An experimental study on flow of micronized silicon carbide particles through sintered porous materials

Abstract

Transport of suspended particles in porous media occurs in numerous processes of civil engineering and aerospace engineering. Literature survey indicating the mechanism of movement of suspended particles through porous media and the subsequent damage in engineering environment are not sufficiently known. This paper deals with a new concept of a laboratory test bench which permits to better understand the mechanism of particle intrusion into porous media. The results of the laboratory studies on the flow of suspended particles (silicon carbide) through sintered porous material (stainless steel) are discussed. The effects of flow rate and particle concentrations on the amount of damage (i.e. permeability impairment) and depth of penetration (from inlet towards outlet) are emphasized particularly.