A research focus of the Institute of Particle Process Engineering of the University of Kaiserslautern is the development of methods for particle separation from liquids. The experimental and simulative experience in separation technology has been gathered for more than 10 years. It was conducted under the direction of Prof. Ripperger and will continue under his successor, Prof. Antonyuk.
The complementation of experiments with the modeling and simulation of multiphase flows is executed by numerical fluid mechanics (CFD) and CFD coupling with the discrete element method (DEM). With these methods, fundamental processes of the filtration can be investigated. Using CT-scans of the woven or nonwoven structure for the simulation can show the microflow and particle movement within the filter material.
The research of separation processes is supplemented by the classification of finest particles using dynamic filtration processes. As part of the priority programme SPP 2045: Highly specific and multidimensional fractionation of fine particle systems with technical relevance (MehrDimPart) of the DFG, the project Multidimensional fractionation of finely dispersed particles using cross-flow filtration with superimposed electric field is investigated at the Institute of Particle Process Engineering.