PREDICTION OF PRESSURE BUILD UP IN A MICRO CAPILLARY DUE TO PARTICLE RETENTION

A single capillary model is proposed to predict the increase in pressure drop due to the particle deposition. The model is based on mass balance and trajectory analysis considering physical force (London-Van der Waals), hydrodynamic force (gravity and drag) and electrokinetic force (double layer). The validity of the model was tested experimentally by simulating a micro-capillary of radius 34.37 mum and circulating bentonite suspension at different flow rates and concentrations. The model is valid for predicting the pressure build up due to smooth deposition of particles with minimal surface energy.