙m–2) Thickness
(mm) Fiber-Filling
Rate (%) Average Pore
Size (μm)
Fiber Diameter (µm)
Media
PSF 16.0 ± 0.5 (g·m±−0.6
500.0
2)
1.80(mm)
± 0.02 Rate
19.40 ± (%)
0.25 Size
18.26(µm)
± 0.63
PNFPSF 16.0±±0.3
16.0 0.5 500.0 ±0.7
500.0 ± 0.6 1.80±±0.05
1.80 0.02 19.40±±0.23
19.40 0.25 18.26
22.49± ±0.63
0.76
PNF 16.0 ± 0.3 500.0 ± 0.7 1.80 ± 0.05 19.40 ± 0.23 22.49 ± 0.76
APNF 16.0 ± 0.4(95wt%) + 28.0 ± 0.6(5 wt%) 500.0 ± 0.8 1.80 ± 0.04 19.40 ± 0.21 22.52 ± 0.81
APNF 16.0 ± 0.4(95 wt%) + 28.0 ± 0.6(5 wt%) 500.0 ± 0.8 1.80 ± 0.04 19.40 ± 0.21 22.52 ± 0.81
APMCNF
APMCNF 16.0 ±±
16.0 0.4(95wt%)
0.4(95 wt%)+ +28.0
28.0±±0.6(5
0.6(5wt%)
wt%) 500.0
500.0 ±
±0.8
0.8 1.80
1.80±±0.03
0.03 // 0.42
0.42 ± ±0.08
0.08
PMCNF
PMCNF 16.0
16.0±±0.3
0.3 500.0
500.0 ±
±0.6
0.6 1.80
1.80±±0.04
0.04 // 1.05
1.05 ± ±0.09
0.09
Figure 1 illustrates SEM images of the surfaces of the five kinds of filter media. Figures 1a–c are
Figure
the three kinds 1 illustrates
of depthSEM imagesmedia.
filtration of the Figure
surfaces1dofshows
the five kinds
the of of
fibers filter media.diameters
different Figure 1a–c inare
APNFthe
three kinds of depth filtration media. Figure 1d shows the fibers of different
filter media. Figures 1e,f are the two kinds of surface filtration media. From Figure 1, it can be seen diameters in APNF filter
media. Figure
that unlike 1e,fdepth
the are the two kinds
filtration of surface
media, filtrationfiltration
the surface media. From media Figure 1, it can
is coated be seen
with that unlike
a microporous
the depth filtration media, the surface filtration media is coated with a
membrane, which makes it difficult for the dust to enter the interior of the filter media, andmicroporous membrane, whichthe
makes it difficult
filtration effect offorthe thefilter
dustmedia
to enteronthetheinterior of the filter
dust mostly occursmedia,
on theandmicroporous
the filtrationmembrane
effect of theoffilter
the
media on the dust
surface filtration media.mostly occurs on the microporous membrane of the surface filtration media.
For
For the
the three
three kinds
kinds of of depth
depth filtration
filtration media,
media, the
the average
average pore
pore size
size of
of the
the filter
filter media
media isis closely
closely
related
related toto the
the filtration
filtration efficiency.
efficiency.The The fiber
fiber diameter
diameter of of the
the filter
filter media
media directly
directly affects
affects the
the deposition
deposition
mechanism
mechanism(interception),
(interception),and andsurface
surface growth
growth of the deposited
of the deposited areaarea
[22].[22].
Therefore, PSF and
Therefore, PSFPNF
and filter
PNF
media were used
filter media wereto investigate
used the influence
to investigate of the of
the influence filter
thepore
filtersize
poreonsize
theonfiltration performance
the filtration of the
performance
depth
of the filtration media.media.
depth filtration APNF APNF filter media and PNF
filter media andfilter
PNFmedia were used
filter media weretousedstudyto the
studyeffect
theof the
effect
fiber diameter on the filtration performance of the depth filtration
of the fiber diameter on the filtration performance of the depth filtration media. media.
Figure 1. SEM micrographs of the filter surfaces: (a)

Figure 1. (a) PSF,
PSF, (b) PNF, (c) APNF,
APNF, (d)
(d) APNF
APNF (Fibers
(Fibers of
of
different
different diameters),
diameters),(e)
(e)APMCNF,
APMCNF,(f)
(f)PMCNF.
PMCNF.
For
Forthe
thetwotwokinds
kindsof surface
of surfacefiltration media,
filtration the membrane
media, the membrane of the filter
of themedia
filterismedia
the main structure
is the main
to performtothe
structure filtration
perform thefunction,
filtrationthe fiber layer
function, mainly
the fiber plays
layer the role
mainly of supporting
plays the membrane
the role of supporting the
(as shown in Figure 1e,f). The pore size of the filter media is the main factor affecting
membrane (as shown in Figures 1e,f). The pore size of the filter media is the main factor affecting the the filtration
performance. Therefore, Therefore,
filtration performance. APMCNF filter APMCNFmedia filter
and PMCNF
media andfilterPMCNF
media werefilterused to investigate
media were usedthe to
effect of filter pore size on the filtration performance of the surface filtration media.
investigate the effect of filter pore size on the filtration performance of the surface filtration media.
The fiber-filling rate and the filter pore size of the five kinds of filter media were measured with a
capillary flow porometer (PMI capillary flow porometer, Porous Materials, Inc., Ithaca, NY, USA). Since
the pore size and distribution of the filter media were measured by the bubble-point test method, the fiber-
filling rate of the surface filtration media measured by the capillary flow porometer cannot reflect the true
situation of the surface filtration media. Therefore, the fiber-filling rates of the two surface filtration media
The fiber-filling rate and the filter pore size of the five kinds of filter media were measured with
a capillary flow porometer (PMI capillary flow porometer, Porous Materials, Inc., Ithaca, NY, USA).
Int. J. Environ.
Since the poreRes.size
Public
andHealth 2019, 16, x FOR
distribution PEER
of the REVIEW
filter media were measured by the bubble-point test method, 4 of 19
the fiber-filling rate of the surface filtration media measured by the capillary flow porometer cannot
are notthe
reflect listed in situation
true Table 1, butof this
the does notfiltration
surface hinder the study of
media. the effectthe
Therefore, of filter pore sizerates
fiber-filling on theof filtration
the two
performance of the surface filtration media. The diameter of fibers was measured with
surface filtration media are not listed in Table 1, but this does not hinder the study of the effect a scanning electron
of
microscope (SEM) (Model KYKY-EM3200, KYKY Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing,
filter pore size on the filtration performance of the surface filtration media. The diameter of fibers China) and a fiber
was
fineness analyzer
measured (Model XGD-1,
with a scanning electronXinxian Co., Ltd.,
microscope Shanghai,
(SEM) (Model China).
KYKY-EM3200, KYKY Technology Co.,
Ltd., Beijing, China) and a fiber fineness analyzer (Model XGD-1, Xinxian Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China).
2.2. Static Filtration Performance Experiment
2.2. Static
In the Filtration
experimentPerformance
used toExperiment
determine the static filtration performance, the filtration resistance
and In thethefiltration efficiency of
experiment used to determine the clean thefilter
static were measured
filtration by thethearrestance
performance, method. and
filtration resistance The
experimental
the results indicate
filtration efficiency the filter
of the clean influence
were of the filter
measured bypore size and method.
the arrestance the fiberThe diameter on the
experimental
filtration
results resistance
indicate and the of
the influence filtration efficiency
the filter pore sizeofand thethefabric
fiberstructure
diameterof onathe filter media.resistance
filtration Figure 2
illustrates
and the performance
the filtration efficiency ofof thethe static
fabric filtration
structure of adevice, whichFigure
filter media. was used in thisthe
2 illustrates experiment:
performance an
aerosol
of generator
the static (Model
filtration 8108,
device, whichTSI,was
Inc.,used
Shoreview, MN, USA) an
in this experiment: was used to
aerosol produce(Model
generator aerosol8108,
particles
TSI,
from potassium chloride. The size of aerosol particles was in the range
Inc., Shoreview, MN, USA) was used to produce aerosol particles from potassium chloride. The size of 0.1–10 μm. The filter media
was
of supported
aerosol by awas
particles filter
inholder.
the range Two ofaerosol
0.1–10 µm.spectrometers (Modelwas
The filter media 1.108, GRIMMby
supported Aerosol
a filterTechnik
holder.
Ainring
Two GmbH
aerosol & CO.KG, Ainring,
spectrometers Bayern,
(Model 1.108, GRIMMGermany) were
Aerosol used toAinring
Technik determine GmbH the mass concentration
& CO.KG, Ainring,
of aerosol
Bayern, particles,were
Germany) whichused moved upstream
to determine theand
massdownstream
concentration of the filter media.
of aerosol A pressure
particles, which movedgauge
was used to
upstream anddetermine
downstream the filter’s
of thepressure dropA(The
filter media. pressure
pressure gauge dropwasof the
used filter media represents
to determine the
the filter’s
filtration resistance
pressure drop (Theofpressure
the filterdrop
media.); the filter
of the face velocity was controlled
media represents the by a flow meter.
filtration The temperature
resistance of the filter
of the laboratory
media.); the facewas maintained
velocity at 20 °C, while
was controlled by athe relative
flow meter. humidity was kept fixed
The temperature at 60%.
of the Equation
laboratory (1)
was
was used to at
maintained ◦
calculate the static
20 C, while the filtration efficiencywas
relative humidity (𝜂 ) kept
of thefixed
filterat
media:
60%. Equation (1) was used to
𝐶 −
calculate the static filtration efficiency (ηs ) of the 𝐶 media:
filter
𝜂 = × 100% (1)
𝐶
Ci − C f
Here, 𝐶 and 𝐶 are the particle mass × 100%in the front and rear airflow of the filter
ηs = concentrations (1)
Ci
media, respectively.
