This research area focuses on the development, optimization, and fundamental understanding of processes used to separate particulate matter from liquids, as well as methods for particle sorting and fractionation. Our work covers a broad spectrum of separation technologies, including:

• Cross-flow, cake, and dynamic filtration 

• Depth filtration

• Membrane processes

• Hydrodynamic, electrostatic and magnetic sorting

Experimental and numerical methods

Our experimental investigations are conducted in state-of-art laboratories equipped for advanced filtration and particle separation studies. To complement these experiments, we employ high-fidelity numerical modeling and simulation of multiphase flows:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to resolve fluid flow behavior

• CFD–DEM coupling, combining fluid dynamics with the Discrete Element Method to capture particle motion and particle–particle interactions

• µCT-based structural modeling, using micro-computed tomography scans of woven and nonwoven filter media to simulate internal flow paths and particle deposition mechanisms within the filter matrix.

This integrated experimental–numerical approach enables a detailed understanding of separation processes at both macroscopic and pore-scale levels.