High-resolution imaging of depth filter structures using X-ray computed
tomography
Abstract
A multiple length scale approach to the imaging and measurement of depth
filters using X-ray computed tomography is described. Three different
filter grades of varying nominal retention ratings were visualized in 3D
and compared quantitatively based on porosity, pore size and tortuosity.
Positional based analysis within the filters revealed greater voidage
and larger average pore sizes in the upstream quartile before reducing
progressively through the filter from the center to the downstream
quartile, with these results visually supported by voidage distance maps
in each case. Flow simulation to display tortuous paths that flow may
take through internal voidage were examined. Digital reconstructions
were capable of identifying individual constituents of voidage,
cellulose and perlite inside each depth filter grade, with elemental
analysis on upstream and downstream surfaces confirming perlite
presence. Achieving an appropriate pixel size was of particular
importance when optimizing imaging conditions for all grades examined. A
3 µm pixel size was capable of representing internal macropores of each
filter structure, however for the finest grade an improvement to a 1 µm
pixel size was required in order to resolve micropores and small perlite
shards. Enhancing pixel size resulted in average porosity measurements
of 70% to 80% for all grades.