Figure 2. An
Figure Anexperimental
experimentaldevice
devicewas
wasused to determine
used the the
to determine static filtration
static performance
filtration of a filter
performance of a
filter
media. media.
Here, Ci Filtration
2.3. Dynamic and C f are the particle
Performance mass concentrations in the front and rear airflow of the filter
Experiment
media, respectively.
In a laboratory, an experiment was conducted to determine the dynamic filtration performance
of aDynamic
2.3. baghouse filter. InPerformance
Filtration this experiment, we simulated the working conditions of particulate matter
Experiment
filtration and filter media regeneration in a dust-laden airflow. The filtration performance
In a laboratory, an experiment was conducted to determine the dynamic filtration performance
parameters, such as dynamic filtration resistance, dynamic filtration efficiency, and dust deposition
of a baghouse filter. In this experiment, we simulated the working conditions of particulate matter
of the filter media, were assessed. The results of dynamic filtration experiments reflected the
filtration and filter media regeneration in a dust-laden airflow. The filtration performance parameters,
influence of filter pore size and fiber diameter of the dust-containing filter media on the deposition
such as dynamic filtration resistance, dynamic filtration efficiency, and dust deposition of the filter
rate of particulate matter, the formation of the dust cake, the dynamic filtration resistance, and the
media, were assessed. The results of dynamic filtration experiments reflected the influence of filter pore
dynamic filtration efficiency. Based on the ASTM D6830-02 standard, we performed dynamic
filtration experiments on the filter media by using a gas filtration device and a pulse reverse blowing
system. Figure 3 illustrates that the experimental device includes the following components: a dust
feeder, a dust charge neutralizer, a photometer, a filter media fixture, a jet pulse cleaning system, an
absolute filter, and a data acquisition system to indicate pressure drop.
size and fiber diameter of the dust-containing filter media on the deposition rate of particulate matter,
the formation of the dust cake, the dynamic filtration resistance, and the dynamic filtration efficiency.
Based on the ASTM D6830-02 standard, we performed dynamic filtration experiments on the filter
media by using a gas filtration device and a pulse reverse blowing system. Figure 3 illustrates that
the experimental device includes the following components: a dust feeder, a dust charge neutralizer,
a photometer, a filter media fixture, a jet pulse cleaning system, an absolute filter, and a data acquisition
Int.system to Res.
J. Environ. indicate pressure
Public Health 2019,drop.
16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 19
Figure
Figure 3. An experimental
3. An device
experimental was was
device usedused
to determine the dynamic
to determine filtration
the dynamic performance
filtration of a filter
performance of a
media.
filter media.
AnAnexperimental
experimentaldevice devicewas wasdeveloped
developedtotomeasure measurethe thedynamic
dynamicfiltration
filtrationperformance
performanceofofa a
baghouse
baghouse filter.This
filter. This experimental
experimental device
device was was based
based onon thethe following
following principle:
principle: in in
thethe
dustdust feeder,
feeder,
the dust was dispersed into the compressed air to form a uniform
the dust was dispersed into the compressed air to form a uniform concentration of dust (the dust concentration of dust (the dust
concentration wasfixed
fixedatat18.4 g·m
18.4g∙m –3 ). Then,
concentration was –3). Then, thethe dust
dust waswas evenly
evenly distributed
distributed throughout
throughout thethe vertical
vertical
pipe and the down flow. Some parts of the dust-laden airflow reached
pipe and the down flow. Some parts of the dust-laden airflow reached the horizontal pipe, and it then the horizontal pipe, and it
· –1
passed through the tested filter media that was operated at a filtration velocity of 2 m∙min . The .
then passed through the tested filter media that was operated at a filtration velocity of 2 m–1 min
The diameter
diameter of themedia
of the filter filter media
was 150 wasmm. 150To mm. To simulate
simulate the operating
the operating conditions,
conditions, we exposedwe exposed
the filter the
filter media to a constant concentration of dust-laden airflow. Meanwhile,
media to a constant concentration of dust-laden airflow. Meanwhile, an absolute filter was used to an absolute filter was used
to collect
collect the particulates
the particulates that penetrated
that penetrated the media.
the filter filter media.
A dustAcake dustwas cake was formed
formed by the filtering
by the filtering dust,
dust, leading
leading to an increase
to an increase in the pressure
in the pressure drop ofdrop of themedia.
the filter filter media. The differential
The differential pressure pressure
sensorsensor was
was used to detect and record the pressure drop both before and after
used to detect and record the pressure drop both before and after the filter media. No sooner did the the filter media. No sooner did
the pressure
pressure drop the
drop reach reach the preset
preset value of value
1000of Pa,1000 Pa, the released
the system system released
pulses ofpulses of a compressed
a compressed air streamair
stream (cleaning
(cleaning pressurepressure
= 0.5 MPa, = 0.5 MPa,time
pulse pulse= 50timems) = 50
to ms)
clean to the
clean the media.
filter filter media.
After After the completion
the completion of
theof pulse
the pulse action,
action, the the
nextnext filtration
filtration cyclecycle
waswas started
started andand continued
continued until
until thethe differential
differential pressure
pressure
reached
reached 1000
1000 Pa.Pa.
TheThe next
next pulse
pulse was
was thus
thus initiated
initiated with
with this
this process.
process. This
This is is
alsoalso known
known asasthethe normal
normal
filtration cycle. In the experiments used to determine dynamic filtration
filtration cycle. In the experiments used to determine dynamic filtration performance, the test dust performance, the test dust
consisted
consisted ofof Pural
Pural NF NF alumina
alumina particle.
particle. InIn
the the test
test dust,
dust, thethe size
size of of
50%50% particles
particles was
was lessless than
than 2.52.5 µm,
μm,
andand the
the mass
mass mean
mean aerodynamic
aerodynamic diameter
diameter of particles
of particles was was1.5 1.5
μmµm (D50(D =501.5= μm).
1.5 µm).
The The temperature
temperature of
oflaboratory
the laboratory ◦ C, and the relative humidity was fixed at 60%. According to
the was was maintained
maintained at 20at°C,20and the relative humidity was fixed at 60%. According to the
therequirements
test test requirements of ASTM
of ASTM D6830-02
D6830-02 standard,
standard, we we divided
divided thethe experiment
experiment of of dynamic
dynamic filtration
filtration
performance
performance intothree
into threephases:
phases:
(A) Fabric conditioning period (aging phase): The period during which the filter media was
conditioned within a test apparatus by subjecting it to 10,000 cleaning pulses of rapidly compressed
air. These pulses were spaced out from each other by five seconds. The residual resistance drop (the
filtration resistance was measured across the test filter medium three seconds after cleaning the test
filter media with a pulse of compressed air; it is referred to as residual differential pressure) ∆𝑃
(A) Fabric conditioning period (aging phase): The period during which the filter media was
conditioned within a test apparatus by subjecting it to 10,000 cleaning pulses of rapidly compressed
air. These pulses were spaced out from each other by five seconds. The residual resistance drop
(the filtration resistance was measured across the test filter medium three seconds after cleaning the
test filter media with a pulse of compressed air; it is referred to as residual differential pressure) ∆Pr1
was recorded after each cleaning. After the completion of the aging operation of the filter media,
both the test filter media and the absolute filter media were removed and weighed. The gain in
filter media mass in the aging phase was calculated according to Equation (2). During the fabric
conditioning period, the dynamic filtration efficiency (η1 ) of the filter media was calculated according
to Equation (3):
∆m = M2 − M1 (2)
Here, M1 and M2 represent the mass of the filter media before and after the aging phase, respectively.
m12 − m11

η1 = 1− × 100% (3)
50000 × c × Q
Here, m11 and m12 represented the mass of the absolute filter before and after the aging phase,
respectively. C is the concentration of the dust, and Q is the flow rate of clean-air pump.
(B) Fabric recovery period (recovery phase): The dust filtering operation was continued for
the aged filter media. When the filter’s pressure reached 1000 Pa, the filter medium was cleaned
by compressed air cleaning pulses. A normal filtration cycle was repeated 30 times. The residual
resistance drop (∆Pr2 ) of the filter media was recorded after each cleaning cycle. After subtracting the
weight of the absolute filter, the dynamic filtration efficiency (η 2 ) of the filter media was calculated
using Equation (4):
m22 − m21

η2 = 1 − × 100% (4)
t2 × c × Q
Here, m21 and m22 represented the mass of the absolute filter both before and after the recovery
phase, respectively.
