Collection Efficiency of Aerosol Particles and Resistance to Flow through Fiber Mats

Abstract

The collection efficiencies for sulfuric acid aerosols of 0.4- to 1.3-microns particle diameter, and the resistance to flow through glass fiber mats composed of 3.5-, 6.2-, and 9.6-micron fibers, were investigated experimentally. The results agree with the theory that particle collection in this range is a function of the inertia of the particles, the interception by the fibers, and the nature of the flow around the fibers, as characterized by the parameters Ψ, R, and NRe, respectively, and that the pressure drop is a function of the flow characteristics and the fiber interference effect. Theoretical equations for collection efficiency and pressure drop of fiber mats were analyzed in terms of the impaction efficiency and drag coefficient of single fibers. These equations were evaluated by comparing the apparent fiber efficiency and drag with theoretical values.