Evaluation of the Effect of the Microstructure of Glass Fiber and Polytetrafluoroethylene-Based Filter Fabric on Bag Filter Performance

Abstract

This paper examines the microstructural parameters of filter fabric manufactured from a combination of glass fibers and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers and evaluates their effect on the performance of a bag filter unit. In the course of the study, filter fabric samples with thicknesses of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm were investigated by microscopic analysis at 100× magnification. For each sample, original micrographs, segmented images, and contour images were generated, and these were used to determine the values of the open area, closed area, and specific contact surface area. The analysis revealed that, as fabric thickness increased, porosity decreased, the fiber arrangement became denser, and the fraction of open channels was reduced. At the same time, the proportion of closed areas increased. The calculated values of the specific contact surface area showed a decreasing trend with increasing fabric thickness. The obtained results indicate that the microstructure of glass fiber–PTFE-based filter fabric is a significant factor governing the aerodynamic and filtration characteristics of a bag filter. According to the findings, the 1.5 mm-thick fabric may be regarded as the most favorable option, since it ensures a relatively optimal balance among the open area, closed area, and contact surface area.