Effect of interparticle interaction on particle deposition in a crossflow microfilter

Recent studies show that interparticle interaction can affect particle trajectories and particle deposition causing fouling in the microfilters used for metal working fluids (MWFs). Interparticle interaction depends on various factors: particle geometry and surface properties, membrane pore geometry and surface properties, MWF's properties and system operating conditions, etc. A mathematical model with a Langevin equation for particle trajectory and a hardsphere model for particle deposition has been used to study the effect of particle's size, particle's surface zeta potential, interparticle distance, and shape of membrane pore wall surface on particle trajectory and its deposition on membrane pore wall. The study reveals the microlevel force phenomena behind bigger particles having a lesser tendency to be deposited on membrane pore walls than smaller particles. Deposition of particles on pore walls with asperities such as previously deposited particles is also examined and it is found that such cases can reduce repulsive electrostatic forces and lead to a higher probability of particle capture.