(C) Performance test period (measurement phase): Remove the absolute filter, and replace it with
a PM2.5 separator. In accordance with step B, the dust filtering operation was carried out for six hours
through continuous normal filtration cycle. The residual resistance drop (∆Pr3 ) of the filter media was
recorded after each cleaning cycle. The dynamic filtration efficiencies of PM2.5 (η3 ) and TOT (particle
size > 2.5 µm) (η4 ) were calculated by using Equations (5) and (6), respectively:
m32 − m31

η3 = 1− × 100% (5)
21600 × c × Q
0 − m0
m32

31
η4 = 1− × 100% (6)
21600 × c × Q
Here, m31 and m32 denoted the mass of PM2.5 absolute filter before and after the measurement
0 and m0 denoted the mass of TOT absolute filter before and after
phase, respectively. Furthermore, m31 32
the measurement phase, respectively.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Static Filtration Performance
3.1.1. Filtration Resistance

Figure 4 shows the changes in the filtration resistance with respect to the filtration velocity of
the five kinds of filter media, which were maintained in a clean state. The filtration resistances of the
five filter media increased with an increase in filtration velocity. The filtration resistances of the two
surface filtration media were much greater than that of the remaining three depth filtration media,
which was consistent with the results of literature [23,24]. When the filtration velocity was kept fixed
at 0.5 m·min–1 , the filtration resistances of the five filter media (PSF, PNF, APNF, APMCNF, and
PMCNF) were 9.0, 8.1, 7.3, 105.5, and 68.5 Pa, respectively. When the filtration velocity was kept
fixed at 2 m·min–1 , the filtration resistances of the five filter media were 23.5, 22.4, 21.7, 235.2, and
154.4 Pa, respectively. With an increase in the filtration velocity, we observed a slight change in the
gaps of filtration resistances that occurred between the three depth filtration media. With an increase
in filtration velocity, there was an increase in the gaps of filtration resistances between the two surface
filtration media.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 19
Figure 4a illustrates that under the clean state, the filtration resistance of the fabric structure of
PSF filter media
Figure 4a was greater
illustrates than
that thatthe
under of PNF
cleanfilter
state,media. Moreover,
the filtration the fiber
resistance of the diameter (16 µm),ofthe
fabric structure
PSF filter
thickness ofmedia wasand
the filter, greater
the than that of PNF
fiber-filling rate filter
of PSF media.
filter Moreover,
media were thethe
fiber
samediameter
as that(16 ofμm),
PNFthefilter
thickness
media. of the the
However, filter, and thepore
average fiber-filling
size of PSF ratefilter
of PSF filter (18.26
media media µm)werewasthe same
less thanas that
thatofofPNFPNFfilter
filter
media. However, the average pore size of PSF filter media (18.26
media (22.49 µm). This indicates that when the filter pore size was smaller, we could increase the μm) was less than that of PNF filter
media (22.49
filtration μm).of
resistance This
theindicates that when
fabric structure the filter
of the depthpore size was
filtration smaller,
media. Thewe could
filter poreincrease
size ofthePNF
filtration resistance of the fabric structure of the depth filtration media.
filter media was similar to that of APNF filter media (22.52 µm); however, the fiber diameter of APNF The filter pore size of PNF
filter
filter mediamedia werewasdifferent
similar tofrom
that that
of APNF
of PNFfilter media
filter (22.52
media. μm); however,
Nevertheless, thethe fiber diameter
filtration resistanceof APNF
of PNF
filter media were different from that of PNF filter media. Nevertheless,
filter media was greater than that of APNF filter media. The experimental results indicate that larger the filtration resistance of
PNF filter media was greater than that of APNF filter media. The experimental results indicate that
the fiber diameter of the depth filtration media, lower would be the filtration resistance of the fabric
larger the fiber diameter of the depth filtration media, lower would be the filtration resistance of the
structure of the depth filtration media.
fabric structure of the depth filtration media.
Figure 4b shows that the filtration resistance of the two surface filtration media exhibited the
Figure 4b shows that the filtration resistance of the two surface filtration media exhibited the
following trend: APMCNF > PMCNF. The average pore sizes of the two filter media were as follows:
following trend: APMCNF > PMCNF. The average pore sizes of the two filter media were as follows:
APMCNF
APMCNF (0.42 µm)
(0.42 μm)< PMCNF
< PMCNF (1.05 µm).
(1.05 Unlike
μm). Unlikethe depth
the depth filtration media,
filtration the surface
media, filtration
the surface media
filtration
mainly
mediadependmainly on the membrane
depend to filterto
on the membrane dust.
filterThedust.filtration resistance
The filtration of theoffabric
resistance structure
the fabric of the
structure
surface filtration media was mainly affected by the size and distribution
of the surface filtration media was mainly affected by the size and distribution of the filter pores; of the filter pores; moreover,
themoreover,
fiber of the thefabric
fiber of played an important
the fabric played an role in supporting
important the membrane.
role in supporting Therefore,
the membrane. the fiber
Therefore,
diameter
the fiber and fiber-filling
diameter rate are not
and fiber-filling theare
rate main
not factors
the main that affect
factors theaffect
that filtration resistance
the filtration and filtration
resistance and
efficiency
filtration ofefficiency
the fabric of structure
the fabricof the surfaceoffiltration
structure the surface media. Consequently,
filtration it can be concluded
media. Consequently, it can be that
when the average
concluded pore the
that when sizeaverage
of the surface
pore size filtration media filtration
of the surface is smaller, the filtration
media is smaller, resistance of the
the filtration
resistance
fabric structure of the fabric
of the structure
surface of themedia
filtration surfaceisfiltration
greater. media is greater.
(a) The depth filtration media. (b) The surface filtration media.
Figure
Figure 4. The
4. The pressure
pressure drop
drop was
was plottedasasaafunction
plotted function of the
thefiltration
filtrationvelocity
velocityof of
thethe
clean filter
clean media.
filter media.
3.1.2. Filtration
3.1.2. Efficiency
Filtration Efficiency
When
Whenpolydisperse
polydisperseparticles
particleswere
werefiltered
filtered by
by a fiber filter
filter media,
media,smaller
smallerparticles
particlesgot
got deposited
deposited
ononthethe
fiber surface
fiber surfacethrough
throughdiffusion.
diffusion.Meanwhile,
Meanwhile, larger particleswere
larger particles weremainly
mainlydeposited
deposited through
through
interception
interception and
andinertia.
inertia.With
Withan anincrease
increase in in particle size, the
particle size, the diffusion
diffusionefficiency
efficiencyofofthe
the filter
filter media
media
weakened gradually with respect to the
weakened gradually with respect to the particulate particulate matter. Meanwhile, the interception and
Meanwhile, the interception and inertial inertial
efficiencies
efficiencies increasedgradually.
increased gradually.TheThefilter
filtermedia
media would
would have
have aa minimum
minimumfiltration
filtrationefficiency
efficiency when
when
the particle size was varied between the upper limit of filter media diffusion and the lower limit of
interception. The particle size that corresponded with this minimum value is known as the most
penetrating particle size (MPPS) [25].
Figure 5 illustrates the classification filtration efficiencies of the clean filter media for different particle
sizes when the filtration velocity was kept intact at 1 m∙min–1. The classification filtration efficiencies of the
five kinds of filter media increased with an increase in particle sizes. For particles whose size ≥ 6 μm, the
the particle size was varied between the upper limit of filter media diffusion and the lower limit of
interception. The particle size that corresponded with this minimum value is known as the most
penetrating particle size (MPPS) [25].
Figure 5 illustrates the classification filtration efficiencies of the clean filter media for different
particle sizes when the filtration velocity was kept intact at 1 m·min–1 . The classification filtration
efficiencies of the five kinds of filter media increased with an increase in particle sizes. For particles
whose size ≥ 6 µm, the filtration efficiencies of the five filter media were 100%. When the particle size
< 6 µm, the filtration efficiencies of the two surface filtration media were greater than the remaining
three depth filtration media. When the average pore size of the five clean filter media was decreased,
there
Int. was an increase
J. Environ. Res. Publicin the2019,
Health filtration efficiencies
16, x FOR PEER REVIEW of the filter media. For the depth filtration media, 8 of 19the
fluctuation in the filtration efficiencies was greater than that of the surface filtration media. In particular,
thisfiltration
trend was efficiencies was greater
true for APNF than that
filter media. of thethe
When surface filtration
filtration media.
efficiency In particular,
curve of APNF this
filtertrend
mediawaswas
true for APNF
constructed, filter media.
an obvious “V” When
shaped thetrough
filtration
wasefficiency
formed. curve of APNF
In addition, filter
the media
three wasfiltration
depth constructed,
media
an obvious
showed “V” shaped
the lowest filtrationtrough was formed.
efficiency when theIn addition, the three
particle size depth 0.5
was about filtration mediathe
µm. Under showed the
conditions
lowest filtration efficiency when the particle size was about 0.5 μm. Under
of this experiment, the MPPS of the three depth filtration media was about 0.5 µm. In this experiment, the conditions of this
experiment, the MPPS of the three depth filtration media was about 0.5 μm. In this experiment, we
we did not measure the MPPS of the two surface filtration media. Previous literature [19,26] studies
did not measure the MPPS of the two surface filtration media. Previous literature [19,26] studies
indicate that MPPS also existed in a membrane-coated filter media. The value of MPPS was in the
indicate that MPPS also existed in a membrane-coated filter media. The value of MPPS was in the
range of 0.03–0.1 µm, which exceeded the measurable precision range (0.23–30 µm) of the aerosol
range of 0.03–0.1 μm, which exceeded the measurable precision range (0.23–30 μm) of the aerosol
spectrometer and the range of particle size (0.1–10 µm) that was produced by the aerosol generator.
spectrometer and the range of particle size (0.1–10 μm) that was produced by the aerosol generator.
TheThefiltration efficiency experiments showed that the MPPS of the surface filtration media was smaller
filtration efficiency experiments showed that the MPPS of the surface filtration media was
than that ofthan
smaller the that
depth of filtration
the depthmedia.
filtrationMoreover, the MPPS depended
media. Moreover, the MPPS on the difference
depended on the between
differencethe
average pore sizes of the two types of filter media.
between the average pore sizes of the two types of filter media.
Figure
Figure 5. 5.
