Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysing of Preferential Flow in Gas Mask Filter Cartridge

Abstract

In various hazardous locations, gas mask filters are essential to protect from airborne pollutants and harmful gases. However, under certain conditions, such as the weather or climate in some locations can affect gas mask filtration. Based on a previous study, the existing geometry of the gas mask filter cartridge unit been analyse for its preferential flow within the gas mask domain, which resulted in a significant pressure drop and heat concentration in the filter, affecting the filtration. However, another study suggested designing the main sieve passageway of the filter to help in resolving the pressure drop and create much well distribution of flow within the cartridge. In this study, three geometries with re-design of the main sieve passageway of the filter were made and simulated to determine the preferential flow using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. Two filter concentrations (300 ppm, and 1000 ppm) and constant humidity ratios of at 80 % were simulated. The presence of the dead zone was examined using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, which was controlled by the Navier-Stokes equation and continuity based on several flow parameters. Based on the result occupied can be concluded, the second geometry had a much better velocity contour distribution around 40% than the other geometry, maintaining the overall minimum velocity area even though the formation of the dead zone area for the second geometry was 10% higher at the lower part of the filter than for the third geometry. The abilities of the second geometry to perform well even in the presence of higher concentrations brought to the honeycomb-based design as the main sieve passageway actually improve the velocity distribution and then minimizing formation of “dead zone”. Concluding justified that the proposed geometry met the prediction of improving the pressure drop and create quite well distribution of flow in the filter. prediction of improving the pressure drop and create quite much well distribution of flow in the filter.