NESTED, RECIRCULATING-FIBER FILTER

摘要

A recirculating fiber filter (1) and method for removing particulates from moving fluid streams. High aspect ratio fibers (2) are used which readily nest with each other to form the high voidage fiber filter bed. In the method, fibers are continuously removed from the bottom of the bed, regenerated to remove particulates and recycled back to the top of the bed and distributed thereon. Dirty fluid is passed from the top to the bottom of the filter. Dendrites of the particulate impurity appear to buildup in a thin section (A) at the top of the filter and provide the primary mechanism for further particulate entrapment. Recirculation of fibers offers a continuously fresh volume of fibers at the top for capture of particulates.