TheThe classificationfiltration
classification filtrationefficiencies
efficiencies of the clean
clean filter
filtermedia
mediafor
forparticles
particlesatata afiltration
filtration
velocity
velocity of of
1m ·min−–11 .
1m∙min
Figure
Figure 6 shows
6 showsthe thestatic
staticfiltration
filtrationefficiencies
efficiencies of the fivefive clean
cleanfilter
filtermedia
mediaon onPM PM and
2.52.5 and TOT;
TOT;
thethe filtration
filtration velocitywas
velocity wasmaintained
maintainedatat11mm∙min ·min–1 –1. The filtration efficiencies of the two surface
The filtration efficiencies of the two surface
filtration
filtration media
media were
were greater
greater than80%
than 80%for
forPM
PM2.5
2.5.. For the depth
depth filtration
filtrationmedia
mediaofofPM PM 2.5, the
2.5 , thefiltration
filtration
efficiencies
efficiencies were
were 67.9%(PSF),
67.9% (PSF),57.4%
57.4%(PNF),
(PNF), and
and 51.3%
51.3% (APNF).
(APNF).The Thefiltration
efficiencies ofofthethetwo
two
surface filtration media were greater than 87% for TOT. The filtration efficiencies
surface filtration media were greater than 87% for TOT. The filtration efficiencies of the remaining of the remaining
three
three filter
filter media
media werewere
79.8%79.8%
(PSF), (PSF),
72.4%72.4%
(PNF),(PNF), and 68.8%
and 68.8% (APNF). (APNF). By performing
By performing the static thefiltration
static
filtration experiments on fine particles, we found that smaller the average pore
experiments on fine particles, we found that smaller the average pore size of the filter media, greater size of the filter media,
wasgreater was the filtration precision of the clean filter media. In addition, the filter pore size and the
the filtration precision of the clean filter media. In addition, the filter pore size and the fiber-filling
fiber-filling rate of APNF and PNF filter media were similar; however, the filtration efficiency of PNF
rate of APNF and PNF filter media were similar; however, the filtration efficiency of PNF filter was
filter was obviously greater than that of APNF filter media. This indicates that the filtration efficiency
obviously greater than that of APNF filter media. This indicates that the filtration efficiency of the
of the fabric structure of the depth filtration media could be improved by decreasing the fiber diameter.
fabric structure of the depth filtration media could be improved by decreasing the fiber diameter.
Figure 6. The
The static
static filtration
filtration efficiencies
efficiencies of the clean filter media for PM2.5
2.5 and
and TOT
TOT at
at a filtration
m·min
velocity of 1 m∙min −
−1 1
3.2. Dynamic
3.2. Dynamic Filtration
Filtration Performance
Performance
3.2.1. Dynamic Filtration Resistance

In the dynamic filtration experiment, the residual resistance drop was considered to be an
In the dynamic filtration experiment, the residual resistance drop was considered to be an
important index of the filtration performance. The variation in the residual resistance drop depends on
important index of the filtration performance. The variation in the residual resistance drop depends
the amount of dust deposition on the surface or inside the filter media. Based on the test requirements
on the amount of dust deposition on the surface or inside the filter media. Based on the test
of ASTM-D6830 standard, the dynamic filtration test was divided into three phases: aging phase,
requirements of ASTM-D6830 standard, the dynamic filtration test was divided into three phases:
recovery phase, and measurement phase. Regardless of a variety of testing times and the filtration
aging phase, recovery phase, and measurement phase. Regardless of a variety of testing times and
cycles of a filter media, consistency was only observed in the aging phase (cleaning was conducted
the filtration cycles of a filter media, consistency was only observed in the aging phase (cleaning was
once every 5 s for a total of 10,000 filtration cycles). Therefore, the increase rate of the residual resistance
conducted once every 5 s for a total of 10,000 filtration cycles). Therefore, the increase rate of the
drop in the aging phase can reflect the rate of dust deposition on the surface or inside the different filter
residual resistance drop in the aging phase can reflect the rate of dust deposition on the surface or
media. During the aging phase, there were 10,000 filtration cycles of each filter media. To facilitate
inside the different filter media. During the aging phase, there were 10,000 filtration cycles of each
lawful analysis, we divided 10,000 filtration cycles into 20 intervals of the aging phase that were
filter media. To facilitate lawful analysis, we divided 10,000 filtration cycles into 20 intervals of the
associated with each filter media. Each interval contained the data of 500 residual resistance drops.
aging phase that were associated with each filter media. Each interval contained the data of 500
The average value of these 500 residual resistance drops represented the residual resistance drop of
residual resistance drops. The average value of these 500 residual resistance drops represented the
the interval.
residual resistance drop of the interval.
Figure 7a illustrates that the average residual resistance drops of the three filter media increased
Figure 7a illustrates that the average residual resistance drops of the three filter media increased
exponentially when the filtration cycle was increased for the depth filtration media (PSF, PNF, and
exponentially when the filtration cycle was increased for the depth filtration media (PSF, PNF, and
APNF). This indicates that in the dynamic filtration process, the filter media could be cleaned and
APNF). This indicates that in the dynamic filtration process, the filter media could be cleaned and
regenerated; however, a foundation structure of the stable dust cake could still be formed inside the
regenerated; however, a foundation structure of the stable dust cake could still be formed inside the
depth filtration media. With a continuous process of filtration, the structure of the dust cake could
depth filtration media. With a continuous process of filtration, the structure of the dust cake could be
be increased continuously inside the filter media. This led to a continuous increase in the residual
increased continuously inside the filter media. This led to a continuous increase in the residual
resistance drop. In the three depth filtration media, the average residual resistance drops increased in
resistance drop. In the three depth filtration media, the average residual resistance drops increased
the following order: APNF > PSF > PNF. The initial filtration resistance drop of the three filter media
in the following order: APNF > PSF > PNF. The initial filtration resistance drop of the three filter
were equivalent. At the end of the first 500 filtration cycles, the average residual resistance drops of the
media were equivalent. At the end of the first 500 filtration cycles, the average residual resistance
three filter media were as follows: 54.7 Pa (PSF), 48.2 Pa (PNF), and 57.9 Pa (APNF). At the end of the
drops of the three filter media were as follows: 54.7 Pa (PSF), 48.2 Pa (PNF), and 57.9 Pa (APNF). At
aging phase, the final average residual resistance drops of three filter media were as follows: 273.6 Pa
the end of the aging phase, the final average residual resistance drops of three filter media were as
(PSF), 216.7Pa (PNF), and 324.2 Pa (APNF). The difference between average residual resistance drops
follows: 273.6 Pa (PSF), 216.7Pa (PNF), and 324.2 Pa (APNF). The difference between average residual
of the three depth filtration media reflected the different dust deposition conditions in the three depth
resistance drops of the three depth filtration media reflected the different dust deposition conditions
filtration media. In this experiment, both the PSF filter media and PNF filter media had the same
in the three depth filtration media. In this experiment, both the PSF filter media and PNF filter media
fiber diameter, but the average pore size of PNF filter media was greater than that of PSF filter media.
had the same fiber diameter, but the average pore size of PNF filter media was greater than that of
For PNF filter media, the increase in the rate of average residual resistance drop during the aging
PSF filter media. For PNF filter media, the increase in the rate of average residual resistance drop
during the aging phase was less than that of PSF filter media. This indicates that when the fiber
diameter was constant, smaller the average pore size of the depth filtration media, the faster would
phase
Int. was less
J. Environ. than Health
Res. Public that of2019,
PSF16,filter
x FORmedia. This indicates
PEER REVIEW that when the fiber diameter was constant, 10 of 19
smaller the average pore size of the depth filtration media, the faster would be the dust deposition rate
be the dust
of depth deposition
filtration media, rate
andofgreater
depth would
filtration media,
be the amount and of
greater would beinthe
dust deposited theamount of dust
depth filtration
deposited
media. Theinaveragethe depthporefiltration
size of PNFmedia.
filterThe
mediaaverage pore µm,
was 22.49 size while
of PNFthefilter
averagemedia
pore wassize22.49 μm,
of APNF
while the average
filter media was 22.52poreµm.
sizeThis
of APNF filter
indicates media
that was 22.52
the average poreμm.
sizeThis indicates
of APNF filterthat the was
media average pore
similar to
size of APNF filter media was similar to that of PNF filter media; however, the
that of PNF filter media; however, the increasing rate of the average residual resistance drop of APNF increasing rate of the
average
filter media residual
was the resistance drop of
highest among theAPNF filter media
three depth filtration was the highest
media. This mayamong the three
be attributed depth
to the fact
filtration media. This may be attributed to the fact that the fiber diameter of
that the fiber diameter of APNF filter media was larger. Larger the fiber diameter, greater would be APNF filter media was
larger. Larger
the chances andthethe
fiber diameter,of
probability greater would be the
dust deposition on chances andofthe
the surface theprobability
fiber. These of conditions
dust deposition
were
on
more thefavorable
surface of forthe
thefiber. These of
deposition conditions
dust in the were more
depth favorable
filtration forand
media, the itdeposition
led to the of dust in of
formation thea
depth filtration
dust cake. media, and it led to the formation of a dust cake.
Figure
Figure 7.
7. The
The changes
changes in
in the
the average
average residual
residual resistance
resistance drop
drop of
of the
the five
five filter
filter media
media during
during the
the fabric
fabric
conditioning
conditioning period.
period.
