Pressure drop and optimization meta-models for arbitrary low-height pleated filter shapes and flowrates

Abstract

This study delivers equations useful for low-height pleated fibrous filter design: two pressure drop equations and one set of optimum design equations applicable to arbitrary pleated filter shapes and flowrates. The pressure drop equations were derived to predict the pressure loss of the pleated filter. They were made through regression analysis with a total of 1024 CFD data. The set of optimum design equations was developed to find the optimum filter shape minimizing pressure drop. All equations were validated through the 8-fold cross-validation method and were accurate enough to replace the CFD simulations. Additionally, novel contour plots were made to describe how optimum filter geometry changes due to flowrate, height, and media permeability. The delivered equations were applied to an actual filter design problem and verified with additional CFD simulations. This study allows filter designers to predict the pressure loss and to design the optimum filter shape without any simulations.