Alternatives to filtering media

Filtration using fibrous media is still the most widely used means of protection in industry today. However, these filters, which are initially highly effective regardless of particle size, have certain drawbacks when it comes to nanoparticles. On the one hand, the kinetics of pressure drop evolution are extremely rapid compared with micron or submicron particles, due to the very high specific surface area of nanoparticles. To limit clogging, it is therefore necessary to regenerate the media periodically, which is not without other drawbacks (media wear, potential plant stoppage, etc.). In addition, the size of nanoparticles greatly increases their adhesion forces with the filter surface, compared with micron-sized particles, thus limiting the effectiveness of filter cleaning techniques.

To overcome these problems, the potential offered by alternative or complementary...