STUDIES OF PRESSURE BUILDUP DUE TO PARTICLE DEPOSITION IN A MICRO-CAPILLARY WITH THE USE OF 3-DIMENSIONAL TRAJECTORY ANALYSIS

A model is proposed to predict the increase in pressure drop in a micr o-capillary due to the particle deposition. Collection efficiency was estimated from three-dimensional (3D) trajectory analysis which is bas ed on mass balance and considers dispersion forces (London-van der Waa ls), hydrodynamic forces (gravity and drag), and electrical force (ele ctrical double layer). An exponential function introduced to 3D trajec tory analysis accounts for the effects of fluid velocity on the partic le capture probability. Validity of the model is tested experimentally by circulating a 1000 ppm bentonite suspension at different flow rate s through a micro-capillary of diameter 100 mum. Experimental evidence indicates that the 3D trajectory analysis is limited to a few conditi ons of particle deposition in a micro-capillary.