Modification of polypropylene fibrous filters with MTMS-based aerogel for improvement of oil mist separation properties - Experimental and theoretical study

Air containing dispersed oil phase occurs in machining and cutting operations, engine closed crankcase venti-lation and compressed gas cleaning. The significance of this issue stems from the fact that many liquids used in industry are harmful both for humans and other living organisms. Especially droplets in micron and submicron scale can penetrate the respiratory system and are particularly difficult to remove. Gas streams purification from the oil phase is widely carried on standard fibrous filters that need to meet high gas purification degree, so often filter modification is requisite. This work focuses on applying the sol-gel method for modifying polypropylene fibrous filters produced by melt-blown technology. The deposition of aerogel structure on filter fibres intensifies surface phenomena and increase collector surface, thus improving overall oil filtration efficiency, up to 30%. Methyltrimetoxysilane(MTMS)-modified filter exhibits two times higher oil sorption capacity. Experimental data is supported by numerical model based on SFE theory.