Analytical investigation of free surface flow in multi-layer porous media

In this paper, the free surface flow passing through a multi-layer porous medium is analyzed. An analytical model to describe the flow in multi-layer porous media driven by surface tension and vacuum pressure is proposed. The structure of the medium studied is modeled after those found in Rigid-Capillary-Press (RCP) dewatering devices. The capillary phenomenon is used in RCP to improve the water removal efficiency and the energy consumption in a paper making process. The porous medium is composed of six layers with complex woven fabric structures and pore sizes that range from 5 μm to 2 mm The dewatering performance predicted by the analytical model is compared to the pilot plant experiments with good agreements. The potential of the model to be applied as a parametric optimization tool for industrial RCP porous media design is discussed.

An analytical model to describe the free surface flow in RCP porous media driven by surface tension and vacuum pressure is proposed in this paper, and qualitatively validated by experiments.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A model for the RCP porous medium flow is proposed and experimental validated.
► The effects of RCP production parameters on dewatering efficiency are investigated.
► The potential of the model for the porous media design optimization is discussed.