A CFD based approach to the modelling of pressure drop and flow pattern evolution through industrial filter systems

A macroscopic CFD approach has been developed to simulate pressure drop and flow pattern evolution in industrial filter systems, specifically for polymer melt filtration in plastic film casting. By coupling filter permeability to local fluid velocity using filter blocking models, the approach avoids direct simulation of particle transport, making it computationally efficient. The model has been validated against a complex real-world filter geometry, accurately capturing pressure drop trends and revealing how flow patterns evolve and filter elements block over time. This approach enables more efficient design and analysis of industrial filtration systems. • A novel CFD based approach has been developed for the modelling of industrial polymer melt filtration. • By coupling filter permeability to local fluid velocity using filter blocking models, the approach avoids direct simulation of particle transport, making it efficient. • The model may be used optimise industrial standard filter system design, ultimately saving production costs. • The model applicability goes beyond polymer melt filtration; it is applicable to solid-liquid filtration systems in a range of industries.