Unlike the
Unlike the depth
depth filtration
filtration media,
media, itit waswas difficult
difficult for
for the
the dust
dust to to pass into the surface
surface filtration
filtration
media and
media and form form a dust cake. Most of the dust particles could only deposit
Most of the dust particles could only deposit on the surface of on the surface of the
the
membrane. For
membrane. For the
the surface
surface filtration
filtration media,
media, the the fiber
fiber diameter
diameter was was notnot the
the main
main factor
factor that
that affected
affected
the deposition
the deposition of of dust.
dust. Moreover,
Moreover, the surface surface of the membrane-coated
membrane-coated filter filter media
media was was smooth
smooth and and
could be cleaned easily; therefore, it was difficult to form a stable layer
could be cleaned easily; therefore, it was difficult to form a stable layer of dust on the surface of the of dust on the surface of
the membrane-coated
membrane-coated filterfilter
mediamedia during
during thethe process
process ofofdynamic
dynamicfiltration.
filtration.TheThe dynamic
dynamic filtration
filtration
resistance of the surface filtration media was mainly governed by the
resistance of the surface filtration media was mainly governed by the size and distribution of size and distribution of membrane
pores. Figure
membrane 7b illustrates
pores. Figure 7b that the average
illustrates thatresidual
the averageresistance drops
residual of the two
resistance surface
drops filtration
of the media
two surface
(APMCNF
filtration and (APMCNF
media PMCNF) increased and PMCNF) exponentially
increasedwith an increase
exponentially in filtration
with an increase cycles. For APMCNF
in filtration cycles.
filterAPMCNF
For media, the increasing
filter media, rate of averagerate
the increasing residual resistance
of average dropresistance
residual was greater than
drop thatgreater
was of PMCNF than
filterofmedia.
that PMCNF Atfilter
the end
media. of theAt first 500of
the end filtration
the first cycles, the average
500 filtration cycles,residual resistance
the average residual drops of the
resistance
two filter
drops media
of the two were
filter as
mediafollows:
were306.7 Pa (APMCNF)
as follows: 306.7 Pa and 218.1 Paand
(APMCNF) (PMCNF).
218.1 PaAt the end ofAtthe
(PMCNF). theaging
end
phase, the final average residual resistance drops of the two surface filtration
of the aging phase, the final average residual resistance drops of the two surface filtration media were media were 583.5 Pa
(APMCNF)
583.5 and 382.3and
Pa (APMCNF) Pa 382.3
(PMCNF). The difference
Pa (PMCNF). between between
The difference the average the residual
average resistance drops of
residual resistance
the two filter media increased with the filtration process. The average
drops of the two filter media increased with the filtration process. The average pore sizes of the pore sizes of the two filter media
two
were media
filter as follows:
were0.42 µm (APMCNF)
as follows: and 1.05 µmand
0.42 μm (APMCNF) (PMCNF).
1.05 μmThis indicates
(PMCNF). that
This smallerthat
indicates the average
smaller
poreaverage
the size of the surface
pore size filtration media,filtration
of the surface greater would
media,begreater
the dynamic
wouldfiltration
be the resistance. Figure 8
dynamic filtration
illustrates that the average residual resistance drop of the surface filtration
resistance. Figure 8 illustrates that the average residual resistance drop of the surface filtration media media increased when the
dust blocked
increased when thethepores
dustofblocked
the filterthemembrane.
pores of the The experimental
filter membrane.results indicate thatresults
The experimental dust can easily
indicate
block
that thecan
dust micropores
easily blockof thethesurface
microporesmembrane when the
of the surface averagewhen
membrane pore size of the surface
the average pore size filtration
of the
media isfiltration
surface smaller.mediaConsequently,
is smaller.the average residual
Consequently, resistance
the average drop of
residual the surface
resistance dropfiltration media
of the surface
increasedmedia
filtration rapidly.increased rapidly.
Figure8.8.The
Figure Theadhesion
adhesionof
of dust
dust on
on the
the surface
surfaceof
ofAPMCNF
APMCNFfilter
filtermedia.
media.
Figure 8. The adhesion of dust on the surface of APMCNF filter media.
Figure
Figure 9 illustratesthe
9 illustrates theinitial
initialfiltration
filtration resistances,
resistances, the the final
finalresidual
residualresistance
resistancedrops,
drops, and
and thethe
increments Figure
increments 9
in the illustrates
in the residual
residual the initial
resistance
resistance filtration
dropdrop resistances,
of the
of the five five the
filterfilter
media final
media residual
inaging
in the resistance
the aging
phase. phase.drops,
For the and
Fortwo the
thesurface
two
increments
surface media,
filtration in
filtration the
the residual
media,
initialthe resistance drop
initial filtration
filtration resistancesof the five
resistances
and theandfilter media
finalthe in the aging
final residual
residual phase.
resistance
resistance For
dropsdrops the
were weretwo
greater
surface
greater filtration
than thosemedia,
in thethe initial
remaining filtration
three resistances
depth and
filtration the final
media.
than those in the remaining three depth filtration media. Out of the five filter media, APMCNF filter residual
Out of resistance
the five drops
filter were
media,
greater than
APMCNF those
filter media in showed
the remaining
following three depth filtrationhighest media.initial
Out filtration
of the five filter media,
media showed following characteristics: thecharacteristics:
highest initialthe filtration resistance, resistance,
final residual final
resistance
APMCNFresistance
residual filter media showed
drop, and following characteristics:
residual resistance drop the highest initial
increment. filtrationfilter
For PMCNF resistance,
media,final
the
drop, and residual resistance drop increment. For PMCNF filter media, the increment in the residual
residual resistance drop, and residual resistance drop increment.
increment in the residual resistance drop was less than that of APNF and PSF filter media. These For PMCNF filter media, the
resistance drop was less than that of APNF and PSF filter media. These results indicate that smaller
increment in the residual resistance drop was less than that of APNF and
results indicate that smaller the average pore size of the filter media, faster would be the increasing PSF filter media. These
the average pore size of the filter media, faster would be the increasing rate of the residual resistance
results
rate indicate
of the residual thatresistance
smaller the dropaverage
of the pore
filter size of the
media. filter media,
In particular, whenfaster
dust would
enteredbe and
the increasing
deposited
drop of the
rate of the
filter
the depth
residual
media. In particular,
resistance drop
when
of the
dust entered
filter media.
and deposited
In particular,
inside
whenfurther
the depth
dust entered and
filter media,
inside filter media, the fiber diameter of the depth filter media affected thedeposited
dynamic
theinside
fiber the
diameter of
depth filter the depth filter media further affected the dynamic filtration resistance of the
filtration resistance of media,
the filterthemedia
fiber diameter of the the
by influencing depth filter media
deposition ratefurther
of dust.affected the dynamic
filter media by influencing the deposition rate of dust.
filtration resistance of the filter media by influencing the deposition rate of dust.
Figure 9. The final residual resistance and the initial residual resistance of the five filter media during
Figure
the
Figure 9. 9.
fabric
TheThe finalresidual
residual
conditioning
final resistanceand
period.
resistance and the
the initial
initial residual
residualresistance
resistanceofofthe
thefive
fivefilter media
filter during
media during
thethe fabric
fabric conditioningperiod.
Figure 10 illustrates the mass gain of filter media after the aging phase. The mass gains of various
filter Figure
Figure 1010
media wereillustrates
illustrates themass
as follows:
the mass
APNF gain offilter
> PSF
gain of filter
> PNFmedia after
after the
> PMCNF
media aging
agingphase.
> APMCNF.
the phase. The
The mass
mass
The gains
gain
mass of of
gainsthevarious
ofdepth
various
filter
filter media
filtration
media were
media
were as
was
as follows: APNFgreater
significantly
follows: APNF >>PSF
PSF >>than
PNFthat
PNF > PMCNF
> of the >surface
PMCNF >APMCNF. The
Themass
filtration
APMCNF. gain
media.
mass ofof
thethe
Therefore,
gain depth
the
depth
filtration media was significantly greater than that of the surface filtration media.
filtration media was significantly greater than that of the surface filtration media. Therefore, Therefore, thethe
amount
amount of of dust
dust deposited
deposited in in the
the depth
depth filtration
filtration media
media was was much
much greater
greater than
than that
that deposited
deposited on on the
the
surface of the membrane-coated filter media. For the depth filtration media,
surface of the membrane-coated filter media. For the depth filtration media, the experimental results the experimental results
indicate
indicate that
thatthethedynamic
dynamicfiltration
filtrationresistance
resistance increases
increases mainly
mainly because
because of the following
of the following reasons: (i) the
reasons: (i)
deposition of dust inside the filter media and (ii) the formation of a dust cake.
the deposition of dust inside the filter media and (ii) the formation of a dust cake. The experimental The experimental results
further indicateindicate
results further that smaller the average
that smaller pore size
the average poreof the
sizedepth
of thefiltration media,media,
depth filtration greatergreater
would wouldbe the
deposition rate of dust
be the deposition rateinofthe depth
dust filtration
in the depthmedia.filtrationA larger
media. fiberA diameter
larger fiberwasdiameter
more conducivewas more for
the deposition of dust and the formation of a dust cake inside the depth
conducive for the deposition of dust and the formation of a dust cake inside the depth filtration filtration media. For the surface
filtration
media. For media,
the the experimental
surface filtrationresults
media,indicate that the mass
the experimental gain ofindicate
results APMCNF thatfilter
themedia
mass was gaintheof
least; however, the initial filtration resistance, the final residual resistance
APMCNF filter media was the least; however, the initial filtration resistance, the final residual drop, and the increment in
the residualdrop,
resistance resistance
and thedrop of APMCNF
increment in thefilter mediaresistance
residual were greater dropthanof those
APMCNF of PMCNF filter media.
