Funding: IGF – Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung

Contact: Daniel Stoll

The project is being carried out in direct cooperation with the Institute for Environment & Energy, Technology & Analytics e.V. – IUTA.

Today, electret filters are used universally to achieve the highest possible separation efficiency with the lowest possible pressure loss. However, it is known that with increasing operating time, the filters are discharged by particles or solvent vapors. In addition to pure charge compensation, more complex mechanisms also play a role, which are not yet fully understood. Previous work has shown that the wetting of the fibers by droplets and the adsorption properties of the fiber surfaces are particularly relevant. The aim of the project is therefore to systematically investigate the aging behavior of electret filters as a function of the properties of the test aerosols. In addition, it is being investigated whether the differences in the discharge caused by different solvent vapors can be explained by the adsorption properties. In order to avoid having to rely on time-consuming experimental investigations for this optimization, the ageing mechanisms are also to be integrated into realistic 3D simulations. Furthermore, the findings can be used to develop optimized test procedures for air purifiers. A fast, cost-effective, realistic and reproducible ageing process makes it easier for SMEs such as manufacturers and test laboratories to determine the long-term stability of air purifiers. Manufacturers and users of filters benefit from a better understanding of ageing behavior by gaining competitive advantages through more sustainable products that are optimized for specific applications and by saving operating costs through longer filter replacement intervals. Other SMEs and providers of simulation software will also be able to tap into new business areas thanks to the software tools developed.