Investigation of Filtering Materials for Application in Industrial Ventilation Systems
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This publication presents the results of a comparative investigation of filtering materials intended for use in industrial ventilation systems. The study focuses on identifying filtration media and multilayer configurations that provide an appropriate balance between particle retention efficiency and aerodynamic resistance. The research comprised four main stages: a review of modern filtration materials and relevant classification approaches; experimental testing of 17 individual filtering material samples; development and evaluation of six multilayer filter assemblies; and analysis of their expected performance under dust-loading conditions. The investigated materials included fibrous bulk media of different filtration classes, spunbond, spunlace, viscose-based materials, and pressed viscose–polyester structures. All material samples were conditioned at a temperature of 20±220 \pm 2 °C and a relative humidity of 40±540 \pm 5 %. Test specimens measuring 200 × 200 mm were prepared. Pressure drop was determined at an airflow rate of 3 dm³/min, while the penetration coefficient was measured at 60 dm³/min over an effective filtration area of 50 cm². The results demonstrate that the F7 and F9 materials provided the highest particle retention among the tested individual samples, although their improved filtration performance was accompanied by higher aerodynamic resistance. The GTF7 and GTF9 materials offered a more balanced relationship between filtration efficiency and pressure drop. Spunlace, viscose, and low-density fibrous materials exhibited relatively high penetration and therefore cannot be recommended as standalone fine-filtration layers. Six multilayer filter assemblies were developed using different combinations of spunbond, spunlace, viscose, and fibrous bulk materials. The best result among the tested assemblies was obtained for the configuration consisting of spunbond, spunlace, fibrous bulk filtering material, and spunbond. However, its penetration coefficient of approximately 75% indicates that the assembly is more suitable for pre-filtration or intermediate filtration than for fine particle removal. The findings show that the tested assemblies primarily operate as depth filters and lack a final fine-filtration barrier. A gradient multilayer structure comprising an outer protective spunbond layer, a volumetric dust-accumulation layer, an F7/F9 or GTF7/GTF9 functional layer, and an inner supporting layer is proposed as a promising configuration for further development. For systems equipped with pulse-jet regeneration, the use of membrane or high-efficiency surface-filtration media should also be considered. The publication provides experimental data and practical recommendations that can support the design and optimization of filtration media packages for industrial ventilation systems. Further research should include standardized dust-loading tests, determination of dust-holding capacity, evaluation of pressure-drop development, regeneration performance, and assessment of long-term operational stability.
Authors: Radchuk, Dmytro, Ikonnikov, Maxim
Institution: Dnipro University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225463108