filter media were
Based on the experimental results of the mass gain for the surface filtration
greater than those of PMCNF filter media. Based on the experimental results of the mass gain for the media in the aging phase,
it was further
surface proved
filtration mediathatinthe
theincrease in the itresidual
aging phase, was furtherresistance
proved drop of the
that the surface
increasefiltration media
in the residual
was due to the blockage of dust in the pores of the filter membrane. Smaller
resistance drop of the surface filtration media was due to the blockage of dust in the pores of the filter the average pore size
of the surfaceSmaller
membrane. filtrationthemedia,
average easier
porewould
sizebe ofthe
theirreversible blockagemedia,
surface filtration of dusteasier
in the would
microporesbe theof
the surface filtration media and faster would be the increasing rate of dynamic
irreversible blockage of dust in the micropores of the surface filtration media and faster would be the filtration resistance of
the surfacerate
increasing filtration media.filtration
of dynamic Moreover, smallerof
resistance thetheaverage
surfacepore size ofmedia.
filtration the surface filtration
Moreover, media,
smaller the
smoother would be the surface filtration media. Furthermore, the dust
average pore size of the surface filtration media, smoother would be the surface filtration media. was stripped very thoroughly
under the action
Furthermore, theof a cleaning
dust airflow,
was stripped andthoroughly
very the mass gain of the
under the surface
action offiltration
a cleaningmedia was smaller
airflow, and the
in magnitude.
mass gain of the surface filtration media was smaller in magnitude.
Figure 10. The mass gain of the five filter media during the
the fabric
fabric conditioning
period.
Figure 11 illustrates the residual resistance drop that occurred in the five kinds kinds of filter
filter media
media
during the recovery phase. Figure 11a illustrates that the residual resistance drop of the three kinds kinds
of depth
depth filtration
filtration media
media increased with an increase in the the filtration
filtration cycles
cycles that
that occurred
occurred during
during thethe
recovery phase. In the 30 normal filtration cycles, the residual resistance drops of the three depth depth
filtration media increased
increased in inthe
thefollowing
followingorder:
order:APMCNF
APMCNF > PSF
> PSF > PNF.
> PNF. In the
In the recovery
recovery phase,phase,
the
the increasing
increasing ratesrates of residual
of residual resistance
resistance dropdrop
of theofthree
the three
depthdepth filtration
filtration mediamedia were obviously
were obviously lower
lower than those
than those in theinaging
the aging phase.
phase. ThisThis indicates
indicates thatthat after
after providingaging
providing agingtreatment
treatmentto to the
the depth
filtration
filtration media,
media,the thefoundation
foundation of of
thethe
dustdust
cakecake
improved
improvedgradually insideinside
gradually the depth
the filtration media.
depth filtration
As a result,
media. As athe formation
result, rate of a rate
the formation dust ofcake became
a dust cakeslower,
became and the deposition
slower, rate of dustrate
and the deposition decreased
of dust
in the depth
decreased in filtration
the depthmedia. Therefore,
filtration the residual
media. Therefore, theresistance drops of the
residual resistance three
drops of depth filtration
the three depth
filtration
media media slowly.
increased increased slowly.
During During phase,
the recovery the recovery phase, in
the increments thetheincrements in the residual
residual resistance drop of
resistance
the drop of
three depth the three
filtration depth
media filtration
were media12.1
as follows: werePaas(PSF),
follows:10.312.1
Pa Pa (PSF),
(PNF), 10.3
and Pa Pa
17.3 (PNF), and
(APNF).
17.3 increments
The Pa (APNF).inThe the increments in the residual
residual resistance drop and resistance
the increasedrop and
rate of the increase
dynamic rate ofresistance
filtration dynamic
filtration resistance of the three depth filtration media were similar and much smaller than those in
the aging phase. This indicates that for the depth filtration media, the average pore size and the fiber
of the three depth filtration media were similar and much smaller than those in the aging phase.
diameter
This greatly
indicates thatinfluenced
for the depth the dust deposition
filtration media,ratethe at the initial
average porestage
size of
anda dynamic
the fiber filtration
diameterprocess.
greatly
With the progress
influenced in dynamic
the dust deposition filtration,
rate the stage
at the initial size and
of a the distribution
dynamic filtrationofprocess.
filter pores
With inthethe depth
progress
filtration
in dynamicmedia changed
filtration, the sizewithandthethedeposition
distributionofofdust
filterinside
pores in thethefilter
depthmedia. Thismedia
filtration weakened
changedthe
influence
with of the average
the deposition of dustpore
inside size
theand the
filter fiber This
media. diameter of depth
weakened filtration of
the influence media on the pore
the average dust
deposition
size and therate.
fiber diameter of depth filtration media on the dust deposition rate.
As shown
As shown in in Figure
Figure 11b,11b, the
the residual
residual resistance
resistance drops
drops ofof the
the two
two surface
surface filtration
filtration media
media were
were
always observed
always observed at at aa relatively
relatively stable
stable level
level in
in 30
30normal
normal filtration
filtration cycles,
cycles, which
which waswas consistent
consistent with
with
the experimental
the experimental results
results in in reference
reference [27].
[27]. In
In contrast,
contrast, the
the residual
residual resistance
resistance dropdrop of ofAPMCNF
APMCNF and and
PMCNF filter
PMCNF filter media
media were were about
about 600600 PaPa and
and 400
400Pa,
Pa,respectively.
respectively. This This indicates
indicates thatthat aa dynamic
dynamic
equilibriumwas
equilibrium wasestablished
establishedbetweenbetweenthe thedeposition
depositionandandthethestripping
strippingof of dust,
dust, which
which accumulates
accumulates on on
the surface
the surface of of the
the two
twomembrane-coated
membrane-coated filter filter media.
media. After
After the
the aging
aging treatment,
treatment, fine fine particles
particles were
were
deposited on
deposited on the
the micropores
micropores of of the
thesurface
surface membrane;
membrane; these
these particles
particles were
were steadily
steadily removed
removed by by the
the
cleaningairflow.
cleaning airflow.Moreover,
Moreover,residual
residualresistance
resistancedropdropofofsurface
surfacefiltration
filtrationmedia
mediawas wasalso
alsostabilized.
stabilized.
Figure 11. The changes in the residual resistance drop
Figure drop of
of the
the five
five filter
filter media
media in
in the
the fabric
fabric recovery
recoveryperiod.
period.
Figure
Figure 12 12 shows
shows thethe changes
changes in in the
the residual
residual resistance
resistance drop drop of of the
the five
five filter
filter media
media during
during the the
measurement
measurement phase: phase: the residual resistance drops of the the three
three depth
depth filtration
filtration media
media increased
increased
continuously
continuously when the the filtration
filtrationcycles cycleswere
wereelongated
elongated after
after thetheagingaging andand recovery
recovery phases.
phases. The
The residual
residual resistance
resistance dropsdropsof of
thethe two two surfacefiltration
surface filtrationmediamediaremained
remainedrelatively
relatively stable during the the
recovery and measurement phases, which occurred after the aging
recovery and measurement phases, which occurred after the aging phase. The results of the entire phase. The results of the entire
dynamic
dynamic filtration
filtration test
test of
of the
the five
five filter
filtermedia
mediashowed
showed that that in
in the
the initial
initial filtration
filtration stage
stage (Figure
(Figure 7),7), the
the
increasing
increasingrate rateof of
thethe
residual resistance
residual drop was
resistance dropthewas fastest
thewhen
fastesta clean
when filter mediafilter
a clean was transformed
media was
into a dust-containing
transformed filter media (this
into a dust-containing filterconclusion
media (thiscan be obtained
conclusion canby becomparing
obtained byFigures 7, 11 Figure
comparing and 12.). 7,
With
Figure the11progress
and Figure of the dynamic
12.). With the filtration process,
progress of thethere was afiltration
dynamic gradual improvement
process, thereinwas the astructure
gradual
of a dust cake that
improvement wasstructure
in the formed insideof a dust the depth
cake thatfiltration media. Moreover,
was formed inside the adepth dynamic equilibrium
filtration media.
was reached between the following two processes: (i) the blockage
Moreover, a dynamic equilibrium was reached between the following two processes: (i) the blockage of membrane pores by dust and
(ii) the removalpores
of membrane of dust layerand
by dust formed(ii) theonremoval
the membrane
of dustof the formed
layer surface on filtration media. Consequently,
the membrane of the surface
the increasing rate of the residual resistance drop of the surface
filtration media. Consequently, the increasing rate of the residual resistance drop of the filtration media remained relatively
surface
stable.
filtrationIn media
the entire dynamic
remained filtration
relatively test, In
stable. thethe
residual resistancefiltration
entire dynamic drop of test,the depth filtration
the residual media
resistance
increased
drop of the steadily. At the end
depth filtration of the
media measurement
increased steadily.phase, theend
At the finalofresidual resistance phase,
the measurement drop ofthe APNF
final
filter media was greater than 400 Pa, indicating that it was greater than
residual resistance drop of APNF filter media was greater than 400 Pa, indicating that it was greater the final residual resistance drop
of PMCNF
than filter
the final media.resistance
residual It can be inferred
drop of that PMCNFwhenfilter
the depth
media.filtration
It can bemediainferred wasthat
used for long-term
when the depth
dynamic
filtrationfiltration,
media was the residual
used forresistance
long-termdrop wouldfiltration,
dynamic eventuallythe surpass
residualthat resistance
of the surface dropfiltration
would
media; moreover, the dynamic filtration resistance of the depth filtration
eventually surpass that of the surface filtration media; moreover, the dynamic filtration resistance media would increase at of
a
rate faster filtration
the depth than thatmedia
of surface
would filtration
increasemedia.at a rate faster than that of surface filtration media.
