Comparative analysis of electrostatic filtration in pilot pulse-jet and flat-based test rigs

Abstract

This study investigates the filtration performance of three different filter media—PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)-coated media, stainless steel fibre blended with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) media, and stainless steel fibre scrim media—under varying charge levels and dust concentrations using a pilot pulse-jet filter unit and a flat-based test rig. The effect of charge, material type, and dust concentration on filtration efficiency, particulate emissions, and charge dissipation behaviour is systematically examined. Results indicate that charge plays a dominant role in enhancing filtration efficiency by promoting dust agglomeration and improving dust cake properties. PTFE-coated media exhibits the lowest particulate emissions across both test rigs, whereas stainless steel fibre scrim media demonstrates the fastest charge dissipation. A comparative analysis reveals that the pilot pulse-jet filter unit exhibits higher particulate emissions than the flat-based test rig due to its non-uniform dust deposition and cleaning inefficiencies. The study further establishes strong correlations between downstream particulate emissions, mass concentration, and particle number concentration across the two test rigs. Findings provide valuable insights into optimising charge-assisted filtration mechanisms and understanding the influence of electrostatic charge on different filter media.