12.12.The
Figure
Figure Thechanges
changesininthe
theaverage
average residual resistance drop
residual resistance dropofofthe
thefive
fivefilter
filtermedia
mediaduring
duringthethe
Figure 12. The
performance
performance changes
test
test period.in the average residual resistance drop of the five filter media during the
period.
performance test period.
3.2.2. Dynamic
3.2.1. Dynamic Filtration
FiltrationEfficiency
Resistance
AsAs shown
shownininFiguresFigures13–16,13–16, the the dynamic
dynamic filtration efficienciesofofthe
filtration efficiencies thefive fivefilter
filtermedia
media werewere
determined As shown
determined byby in Figuresdynamic
performing
performing 13–16, the
dynamic dynamic
filtration
filtration filtration
tests.
tests. Figures
Figures efficiencies
13and
13 and14 of
14showedthe five
showed filter
thedynamic
the dynamicmedia were
filtration
filtration
determined
efficiencies
efficiencies ofofby
the performing
five
the fivefilter dynamic
filtermedia
mediain filtration
inthe agingtests.
theaging and Figures
and recovery13phases,
recovery and 14respectively.
phases, showed
respectively.the dynamic
Figures
Figures 15filtration
15
andand16 16
efficiencies
illustrate the of the five
dynamic filter media
filtration in the
efficienciesaging of and
PM recovery
and TOT
illustrate the dynamic filtration efficiencies of PM2.5 and TOT for the five filter media during the
2.5 phases,
for respectively.
the five filter Figures
media 15
during and 16
the
illustrate
measurement
measurement thephase.
dynamic
phase.TheThe filtration
experimental
experimental efficiencies
results
results ofindicate
PM2.5 and
indicate that
that TOT for the
dynamic
dynamic five filter
filtration
filtration media during
efficiencies
efficiencies of of
thethethe
five
five
measurement
filter
filter media
media phase. with
increased
increased Thewith experimental
theprogression
the progression results indicate
of the
of the dynamic
dynamic that dynamic
filtrationfiltration
filtration process.efficiencies
process. InInthetheentire ofdynamic
entire the five
dynamic
filter
filtration media
filtration tests, increased
tests, thedynamic
the with filtration
dynamic the progression
filtration of the of
efficiencies
efficiencies dynamic
of the fivefiltration
the five filter process.
filtermedia
media were
were Ingreater
the
greaterentire
than dynamic
than 99.96%.
99.96%.
filtration
Compared tests,
to the
the dynamic
static filtration
filtration efficiencies
efficiencies of the of
five the five
filter filter
media media
(Figure
Compared to the static filtration efficiencies of the five filter media (Figure 6), the filtration efficiencies were
6), the greater
filtration than 99.96%.
efficiencies
Compared tofilter
the static
mediafiltration theefficiencies forof the
life five
cyclefilter media (Figure 6), theto filtration efficiencies
of of
thethe clean
clean filter media werethe
were lowestfor
lowest aa life cycle of
of filtration.
filtration.Compared
Compared tothe thestatic
staticfiltration
filtration
of the clean filter media were the lowest for a life cycle of filtration.
tests, the differences between the filtration efficiencies the depth filtration media and the surface Compared to the static filtration
tests, the differences between the filtration efficiencies of the depth filtration media and the surface
tests, the differences
filtration media werebetween greatly the filtration
reduced duringefficiencies
the dynamic of the filtration
depth filtration
test. This media and the
indicates surface
that dust
filtration media were greatly reduced during the dynamic filtration test. This indicates that dust
filtration
depositionmedia were cake
and dust greatly reducedwere
formation during the dynamic
essential to improve filtration
the test. This efficiency
filtration indicates that dust
of depth
deposition and dust cake formation were essential to improve the filtration efficiency of depth filtration
deposition
filtration media. and dust cake formation
At different phases of awere essential
dynamic to improve
filtration process,the filtration filtration
the dynamic efficiencyefficiencies
of depth
media. At different
filtration media. phases of a dynamic filtration process, the dynamic filtration efficiencies of the
of the five filter At different
media werephases of a dynamic
as follows: APMCNF filtration
> PMCNF process, the >dynamic
> PSF PNF > APNF. filtration efficiencies
The order of
fiveof filter media
the five were
filter media as follows:
were as APMCNF > PMCNF > PSF > PNF > APNF. The order of dynamic
dynamic filtration efficiencies of follows: APMCNF
the five filter media>was PMCNF opposite> PSF > PNF
to that > APNF.
of their average Theporeorder of
size,
filtration
dynamic efficiencies
filtration
that is, smaller of the
the efficiencies
average pore five filter
of size
the fivemedia
of the was
filter
filtermediaopposite
media, was to that
opposite
greater of their
wastothe
that average pore
of theirfiltration
dynamic average pore size, size, is,
that
efficiency
smaller
that
of the the average
is,filter
smaller pore size of the filter media, greater was the dynamic
the average pore size of the filter media, greater was the dynamic filtration efficiency
media. filtration efficiency of the
filter media.
of the filter media.
Figure 13. The dynamic filtration efficiencies of the five filter media during the fabric conditioning
Figure
Figure 13. The
13.
period. Thedynamic filtration
dynamic efficiencies
filtration of the five
efficiencies of filter mediafilter
the five during the fabric
media conditioning
during the fabric
period.
Int.J.J.Environ.
Int. Environ.Res.
Res.Public
PublicHealth
Health2019,
2019,16,
16,xxFOR
FORPEER
PEERREVIEW
REVIEW 15 of
15 of 19
19
Figure14.
Figure 14.The
Thedynamic
The dynamicfiltration
dynamic filtrationefficiencies
filtration efficienciesof
efficiencies ofthe
thefive
fivefilter
filtermedia
mediaduring
duringthe
thefabric
fabricrecovery
fabric recoveryperiod.
recovery period.
Figure
Figure 15.
Figure15. The
15.The dynamic
Thedynamic filtration
dynamicfiltration efficienciesof
efficiencies ofthe
of thefive
the fivefilter
five filtermedia
filter mediafor
media forPM
for PM2.5
PM during the
duringthe
2.5during
2.5
performance
theperformance
performance
test
test period.
period.
test period.
In the
In the depth
the depth filtration
depth filtration media,
filtration media,
media, the the “Dust
the “Dust filter
“Dust filter Dust”
filter Dust” filtration
Dust” filtration mechanism
filtration mechanism
mechanism of of was
of was implemented.
was implemented.
implemented.
In
According
According to
to this
this mechanism,
mechanism, greater
greater the
the deposition
deposition of
of dust
dust in
in the
the filter
filter media,
media, better
better would
would be be the
be the
the
According to this mechanism, greater the deposition of dust in the filter media, better would
structure
structure ofofa adustdust cake andand
cake greater would
greater wouldbe thebedynamic
the filtration
dynamic efficiency.
filtration In contrast,
efficiency. In the dynamic
contrast, the
structure of a dust cake and greater would be the dynamic filtration efficiency. In contrast, the
dynamic filtration of
filtration resistancea filter
resistance of media increases
of aa filter
filter media with
media increases the
increases withdeposition
with the of dust
the deposition
deposition ofinthe filter
of dust media.
dust inthe
inthe filter Based
filter media.
media.on
dynamic
the above
Based on inferences,
on the
the above we
above inferences, propose
inferences, we the following
we propose
propose the conclusion:
the following under
following conclusion: the
conclusion: undersame experimental
under the the same conditions,
same experimental
experimental
Based
faster the increasing
conditions, faster therate of dynamic
increasing ratefiltration
of dynamicresistance of the
filtration depth filtration
resistance of the media,filtration
depth faster would media, be
conditions, faster the increasing rate of dynamic filtration resistance of the depth filtration media,
the deposition
faster would
would be rate
be the of dust
the deposition inthe
deposition rate filter
rate of media,
of dust and
dust inthe higher
inthe filter would
filter media, be
media, and the dynamic
and higher
higher would filtration
would be be theefficiency
the dynamic
dynamic of
faster
the filter media.
filtration efficiency In
efficiency of the dynamic
of the
the filter filtration
filter media.
media. In experiments,
In the
the dynamic we found
dynamic filtration that the increasing
filtration experiments,
experiments, we rate of
we found the
found that residual
that the
the
filtration
resistance
increasing rate drop
rate of was
of the the fastest
the residual for
residual resistance the APNF
resistance drop drop wasfilter
was the media,
the fastestfollowed
fastest forfor the by
the APNF the PSF
APNF filter filter
filter media, media,
media, followed and
followed by the
by
increasing
PNF
the filter
PSF media.
filter media, Therefore,
and the the deposition
PNF filter media. rate of dust was
Therefore, the the highestrate
deposition for the
of APNF
dust was filter
the media,
highest
the PSF filter media, and the PNF filter media. Therefore, the deposition rate of dust was the highest
followed
for the
the APNF
APNFby the PSFmedia,
filter filter media
followed andby thethePNFPSFfilter
filtermedia.
mediaThis and inference
the PNF has been
PNF filter
filter media.confirmed
This inferencein the
inference
for filter media, followed by the PSF filter media and the media. This
mass
has been gain of
been confirmed the
confirmed in filter media,
in the
the mass which
mass gaingain of occurred
of the
the filter during
filter media, the
media, which aging
which occurredphase. The
occurred during magnitude
during the the aging of
aging phase.dynamic
phase. The The
has
filtration
magnitude efficiencies
of dynamic of the three filter
filtration media were
efficiencies of the inthree
the following
filter media order:
were APNF
in the> following
PSF > PNF; this
order:
magnitude of dynamic filtration efficiencies of the three filter media were in the following order:
finding
APNF >>was PSFnot compliant with the wasactual situation with of thethe test (PSFsituation
> PNF > of APNF). The reason for>
APNF PSF >> PNF;
PNF; this finding
this finding was not compliant
not compliant with the actual
actual situation of the test
the test (PSF
(PSF >> PNF
PNF >
the above
APNF). The discrepancy
The reason
reason for was
for the the
the above fact that
above discrepancy in the
discrepancy was dynamic
was the the factfiltration
fact that
that in process,
in the
the dynamic the structure
dynamic filtration of
filtration process, the dust
process, the the
APNF).
cake formed
structure of theinside
the dustthe cake depth
formed filtration
insidemedia
the depth
depthwasfiltration
destroyed by the
media was compressed
destroyed by air,the
by enabling
compresseddust
structure of dust cake formed inside the filtration media was destroyed the compressed
to
air,penetrate
enablingdust through
dust the depth
topenetrate
penetrate filtration
through media.
thedepth
depth Somemedia.
filtration research Some studies
research[28]studies
have shown
[28]have
have that in a
shown
air, enabling to through the filtration media. Some research studies [28] shown
that in
that in aa filtration
filtration cycle,
cycle, dustdust leakage
leakage occurs
occurs mainly
mainly in in aa short
short period
period of of time
time after
after cleaning
cleaning the the filter
filter
media; moreover, dust penetration rate decreases rapidly as the
media; moreover, dust penetration rate decreases rapidly as the dust layer is repaired on the surface dust layer is repaired on the surface
filtration cycle, dust leakage occurs mainly in a short period of time after cleaning the filter 16
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, x FOR PEER REVIEW
media;
of 19
moreover, dust penetration rate decreases rapidly as the dust layer is repaired on the surface of the
filter
of themedia. After cleaning
filter media. the depth
After cleaning thefiltration media, the
depth filtration surface
media, theand the fabric
surface and the structure
fabric of the depth
structure of
filtration media were exposed to an airflow of dust. Larger the average
the depth filtration media were exposed to an airflow of dust. Larger the average pore size of the pore size of the depth filtration
media, easier was
depth filtration it for the
media, dustwas
easier to penetrate
it for theinto dustthe todepth filtration
penetrate into media;
the depth moreover, larger
filtration the
media;
fiber diameter,
moreover, larger lower
the was
fiberthe filtration
diameter, efficiency
lower was the of the fabric efficiency
filtration structure of of the
the depth
fabric filtration
structuremedia.
of the
Therefore, the APNF filtration media has the highest increase rate of residual
depth filtration media. Therefore, the APNF filtration media has the highest increase rate of residual resistance drop; however,
its dynamicdrop;
resistance filtration efficiency
however, was thefiltration
its dynamic lowest. efficiency was the lowest.
In the surface filtration media, the microporous microporous membrane
membrane was was used
used as a barrier for filtering the
particles (sieving effect). The size and the distribution of membrane pores in the filter media were
used to determine
determine the the performance
performance of of filtration.
filtration. For the surface
surface filtration
filtration media,
media, thethe experimental
experimental
results
results of the dynamic filtration efficiency were compliant
efficiency were compliant with the with the laws used to perform experiments
of dynamic
dynamic resistance. These experimental results were different from those obtained for the depth
depth
filtration media. Smaller the average pore size of the surface filtration media, higher would be the
dynamic filtration
resistance and and thethe dynamic
dynamic filtration
filtration efficiency.
efficiency.
In the aging phase, dynamic filtration efficiencies of the three depth filtration media were in the
range of 99.96–99.98%.
99.96–99.98%. For the two surface filtration media, the dynamic filtration efficiencies were
greater
greater than 99.99% in the aging phase. During the recovery phase, the dynamic filtration efficiencies
of all the five filter media were greater than 99.99%. In the measurement phase, the dynamic filtration
efficiencies of the the five
five filter
filter media
media werewere greater
greater than
than 99.997%
99.997% for for PMPM2.5 2.5, and the dynamic
dynamic filtration
filtration
efficiencies
efficiencies of of the five filter media were greater than 99.998% for TOT. In the entire dynamic filtration
tests, the dynamic filtration efficiencies of the two surface filtration media were always greater than
those
those of the three depth filtration media. This implies that dynamic filtration efficiencies efficiencies of the surface
filtration
filtration media
media werewere more
more stable
stable in in magnitude.
magnitude. In the entire dynamic filtration process, the standard
deviations
deviations of ofthe
thedynamic
dynamic filtration
filtrationefficiencies of the
efficiencies of three depthdepth
the three filtration media media
filtration were always greater
were always
than those of the two surface filtration media. For the dynamic filtration
greater than those of the two surface filtration media. For the dynamic filtration efficiencies of dust, efficiencies of dust, the
standard
the standard deviations of theof
deviations five
thefilter
fivemedia
filter were
media as were
follows: APNF > PNF>
as follows: APNFPSF > PMCNF
> PNF> PSF >> PMCNF
APMCNF, >
which were in the same order as the average pore size of five filter
APMCNF, which were in the same order as the average pore size of five filter media. It can be media. It can be concluded that
smaller
concluded thethat
average
smallerporethe size of the pore
average filter size
media, smaller
of the filterwould
media,besmallerthe standard
would deviation in the
be the standard
dynamic
deviationfiltration efficiency;
in the dynamic therefore,
filtration the dynamic
efficiency; therefore,filtration efficiency
the dynamic of the filter
filtration mediaofwould
efficiency be
the filter
more stable.
media would be more stable.
Figure 16. The dynamic filtration efficiencies of the five filter media for TOT during the performance
test period.
4. Conclusions
In this study, the static filtration performance of clean filter media was investigated, which was
used to study the effects of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the filtration performance of the
fabric structure of the filter media, so as to provide basic data and theoretical support for the study
of the influence of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the dust deposition characteristics and
4. Conclusions
In this study, the static filtration performance of clean filter media was investigated, which was
used to study the effects of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the filtration performance of the fabric
structure of the filter media, so as to provide basic data and theoretical support for the study of the
influence of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the dust deposition characteristics and dynamic
filtration performance of the dust-containing filter media (the fabric structure + the dust cake). It was
found that the average pore size was the main factor affecting the filtration performance of the fabric
structure of the surface filtration media: the smaller the average pore size of the filter media, the higher
would be the filtration efficiency and greater would be the filtration resistance of the fabric structure.
For the depth filtration media, smaller the average pore size and the fiber diameter of the filter media,
greater would be the filtration resistance and higher would be the filtration efficiency and precision of
the fabric structure.
By performing the dynamic filtration tests, we concluded that the average pore size and the fiber
diameter of the depth filtration media affected the dynamic filtration resistances and the dynamic
filtration efficiencies by influencing the deposition rates of dust in the depth filtration media. Smaller
the average pore size of the depth filtration media, easier was it for the dust to be deposited inside
the depth filtration media and more compact would be the formation of a dust cake inside the depth
filtration media; moreover, greater would be the amount of dust deposition inside the depth filtration
media, and faster would be the increasing rate of dynamic filtration resistance. With a steady increase
in the fiber diameter, the probability of dust deposition would increase tremendously on the surface
of the fiber and between the fibers. These conditions were conducive for the deposition of dust
inside the depth filtration media. Filter pore size and fiber diameter can significantly affect the dust
deposition rate in the initial stage of dynamic filtration of the depth filtration media, and then the effect
is gradually weakened with the progress of the dynamic filtration process. In a dynamic filtration
process, the structure of a dust cake inside the depth filtration media and the accumulation of a dust
layer on the surface of the depth filtration media were destroyed by compressed air. At this time, the
influence of filter pore size and fiber diameter on the filtration efficiency of fabric structure determined
the dynamic filtration efficiency of depth filtration media within a short period of time after cleaning.
Therefore, depth filtration media with larger fiber diameter had lower filtration efficiency and filtration
resistance of its own fabric structure, but the increasing rate of dynamic filtration resistance was higher,
and the dynamic filtration efficiency was also lower.
The dynamic filtration resistances and the dynamic filtration efficiencies of the surface filtration
media were related to the average pore size of the filter media. Smaller the average pore size of the
surface filtration media, easier would be the irreversible blockage of dust in the membrane micropores
of the surface filtration media and faster would be the increasing rate of dynamic filtration resistance;
moreover, higher the dynamic filtration efficiency, more stable would be the dynamic filtration process.
In addition, smaller the average pore size of the surface filtration media, larger would be the dynamic
equilibrium value of the residual resistance drop of the filter media, and shorter would the filtration
cycle of the surface filtration media.
Author Contributions: X.L. had the original idea for the study and performed the research. All authors of this
paper also participated directly, either in the planning, execution, or analysis of this study. H.S. was responsible
for the recruitment and follow-up of study participant (X.N. helped with the experiments). All authors read and
approved the final manuscript.
Funding: This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2018YFC0705300)
and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. CHSF-DH-D-2017093).
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank all the editors and reviewers who provided constructive
feedback and suggestions.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Filter Samples

Figure 1. SEM micrographs of the filter surfaces: (a)

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Static Filtration Performance

3.1.1. Filtration Resistance

3.2.1. Dynamic Filtration Resistance

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